Hail Damage to Your Car: What You Need to Know Now
Hail damage is one of the most common types of weather damage to vehicles – and can leave considerable marks within a very short time. Body parts such as the roof, hood, doors or trunk lid are particularly at risk from falling grains of ice and are often affected over a large area.
But how bad is hail damage really? What does the insurance cover? And is it worth having the damage repaired – or rather opting for a payout?
In this article, we answer the most important questions about hail damage to your car – well-founded, practical and with a view to your options for repair, insurance and settlement.
What Is Hail Damage – and How Serious Can It Be?
Hail damage is caused by frozen raindrops that hit the vehicle with great force during heavy thunderstorms. This causes dents which, depending on the size of the hail, can be small, numerous or deep and extensive.
The most frequently affected areas are:
- the vehicle roof
- the hood
- the trunk lid
- side panels and doors
In most cases, the car's technology remains undamaged – but the damage is often clearly visible. And this can have a noticeable effect on the value of the vehicle.
What to Do if Your Car Is Damaged by Hail?
Immediately after the storm, you should document the damage thoroughly. Take meaningful photos in daylight, note the date, time and location of the event and inform your insurance company as soon as possible.
Important: Report the hail damage immediately, as some insurers set deadlines.
The next step is the appraisal. The insurance company will either appoint its own surveyor or give you the option of having an independent survey carried out. Based on this assessment, it is decided whether the damage will be repaired – or whether a payout is more economically viable.
What Does the Insurance Pay for Hail Damage? Partially or Fully Comprehensive?
Hail Damage Partial Casco
Hail damage is a classic case for partial casco - and is covered as standard in most policies. The insurance covers the repair costs, minus the agreed excess. A no-claims bonus is not affected in partial casco, i.e. you will not be upgraded.
Hail Damage Fully Comprehensive
You are also covered against hail with fully comprehensive insurance. However, compared to partial casco, it does not offer any additional benefits in relation to the hail damage itself. It applies if additional damage occurs to the vehicle – e.g. due to vandalism or self-inflicted accidents.
How Is the Claim Settled?
Settlement is based on the expert opinion:
- If a repair is economical, the insurance company will cover the costs (less excess).
- If the repair is more expensive than the replacement value, this value is paid less the residual value – the so-called economic total loss.
Repairing Hail Damage or Having It Paid out – What Makes Sense?
Many of those affected are faced with the question: Repair or pay out?
A repair removes the visual damage and preserves the value of the vehicle – but is cost-intensive depending on the extent of the damage. If you opt for a payout, you will receive the calculated net damage value and can decide for yourself whether and when to have the damage repaired.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Payout:
Advantages:
- You retain full freedom of choice
- Repairs can be carried out later or by yourself
Disadvantages:
- The damage remains visible
- The vehicle value decreases
- Possible restrictions when reselling
Many owners opt for a payout, especially for older vehicles or visually less relevant damage.
How Is Hail Damage Repaired?
In most cases, the so-called gentle repair is used – also known as Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). In this process, the dents are pressed out of the sheet metal by specially trained experts without repainting.
Advantages of This Method:
- Inexpensive
- Quick
- Gentle on the paint
However, if the paint is damaged or the dents are too deep, PDR is no longer sufficient. In this case, the affected parts have to be filled, painted or even replaced – at a correspondingly higher cost.
How Much Value Does a Car With Hail Damage Lose?
Even if your vehicle remains technically sound, hail damage has a direct impact on the residual value. Depending on the extent of the dents and the type of vehicle, the loss in value can be between 10 % and 30 %.
The Following Factors Influence the Exact Loss:
- Age and condition of the vehicle
- Whether the damage has been repaired
- Existing documentation (e.g. expert opinion)
- Market value of comparable models
Copart Supports the Insurance Company in Handling Your Vehicle With Hail Damage
If hail damage is so extensive that a repair no longer seems economically viable, the vehicle is often classified as an economic total loss by the insurance company. In such cases, Copart supports the insurance company with further processing.
Copart works as a professional partner for many insurance companies and provides support in the organized, market-driven processing of damaged vehicles – including vehicles with hail damage.
For you as the vehicle owner, this means that once the damage has been approved by your insurance company, everything else is taken care of – quickly, legally compliant and without any additional effort on your part.
Find out more about Copart now.
Conclusion: Hail Damage – Annoying, but Well Insured Is Half the Battle
Hail damage can be annoying – but it doesn't have to be a drama. With partial casco, you are well covered. Whether repair or payout – both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation and condition of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hail Damage to a Car
How much value does a car with hail damage lose?
Usually between 10 % and 30 %, depending on the type of vehicle and the extent of the damage.
Is hail damage an economic total loss?
Yes – if the repair costs exceed the replacement value.
Is a car with hail damage considered accident-free?
Yes – hail damage is not considered accident damage in the classic sense.
How is hail damage repaired?
Mostly by dent repair (PDR), in the case of deeper damage also by painting or parts replacement.
What does the partial casco pay for hail damage?
Partial casco usually covers the repair costs minus the excess.
Stay informed – in the Copart blog you will regularly find practical advice on vehicle damage, insurance topics and professional claims handling.
