Colorado Hail Damage After the Storm: What to Check Before You Schedule Repairs
Colorado weather can change quickly, and hail can leave behind vehicle damage that is not always easy to see at first.
After a storm, you may notice obvious dents on the hood or roof. But smaller dents, paint damage, and damage in less visible areas can also be present.
Before scheduling repairs, it helps to know what to look for and why having the vehicle professionally inspected can be useful.
Check Your Vehicle in Good Lighting
Start by looking over your vehicle in a well-lit area.
Hail damage can appear as small dents across multiple panels. Some dents may be easier to see when light reflects across the vehicle's surface.
Check areas such as:
Hood
Roof
Trunk
Doors
Fenders
Quarter panels
Side mirrors
Take your time. Hail damage can be easy to overlook, especially when the dents are small.
Look for More Than Just Dents
Dents are not the only thing to check after a hailstorm.
Look for:
Chipped or cracked paint
Scratches
Broken trim
Damaged mirrors
Cracked lights
Damage to other exterior components
If you notice broken glass or another safety-related issue, address it promptly.
Not all storm damage will be immediately obvious, which is one reason a professional inspection can be helpful.
Take Photos of the Damage
Before moving forward with repairs, take clear photos of the vehicle.
Photograph the vehicle from several angles and take closer images of individual dents or damaged areas.
Photos can help document the condition of the vehicle and may also be useful when communicating with your insurance company.
If the damage is difficult to photograph, do not assume there is no damage. A professional inspection can provide a more complete assessment.
Check Whether the Paint Is Damaged
The condition of the paint can help determine which repair method may be appropriate.
If the paint remains intact and the metal is suitable for reshaping, paintless dent repair (PDR) may be an option for certain hail damage.
PDR uses specialized tools to carefully restore the damaged panel while preserving the original factory finish.
However, not every hail-damaged vehicle is a candidate for PDR.
Consider the Extent of the Damage
A few small dents on one panel can require a different repair approach than extensive hail damage across the entire vehicle.
The size, depth, location, and number of dents all matter.
A professional technician can evaluate the damage and determine whether PDR or another repair method is appropriate.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you plan to file an insurance claim for hail damage, contact your insurance provider and ask about the next steps.
Insurance requirements can vary by provider and policy. Your insurer may have specific procedures for documenting damage, obtaining estimates, or moving forward with repairs.
Keep copies of relevant photos, estimates, and other documentation related to the damage.
Don't Rush Into the First Repair Option
After a major hailstorm, repair facilities can become busy quickly.
It can be tempting to choose the first repair option available, but it is worth taking the time to understand what your vehicle actually needs.
A professional inspection can help identify the extent of the damage and explain your repair options.
The right repair method depends on the condition of your vehicle, not simply on the fact that it was caught in a hailstorm.
Can Hail Damage Be Repaired Without Repainting?
In many cases, hail damage can be repaired using paintless dent repair when the paint remains intact and the panels are suitable for the process.
One of the advantages of PDR is that it can preserve the vehicle's original factory paint.
However, hail damage can vary considerably from one vehicle to another. If the paint is damaged or the panel has been significantly affected, traditional body repair or refinishing may be necessary.
An inspection is the best way to determine which approach is appropriate.
What If You Wait to Repair Hail Damage?
It is easy to put off minor dents when your vehicle is still running normally.
However, documenting and addressing damage sooner can make it easier to understand the condition of your vehicle and determine the appropriate repair process.
If you are unsure how serious the damage is, consider having the vehicle inspected rather than trying to assess every dent yourself.
Get a Free Estimate From Denver Dents
If your vehicle was caught in a Colorado hailstorm, you don't have to guess about the damage or the best way to repair it.
Call Denver Dents at 303-200-0476 or request a free estimate online.
Denver Dents is located at 4050 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113, and serves drivers throughout the Denver metro area.
Whether your vehicle has a few small dents or more extensive hail damage, a professional inspection can help you understand the condition of your vehicle and your available repair options.
Find out what happened to your vehicle, understand your repair options, and make an informed decision about what comes next.
Have questions? Contact Denver Dents.
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