If you're not sure if the damage to your vehicle is hail-related, most garages offer free inspections and estimates of hail damage. The costs of repairing hail damage can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Insurance generally covers repairing damage caused by hail on the vehicle, so check your policy and deductible to determine if filing a claim is in your best interest. First, file a claim with your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive policies usually pay for damage to a car related to a storm. Federal disaster assistance can help cover gaps for those whose coverage doesn't cover any or all of the costs of storm-related damage. Only those with at least liability insurance will be considered to receive federal disaster assistance to repair or replace their vehicles. If the cost of repairing your car is greater than its actual cash value (its purchase price minus depreciation and deductible), your insurance company will declare your vehicle as a total loss and will pay you its actual value in cash so that you can buy another one.
If the damage is aesthetic (damage that does not affect the maneuverability or safe operation of the vehicle), they are not eligible for assistance from FEMA. Hail damage increases from March to June, and just two states, Texas and Colorado, account for 37% of all hail-related insurance claims. However, assistance is often limited to one vehicle; if you have more than one vehicle and at least one of them is operational, FEMA will not provide assistance without justifying the additional vehicle. Other techniques can be used to repair damage to the top of the panel, depending on the size and location of the damage.
An auto body shop can help your car maintain its value as much as possible, so when it's time to sell or exchange it, you're likely to get a better price for your vehicle. Homeowners insurance policies won't cover damage to your car, even if it was parked in your driveway. If your vehicle is destroyed or declared a total loss, you or your insurance company must report that the vehicle has been declared salvage and give us the title. There are also car covers made specifically to protect against hail damage, including inflatable designs, which cost a few hundred dollars.
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is an industry-recognized repair process that consists of eliminating dents caused by hail or other types of damage to metal panels on the outer surface without altering the vehicle's finish. Ask the insurance experts at Bordelon Insurance if your home and car policy includes comprehensive coverage that can help protect you from inclement weather, including coverage for damage caused by hail. Learn how to spot the telltale signs of hail damage, find out what's needed to fix them, and learn what to do to avoid this severe weather hazard. Liability coverage is the minimum insurance requirement for Texas drivers and does not cover storm-related damage.