Have you ever been caught in a hailstorm while driving your car? If so, you know first-hand how damaging hail can be to your vehicle. Hail damage car resale value is often overlooked following a storm, and unfortunately, even minor hail damage can significantly decrease the resale value of your car when it comes time to sell it. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your car from hail damage and maintain its resale value. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of hail damage, how they can affect your car’s resale value, and what you can do to protect your investment. We’ll also discuss insurance coverage for hail damage and offer tips on maintaining your hail damaged car’s resale value. By following these tips, you can help protect your investment and get the most value out of your car when it’s time to sell it.
Understanding Hail Damage
Hail damage is caused by hailstones, which are hard balls of ice that fall from the sky during a hailstorm. When hailstones impact the surface of a car, they can cause damage in the form of dents, cracks, and even shattered windows. The severity of hail damage can range from minor dents to major structural damage.
There are different types of hail damage that can occur on a car, including:
- Dents: Hailstones can cause small or large dents in the body of the car, which can affect the appearance and resale value of the vehicle.
- Cracks: Hailstones can also crack or break the windshield or other glass on the car.
- Paint damage: Hailstones can crack the paint on the car, which can lead to rust and corrosion if left untreated.
- Structural damage: In severe cases, structural panels such as Turrets may require replacing, these panels are usually spot welded on the frame of the vehicle.
Protecting Your Car from Hail Damage
- Parking Strategies
One of the most effective ways to protect your car from hail damage is to park it in a covered area, such as a garage, carport, or parking garage. During a hailstorm, it is advisable not to park your car under a tree or near a building, there is a risk that branches, or debris could fall on your car during the storm, causing additional damage. However, it is crucial to remember that your safety is the most important factor to consider if you are in a hailstorm, so it is always best to prioritise your safety before protecting your car from sustaining hail damage.
- Car Covers
Another way to protect your car from hail damage is to use a car cover. Car covers are made of durable materials that can help shield your car from hailstones, as well as other weather-related damage. When choosing a car cover, look for one that is specifically designed for hail protection, and make sure it fits your car snugly to provide maximum coverage.
- Hail Damage Prevention Services
Some companies offer hail damage prevention services, such as hail protection mats, inflatable car covers, and even hail protection shelters. These services can be expensive, but they can provide added protection for your car during severe hailstorms. If you live in an area that is prone to frequent hailstorms, these services may be worth considering protecting your investment.
Hot Tip from Us:
It’s important to note that while these strategies can help protect your car from hail damage, they may not be fool proof. In particularly severe hailstorms, even a covered car can sustain damage. Therefore, it’s important to also have adequate insurance coverage in case your car does sustain damage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to be aware of the weather forecast and take steps to protect your car before a severe storm hits, such as moving it to a covered area or using a car cover. By taking proactive measures to protect your car from hail damage, you can help minimise the impact on your investment.
Insurance Coverage for Hail Damage
It’s important to understand your car insurance policy and what it covers in the event of hail damage. Most comprehensive insurance policies will cover hail damage, but it’s a good idea to review your policy and make sure you have adequate coverage. Some insurance policies may have a separate excess for hail damage, which means you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost for repairs.
Types of Coverage:
There are two main types of coverage that can protect your car from hail damage: comprehensive coverage and third-party insurance. Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance that covers damage to your car that is caused by something other than a collision, such as hail, theft, or vandalism. Third party property damage, on the other hand, is intended to pay for damages you cause to other people’s vehicles and property. As such, these types of policies won’t cover hail damage to your own vehicle.
How to File a Hail Damage Claim
If your car sustains hail damage, it’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. The first step is to contact your insurance company and lodge a claim, whether it be over the phone or an online claim via your insurer’s Website.
Repairing Hail Damage
- Repair Options
If your car has sustained hail damage, you’ll need to decide on the best repair option for your vehicle. There are two main types of repair options available: paintless dent repair (PDR) and traditional body repair. PDR is a technique used to remove dents and dings from a car’s body without the need for conventional panel beating or painting. This method is faster, less intrusive and always the best option if possible, but it may not be suitable for all types of hail damage. Traditional conventional body repair involves replacing damaged parts and repainting the affected area. This method may be necessary for more severe hail damage, it is always more costly and result in longer repair times than PDR.
- Choosing The Right Repair Shop
Choosing the right repair shop is also important when it comes to repairing hail damage. Some car insurance policies offer a ‘choice of repairer’, which lets you choose your own repairer if your vehicle has been damaged by hail. Some insurance policies, however, will instruct you to use a ‘preferred repairer’, which means you must go to a repairer that the insurer has chosen and has an existing agreement with. At Platinum Hail Management Solutions, we are a go-to repairer for many insurance companies, as we offer first class customer service and have experience in high volume quality repairs.
- Costs of Hail Damage Repairs
The cost of repairing hail damage can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed. PDR is always less expensive than traditional body repair, but it may not be suitable for all types of hail damage. The cost of repairs can also be affected by factors such as the make and model of your car and the location of the repair shop.
Maintaining Your Car’s Resale Value
- Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important for keeping your car in good condition and maintaining its resale value. This includes routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, as well as other recommended maintenance tasks outlined in your car’s owner manual. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule can help prevent mechanical problems that can decrease your car’s value over time.
- Proper Cleaning and Detailing
Keeping your car clean and well-maintained can also help maintain its resale value. Regularly washing and waxing your car can help protect its paint and prevent rust from developing. Detailing your car, both inside and out, can help remove any stains or odours and make it more appealing to potential buyers. It’s also important to keep the interior of your car clean and free of clutter, as this can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive its overall condition.
- Documentation of Repairs
Documenting any repairs or maintenance that you have performed on your car can also help maintain its resale value. Keep all service records and receipts in a safe place and be prepared to present them to potential buyers when you’re ready to sell your car. This can demonstrate to buyers that your car has been well-maintained and may help increase its value.
Working with a Professional and Reliable Specialist Hail Repairer
At Platinum Hail Management Solutions, we understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with hail damage to your car. That’s why we offer top-notch hail damage repair services to help protect your investment and maintain your car’s resale value. Our team of experienced technicians uses the latest technology and techniques to repair hail damage, including PDR and traditional body repair. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality repairs and excellent customer service, and we work with all major insurance companies to ensure that your repairs are covered. Don’t let hail damage ruin the value of your car. Contact Platinum Hail Management Solutions today to schedule your hail damage repair appointment and get your car looking like new again.