Watching dark clouds gather on a summer afternoon can be enthralling, as long as you're safely out of harm's way. Yet if you're a vehicle owner, storms can also be alarming, since even a quick hailstorm can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle.
Small hail can cause dents on the vehicle's hood and roof, while larger hailstones can chip paint and even break windows. Your hail damage repair cost will ultimately depend on how extensive and severe the damage is, but it can easily cost $4,000 or more.
Hailstones are chunks of solid ice that form in the atmosphere during turbulent weather, like thunderstorms. When hail falls to the ground, it can lead to dents and other damage on your vehicle. Although hail can happen anywhere, it's most common in the middle of the country, from Montana and Minnesota down to Texas.
Hail damage can include:
- Dents
- Paint chipping and damage
- Broken windows or windshields
- Damage to body panels
Each year, about 245,000 Americans file personal auto insurance claims related to hail damage. Many more likely experience damage but don't file insurance claims.
Learn more: What You Need to Know About Windshield Repair and Replacement
Hail damage to your vehicle can quickly get costly to repair, since being caught in a hailstorm often leads to many dents. One insurance company reported that the average hail damage claim is more than $4,300—meaning hail caused, on average, more than $4,300 in damage to the vehicles it hit. If there are broken windows or body panels, hail damage repair can cost up to $10,000.
The cost for repair for hail damage to your vehicle will depend on:
- How big and fast-moving the hailstones were
- Whether the damage is cosmetic or affects your ability to drive the car
- The make and model of your vehicle
Here's a breakdown of different repair costs:
| Type of hail damage |
Description |
Cost |
| Very minor round dents |
These small dents can be "popped" back out using a dent repair kit. The DIY fix is simple, but it can be time-consuming if you have many dents. |
$20 or less for a dent puller |
| Small dents |
Small dents are areas where the car's metal is concave, but there's no damage to the paint. These dents are eligible for paint-free dent repair, the most affordable of the professional dent repair options. However, costs can add up quickly if you have many dents. |
$75 to $200 per dent |
| Widespread dents |
If each panel on your vehicle has 10 dents, repairs will add up, even if you opt for paint-free dent repair. |
$4,000 to $10,000 for the vehicle |
| Panel and windshield replacement |
When your car has been hit by many hailstones or particularly large stones, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire body panel(s) than to repair dents. In that case, your windshield will likely also be damaged and need replacing. |
$8,000+ for the vehicle |
Learn more: How to Fix Car Dents: Options and Costs to Consider
After getting caught in a hailstorm, you might find yourself wondering whether you can repair hail damage yourself, or if you're better off hiring a professional. Here's what to consider.
| Type of fix |
Pros |
Cons |
| DIY |
• Most affordable
• Can be done on your schedule and budget
• Great for damage that is only cosmetic |
• Time-consuming
• Results may vary
• May need specialized tools
• Likely not covered by auto insurance |
| Professional |
• Good for extensive damage that impacts the paint job or function of your car
• Professional-level finish
• Cost may be covered by auto insurance |
• Expensive
• Wait time for repairs can be long |
Remember, any time there's damage that impacts the safety of your car, it's best to see a professional. If hail damage has left you with a cracked windshield, doors that won't close properly or body panels that aren't fully attached to your car, visit a mechanic before you get back on the road.
In most cases, you're only covered for hail damage if you have comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance covers damage to your car that didn't happen as a result of an auto accident. Most people who have an auto loan are required by their lender to have this type of insurance. If you're not sure whether your vehicle is covered for hail damage, check with your insurance company—it could save you thousands of dollars. Still, before you file a claim, make sure it's worth using your insurance. Sometimes, it's cheaper to pay out of pocket for minor hail damage than to pay your insurance deductible.
The best way to reduce hail damage repair costs is to avoid hail in the first place. This is particularly important if you live in a state where hail is common—like Texas, West Virginia, South Dakota and other states in the middle of the country. Here's how to avoid hail damage:
- Seek shelter for your vehicle. When possible, park in a garage or carport. If you're out when a storm strikes, pull into a gas station or other covered area. Even parking beneath a tree can offer some protection, although it may increase risk for damage from falling branches.
- Use hail protection. Anything that can absorb the impact from hail can reduce damage to your vehicle. Covering your car with blankets may prevent some damage, so consider adding moving blankets to your car's emergency kit.
- Purchase a car cover. An inflatable car cover or a hail jacket can prevent damage, especially when you know in advance that a storm is coming.
Whether you have cosmetic damage like dents on the hood or more urgent repairs like a cracked windshield, you'll want to get hail damage replaced quickly. This will not only keep your car looking nice, but it will also help prevent other maintenance problems, like the rust that can occur when you leave paint chips untreated.
The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you manage the cost of hail damage repair, as well as routine maintenance. Whether you're paying out of pocket for repairs or just covering your insurance deductible, the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card helps make paying for repairs simple. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card, and check out the Synchrony partners that can support your smooth travel journey.