Auto Hail Damage Repair in Charleston, SC

Unpredictable weather with high winds and bad storms can wreak havoc on an unprotected vehicle creating the need for hail damage repair. While South Carolina is not prone to the hardest-hitting hail storms, that doesn't mean we don't get our fair share of dents and dings. Let us dispel some myths and explain ways to protect your car from hail damage.

What is Auto Hail Damage?

Sometimes hail damage is immediately noticeable, but occasionally you may not even be aware there has been a hail storm. What's significant is when you realize your car or truck has been turned into a dent factory. There may be minor dings to your car's roof, hood, or trunk. In severe cases, the hood and trunk may fail to open or close properly, or you may notice swirls of light across the once-smooth roof.

What to look for:

1. Sporadic pea-sized dings
2. Unusual quarter-sized dents
3. Damage to the hood and trunk lid edges
4. Injury to molding around windows

When balls of ice fall from the sky, no matter the size, vehicles in the storm's path will be indiscriminately affected. Although the diameter of hail is varied, in South Carolina, the average observation of damaging hail is between 1 to 1.75 inches (golf ball sized). Hail stones more significant than that are guaranteed to require hail damage repair.

Can Hail Damage Be Fixed With PDR?

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is ideal for vehicles that have sustained dents as long as the paint is unaffected. Technicians will massage the dent out of the panel, and this meticulous process can get your car back to its original condition. However, hail large enough to cause scratches that break the paint will most likely need to be assessed by an auto body shop. In any case, The Charleston Dent Company services the entire Lowcountry area with mobile dent repair, so we will come to your location to provide a free quote.

How Much Does Hail Repair Cost?

The variability of hail damage results in a wide range of pricing for automotive repair. The average cost for traditional body shop repair can exceed your budget simply because they may choose to replace the entire panel. In contrast, a paintless dent repair company may be able to restore the same area without disassembling the car. With that in mind, we use the industry-leading PDR software system, MobileTech Rx, to input the location and depth of dents. At that point, labor operations are determined by the technicality of the dent - whether disassembling the car is required to push each dent from the metal panels properly. MobileTech Rx uses all this data in its algorithms to determine the appropriate repair cost.

Do Insurance Policies Cover Hail Damage?

Hail damage is usually included in a comprehensive policy, whereas liability insurance will not include this extra coverage. (No state requires drivers to carry comprehensive coverage, so it's worth checking to see if you already have this included in your policy.) Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. One thing to consider is the cost of your deductible to determine if it's in your best interest to file a claim.

One of the benefits of paintless dent repair is that it's an industry-recognized process that insurance companies highly regard for several reasons. There is minimal intrusion to the factory paint job, and the costs are more reasonable; therefore, you will likely be awarded the entire repair cost.

How to Prevent Hail Damage and Protect Your Car

The only way to prevent unsightly hail damage is to avoid exposure to severe thunderstorms throwing ice balls at your car or truck. While this is not always possible, there are some cautions you can take to improve the chance of minimal damage if an ice storm does hit.

1. Park in a covered area. If you notice hail falling from the sky, try to find a covered area at a gas station, parking deck, or under a bridge. Another option is to park under a large tree. The branches will slow the velocity of the hail and possibly minimize damage.
2. Use moving blankets. While this technique isn't foolproof, draping moving blankets or a comforter over your car can soften the blow of hailstones. You can also use the vehicle's floor mats to deflect hail.
3. Get a portable storm protector. Car owners in hail-prone locations might decide to buy an inflatable car cover, a hail blanket, or a mobile car tent. Keeping a portable system for hail protection stored in your trunk can be a good investment, even if your residence offers covered parking.

Common Myths About Hail Damage Repair

Myth 1 - My state isn't affected by hail storms.

While it is true that some states are affected more frequently by hail storms than others, it's not feasible to think they are avoidable altogether. Even if you live in a mostly sunny state, hail may still fall.

Myth 2 - Hail damage that's hard to see doesn't matter.

When it comes time to sell or trade your vehicle, it's almost a certainty that the buyer or dealership will have an eye for microscopic disturbances in the surface of the paint.

Myth 3 - Severe hail damage is too expensive to fix.

The good news is that comprehensive auto insurance will cover severe damage. We suggest you contact the repair company first so that you can get an accurate quote for repairs. They can also file a supplemental claim with your insurance if the repairs cost more than expected.

Myth 4 - My insurance will increase if I claim hail damage.

That’s not the case. Insurance companies cannot raise your premium because hail damage falls under an “Act of Nature,” an event that no one can predict and is considered a “comprehensive” claim. Insurance companies will not increase premiums due to comprehensive claims. 

Myth 5 - The best place for hail repair is an auto body shop.

If the paint is not scratched, PDR is the best option for hail damage repair. Repairs will be completed faster, and the cost will be gentler to your pocket than a traditional auto body shop.

Find the Best Auto Hail Repair in Charleston, SC

The Charleston Dent Company provides the convenience of paintless dent repair because our mobile dent technicians travel to your location. This includes Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, North Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and beyond. Call us today at 843-460-8458 for a free quote!