Hailstorms can come without warning and leave your vehicle looking like it’s been through a war zone. From small dings to extensive panel damage, hail damage can significantly affect both the appearance and value of your vehicle. Fortunately, RJ's Auto Body Plus is fully equipped to handle hail damage with precision and care. But the process isn’t always as straightforward as it seems—especially when it comes to insurance.
In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at how hail damage repairs are performed at professional body shops, what to expect during the process, and how insurance typically plays a role in covering the cost.
What Is Hail Damage?
Hail damage typically presents as small to medium-sized dents across the roof, hood, trunk, and sides of a vehicle. In severe storms, hailstones can also crack or shatter glass, damage moldings, and chip away at the paint.
Unlike a collision with another vehicle, hail doesn’t usually compromise your vehicle’s mechanical performance—but it can severely impact resale value and aesthetics. That’s why professional repair at RJ's Auto Body Plus is recommended, even for cosmetic damage.
The Hail Damage Repair Process
Here’s how we typically addresses hail damage:
1. Initial Inspection and Estimate
The process begins with a thorough inspection under specialized lighting to identify the full scope of the damage. While some dents may be obvious, others are subtle and require trained eyes and the right tools to detect.
Once the assessment is complete, our shop will create a repair estimate—which is then shared with your insurance provider (if a claim is being filed).
2. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
Most hail damage repairs are completed using Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)—a technique that involves gently massaging dents out from the underside of the panels without disturbing the original paint.
PDR is:
- Non-invasive
- Faster than traditional methods
- More cost-effective
- Ideal when paint is intact and there are no deep creases
3. Conventional Repair (If Needed)
If the hail has chipped paint or cracked panels, traditional bodywork is necessary. This involves:
- Filling the dents with body filler
- Sanding the area smooth
- Repainting with a color-matched finish
- Applying a clear coat to protect the repair
Severely damaged panels may need to be replaced entirely.
4. Final Inspection and Detailing
After the repair work is completed, our technicians perform a final quality inspection and detail the vehicle to ensure it looks factory-fresh when returned to the customer.
Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?
In most cases, hail damage is covered under comprehensive auto insurance—which is optional coverage (not required by law but often by lenders or lease agreements).
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Deductible: You’ll be responsible for paying your deductible, which varies by policy. If the cost of repairs is lower than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim.
- Claim Filing: It’s important to file the claim promptly after the storm and document the damage withphotos.
- Your insurance provider may send an adjuster or direct you to a preferred repair shop.
- Discrepancies in Estimates: Sometimes, there’s a mismatch between the insurance adjuster’s estimate and the collision shop’s findings. Shops can negotiate with insurance on your behalf to ensure all damage is accounted for—especially hidden or underreported dents.
Why Choose a Professional Collision Repair Shop for Hail Damage
Our professional repair shop has the experience, tools, and relationships with insurance companies to handle hail damage efficiently. Choosing a certified collision repair facility like RJ's Auto Body Plus means:
- You get accurate damage assessments
- Your repairs are done using OEM standards
- Paint and panels are matched perfectly
- Our shop will coordinate with your insurance to minimize stress
- Repairs are backed by a warranty or guarantee
Come see the professionals at RJ's Auto Body Plus for hail repair
Hailstorms can leave your car looking battered, but with the help of our skilled collision repair shop, your vehicle can be restored to like-new condition. From paintless dent repair to traditional bodywork, our professionals know how to get the job done right—and often work directly with you and your insurance provider to make the process seamless.
If your vehicle has been hit by hail, don’t wait. Schedule an inspection today and let the experts in Marietta bring your vehicle back to its original glory.