Hail the Storm Gods!
Effect of hailstorms
Nature can be an inconsistent, sometimes cruel, friend. While winter is a pleasant experience for most of us, summer is usually a difficult time in most parts of the world. If you live in the Lone Star State of Texas, summer is definitely not a good time for you!
The summer season is often associated with hailstorms in the mid-latitudes, and Texas is no exception. With nearly 700 hailstorms a year, Texas faces extensive hail damage – to homes and cars, as well as animals and humans.
The hail damage on cars can be quite severe. There are 4 primary types of hail damage.
• Cosmetic damage with intact paint – This is the least harmful type of hail damage, which can be rectified with paint and dent removal.
• Cosmetic damage with scratched paint – When the hail damage is severe enough to cause dents and scratch the paint, repairs may involve the replacement of the affected exterior panel.
• Severe damage with intact paint – Severe hail damage disrupts the vehicle’s mechanical systems, leading to costly repairs.
• Severe damage with scratched paint – If your car is unlucky enough to have both mechanical systems and paint scratches, auto repairs will have to be quite extensive.
The amount of hail damage to a car also depends on the size of the hail. While hail damage is less with small-sized hail, there have been records of softball-sized hail shattering car windows and leaving gaping holes in vehicles.
Repairing hail damage
Whatever the scale of hail damage to your car, a visit to the nearest auto body repair shop is essential. While many people feel that using do-it-yourself kits to repair hail damage is good enough, there are several reasons why getting professional help is recommended.
• State-of-the-art equipment – Auto body repair shops have specialized tools and equipment that help them achieve precise results, without the fear of further damage.
• Certified technicians – Professionals who specialise in hail damage repair have the know-how and experience needed to precisely analyse the scale of the damage and select the most effective restoration techniques.
• Insurance requirements – Often, insurance companies stipulate that auto body hail damage repairs should be carried out only by certified professionals. Compliance with such requirements is necessary for smooth insurance claims processing.
• Multiple repair options – Auto repair can be done in multiple ways, like paintless dent repair, crack repair, filler or glazing of auto body panels, body panel replacements, etc. Sometimes, the nature and extent of hail damage may necessitate the simultaneous use of several techniques, which can only be done by professionals.
There are several different types of hail damage repair techniques commonly used in the automotive industry.
• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) – Also known as paintless dent removal, PDR is a technique used to rectify minor hail-inflicted dents and dings, without the need for repainting. The most popular PDR techniques involve the use of metal rods and body picks to push out dents from the underside of the body panel. To remove dents from the outside of the panel, professionals use glue and specially constructed tabs.
• Traditional Dent Repair – When the dents are more significant, or have caused paint damage, traditional dent restoration techniques are routinely used to fix hail damage on vehicles. These techniques involve a combination of filling, sanding, and repainting to restore the affected areas.
• Paint touch-up – This technique is used in areas where hail damage has caused minor paint chips or scratches. Professional-grade paint mixing systems and techniques are used to achieve seamless blending with the surrounding panels.
• Panel and glass replacement – Sometimes, hail damage is so severe that panels and/or glass panes may need to be replaced.
Cost of repairs
While hail damage auto repairs are necessary to prolong the longevity of our vehicles, such repairs may sometimes create a dent in our wallets! Repair costs depend on several factors, like severity and extent of damage, size, number and location of dents, repair techniques used, etc. Once the extent of damage has been ascertained, it is important to choose the right repair technique, as well as the right auto body repair shop to carry out the work. Choosing an inappropriate repair technique, or selecting an auto repair shop with high labor and material charges will significantly increase the cost of hail damage repairs.
Hail damage repair insurance is an important issue for vehicle owners because hailstorms can cause severe damage to vehicles. Here are some crucial factors to consider regarding hail damage repair insurance coverage:
• Comprehensive Insurance: Hail damage repair is covered under comprehensive insurance, sometimes known as "other than collision" coverage. Comprehensive coverage is optional, but it protects against a wide range of risks such as hailstorms, vandalism, theft, and natural catastrophes.
• Filing a Claim: If your car has been damaged by hail, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claim process. To guarantee a smooth claims process, follow the processes and conditions stated by your insurance company.
• Preferred Repair shops: Some insurance companies recommend specific repair establishments or networks for hail damage repairs. These shops have established contacts with insurance companies, making the repair process more efficient.
Keeping these factors in mind, it is very important to choose the right insurance cover, for your peace of mind!
Prevention is better than cure!
Hailstorms may occur abruptly and unexpectedly, making it difficult to prevent hail damage to your vehicle. Some pre-emptive measures, however, can be taken to reduce the risk of hail damage:
• Seek Shelter: Park your automobile in a covered and enclosed building, such as a garage, carport, or parking structure, whenever possible. These offer the best protection from hail damage. If you do not have access to covered parking during a hailstorm, consider seeking temporary shelter under bridges or other buildings.
• Use Protective Covers: Hail protection car covers or thick blankets can provide an extra layer of padding. These covers are specifically designed to absorb the impact of hailstones and preserve the surface of your vehicle.
• Maintain Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Despite our best efforts, sometimes hail damage cannot be avoided. To prepare for such incidents, make sure your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage for hail damage. Comprehensive coverage reduces the cost of repairing hail-damaged vehicles.
In conclusion, hailstorms can pose a serious threat to vehicles, causing substantial damage to their exteriors. Hailstones can cause dents, scratches, shattered windscreens, and chipped paint, affecting both the appearance and functionality of your vehicle. However, by understanding the dangers and taking precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of hail damage and protect your vehicle.
