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The storm is over, but a look at your car makes your heart sink. It’s covered in dents, and the path forward feels overwhelming. Don’t worry. What you do in the next hour is the most important part of the entire repair process, and it’s more straightforward than you think. Taking a few specific actions right now will help you properly assess vehicle hail damage and set you up for a smooth, successful claim.
Before you move the car, grab your phone. Your most powerful tool for an insurance claim is photographic evidence, so take more pictures than you think you need from every angle to show the dents clearly. Once you’ve documented the damage, your very next step should be filing a car insurance claim for hail directly with your provider. Calling the number on your insurance card officially starts the process and assigns you a dedicated adjuster.
Why is this order so important? After a major storm, it’s common for temporary, often untrustworthy repair operations known as “storm chasers” to appear with high-pressure offers. Always remember: your insurance company is your partner in the repair. A stranger who approaches you in a car park is not. Following these steps—photos first, then your insurer—is the key to avoiding scams and starting your repair right.
Beyond the obvious dings on your bonnet and roof, take a moment to inspect other areas. Hail is just as likely to crack plastic and chrome parts, so check the trim around your windows, your wing mirrors, and your headlights and tail lights. This “non-panel” damage is a critical part of the estimate, and making a note of it ensures a more complete and accurate initial assessment.
Finally, look closely at the dents themselves. Is the paint perfectly intact, or do you see any small chips, cracks, or sharp creases? This is the most important clue for determining the repair method. If the paint is broken, the damage cannot be fixed with Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and will require a more traditional approach.
Since you’ve checked for broken paint, you have the key to choosing your repair. If the paint is intact, the solution is almost always Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). Considered the best way to fix small hail dents, a technician uses special tools to gently massage the metal from behind the panel, restoring its original shape without needing new paint or fillers. It’s a highly specialised skill that makes dents vanish.
The true value of Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is that it preserves your car’s factory paint. This original finish is far more durable than any aftermarket respray and is critical for your vehicle’s long-term resale value. PDR completely avoids the risk of mismatched colours or future peeling that can come with a conventional repair, keeping your car looking exactly as it should.
If the paint is cracked or a dent is too deep, however, traditional bodywork becomes necessary. This process involves sanding the area, applying a filler material to create a smooth surface, and then respraying the entire panel to match your car’s existing colour. It’s an effective, but much more involved, restoration method.
Ultimately, the difference matters to your schedule and wallet. PDR is significantly faster and more cost-effective. Traditional repairs take longer due to multiple steps and drying times. This choice between PDR vs traditional bodywork heavily influences the final repair bill—a number your insurance company watches very closely.
That final repair estimate brings up a big question: can hail damage write off a car? The answer isn’t about the number of dents, but simple maths. Your insurer compares the repair cost to your vehicle’s Actual Cash Value (ACV)—its market worth right before the storm. If repairs exceed a set percentage of that value (often around 75%, as defined by local regulations, e.g., for Australia, this is typically regulated by state/territory), they will declare it a write-off.
This is why an older vehicle is at higher risk. A $4,000 repair on a new pickup is an easy approval. But for an older car worth only $5,000, that same bill will likely mean it’s written off. So when wondering if it’s worth fixing hail damage on an older car, remember its value—not just the damage—is what truly matters to the insurer.
If your car is written off, your comprehensive insurance pays you its ACV, minus your excess. You can then surrender the vehicle or often choose to “buy it back” from the insurer and manage the repairs yourself.
An honest assessment starts with finding the right experts, but how do you spot them? Not all shops handle hail damage the same way, and a bad choice can affect your car’s value. Arm yourself with these key questions before you commit:
A written lifetime warranty is a non-negotiable sign of quality—it guarantees the repair is permanent. Since PDR is a specialised skill distinct from general bodywork, always confirm your technician is certified. Most importantly, a reputable shop will work directly with your insurance adjuster, handling any supplemental claims for hidden damage so you don’t have to. This service alone can save you significant time and stress, turning a complicated process into a simple drop-off and pickup.
What felt overwhelming just minutes ago is now a clear, manageable path forward. You are no longer just looking at dents; you’re seeing the first step in a car repair process you now understand. By documenting the damage, contacting your insurance, and knowing what makes a quality shop, you have taken firm control of the situation.
This isn’t simply about erasing damage. It’s about making confident choices that protect your vehicle’s resale value after hail damage. You are now equipped to navigate the entire hail damage repair journey, ensuring your car is restored properly and its value is preserved.
After a hail event, the safest way to protect your vehicle’s value is to follow an insurer-approved repair pathway. An insurer-approved repairer network provides quality-controlled repairs, access to the right tooling and training for modern vehicles, and support that helps keep the claim moving smoothly. Where applicable, repairs can be completed using OEM-aligned processes, backed by a lifetime workmanship guarantee for peace of mind. AMA Collision is a trusted insurer-approved repairer network, helping drivers move from damage to done with confidence. Contact us today to get your vehicle back to its best.
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