If you live in an area where hail is frequent, you've likely imagined or experienced that it can damage your belongings, including your car. It's not a bad idea to be prepared!

If you ever find yourself driving and start feeling, seeing, or hearing hail repelling off your vehicle, locate a safe place nearby to pull over and wait out the storm. Once the storm passes, check the extent of the damage to make sure it is still safe to drive.

For example, you should not drive with a cracked windshield or damage so severe that it compromises the structural integrity of your car.

Dealing with hail damage can feel intimidating, but Dent Heads is here to help. Here's what the next few steps may look like!

Evaluate the Extent of the Damage

The results of getting caught in a hailstorm can range from almost nothing to damage so severe the car needs to be declared a salvage vehicle. If you're lucky, you might get away with minor dings that Dent Heads can easily repair.

However, there's a reason hail damage insurance claims are on the rise: Hail can cause a lot of damage, with repair costs running in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

When it comes to auto body damage, it's always best to have it repaired by a qualified technician. If you have ten or more dents, it is in your best interest to contact your insurance company and then reach out to an expert like Dent Heads.

Our qualified technicians can look at your vehicle and determine what next steps you need to take to restore the body.

Photograph the Hail Damage

If you can file a claim, you will want to take as many photos of your car's damage as possible to pass along to the agency.

Shoot different angles and be very thorough in your approach; This will ensure the insurance provider has the information they need to give you the correct reimbursement.

Should you not have time to do this, we at Dent Heads also photograph your hail damage before repair free of charge. It's just another way that we prioritize customer service!

Check Your Insurance Policy

Always check that the liability portion of your insurance policy covers hail damage, as some policies may not.

Policies that include comprehensive coverage will be able to cover your repairs, leaving you with just a deductible. Be sure to look into this, as you may save yourself the hassle of paying out of pocket.

Many policies (especially those with older cars) don't include comprehensive insurance, so they can pay lower premiums. So again, always look over your specific policy before submitting a claim!

The Extent of Your Auto Body Repair: Things to Consider

In addition to your insurance coverage, there are many other things to consider when deciding what type of auto body repair you will need for your vehicle.

Your Car's Appearance

If the car is relatively new and still looking good, most people will want to keep it that way, especially if the cost won't take too big of a bite out of your bank account.

Trade-In Value

If your car was in good shape before the hailstorm, repairing the damage will give you the maximum trade-in or resale value of your car.

How Long You Plan to Keep Your Vehicle

If hail has caused structural damage to your car and you plan to keep it, then you will find it worth repairing the body.

How You'll Get Around in the Meantime

Having your car serviced can be intimidating, and not knowing how to get from A to B without a car can add a layer of hesitancy.

At Dent Heads, we offer you a rental or loaner car in the meantime. We know it can be overwhelming to worry about transportation, but that shouldn't stop you from getting the best possible care.

Trusting the Pros

Trusting a PDR specialist with your car is the best route if you plan on pursuing a course of action. This way, you are guaranteed a satisfactory job.

Trying to fix dents yourself or asking a non-PDR specialist to assist in repairs could result in more damage without an expert's course of action.

Consider Paintless Dent Repair

Let's face it, your vehicle is no match for some of the hailstorms we get in Bloomington, and it's likely that your vehicle is going to wind up with unsightly damage and dimples.

So you might be wondering: Does paintless dent repair work for hail damage?

Actually, paintless dent repair is one of the most painless car dent repair options out there!

PDR is known for making your car look like it's freshly off the factory line. It's quick, environmentally friendly – no toxic compounds or chemicals are used – and suitable for ADAS cars. That’s only if you go to the right technician though, which we’ve covered previously in Is PDR the right solution for ADAS vehicles?

Long story short: Yes, it is, provided your PDR expert can recalibrate the system after their work – something we at Dent Heads can do in a jiffy! Your car will be back on the road in no time.

Dent Heads in Bloomington offers efficient, green, and economical hail damage repair for motorcycles, fleet vehicles, and automobiles. We work with you and your insurance company through a thorough inspection process to provide an estimate for your hail-damaged car repair.

But wait. What's paintless dent repair anyway?

And why should you consider it before deciding where to spend your money for auto hail damage repair?

Is Paintless Dent Repair Right for You?

If you've read this far, then probably! Because it's environmentally friendly and quick, it's a dent repair method that's growing in popularity.

PDR involves using specialized tools to massage, press, and pop the car's body back into place. Think about uncrumpling a squashed plastic water bottle, and you've got the right idea.

PDR is affordable. Because technicians don't need to pay for all the extra equipment like paint and filler to repair dents, they can pass on the savings to their customers.

If you're looking for a hassle-free and economical dent repair option (who isn't?), paintless dent repair can be just the ticket. Dent Heads can accomplish in hours what traditional car dent repair methods do in days, meaning you'll get back on the road and back to your day-to-day life in no time.

We'll even get you a rental vehicle to run errands or pick up the kids while you're waiting. Pair that with our stellar customer service, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better dent repair service in the Twin Cities area!

For Hail Dents, Schedule Paintless Dent Repair in Minnesota

Do you need minor dents removed from your vehicle? At Dent Heads, we remove door dings, creases, hail damage, and dents from your ride while keeping the original paint job intact.

Drop your car off at our shop in Bloomington, or we can come to you with our remote dent removal services! We offer both in-shop and mobile services throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

Schedule an appointment here, or call/text us at 612-986-1171 today!