Hail damage can be really scary, especially if you’ve never had to deal with it before. It can happen to any vehicle and often happens unexpectedly. If you live in an area where hail is common, it’s important to be prepared in case your car is caught in a hailstorm.
In this article, we’ll go over four important things to look for if you think your car has been damaged by hail.
By knowing what to look for, you can ensure that you get the repairs you need and that your vehicle is back to normal as soon as possible.
#1 Signs the Interior Was Damaged by Water
If your car was caught in a hail storm, the first thing you should do is check the interior of your car for any signs of water damage. If the hail storm was powerful enough, the hail can crack your windows and windshield, causing water to leak into your car.
Water damage can sometimes be difficult to spot, but there are a few things you can look for.
First, check for any damp spots or stains on your upholstery or carpeting. If you see any, it’s likely that water has leaked into your car.
Another sign of water damage is musty or mildew smells coming from the interior. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic or body shop as soon as possible to have the damage assessed and repaired.
#2 Hail Dents on Body Lines
Another thing to look for when inspecting your car for hail damage is dents on the body lines. These are the parts of your car that have a raised edge, such as the hood or trunk.
Hail often leaves behind small, round dents when it hits these areas of your car. If you see any dents on the body lines of your car after a storm, it’s likely that hail is the culprit.
To repair hail damage, you can either take your car to a body shop or a mechanic. They will be able to assess the damage and give you an estimate for the repairs. If the damage is extensive, you may need to have parts of your car repaired and repainted.
#3 Cracked Paint
Another sign of hail damage is cracked paint. This can happen if the hail is large enough or hits your car with enough force. Cracked paint is often easy to spot, as it will look like small cracks in the paint surface of your car.
If you see any cracked paint on your car, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as you can. Left unrepaired, cracked paint can lead to rust and other damage to your car — leading to far more costly repairs.If you want to get an idea of how much hail damage repair costs, try using a hail damage car repair cost calculator.
In some cases, the damage may be minor and can be touched up, so to speak. However, if the damage is more extensive, you may need to have the damaged parts repaired or replaced.
#4 Warranty Exclusions
When it comes to hail damage, it’s important to check your car warranty to see if repairs are covered.
In some cases, hail damage may be excluded from your warranty. If you’re not sure whether or not your warranty covers hail damage, the best thing to do is contact your car manufacturer or dealer and ask.
If your warranty does not cover hail damage, you may still be able to get repairs covered by your insurance policy. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to see what coverage they provide for hail damage. Also, keep in mind that even if your insurance policy covers hail damage, you may still have to pay a deductible.
In Conclusion
If you live in an area where hail is common, it’s important to be prepared! Knowing how much hail damage devalues a car, make sure that every inch of your vehicle has been checked for any signs of hail damage.