What to do after hail damages your car
A practical, step-by-step checklist for Texas drivers, written by a team that has worked hail catastrophes in more than 20 states.
After hail, photograph every panel, check the glass, confirm you have comprehensive coverage and open a claim with your insurer. Then choose a certified paintless dent repair shop. In Texas the choice is yours. The shop inspects and maps the damage, works with your adjuster and repairs the vehicle without repainting when the paint is intact.
- 1
Get safe, then document everything
Wait until the storm has fully passed. Photograph every panel in daylight from several angles, including the roof, hood and trunk. Note the date, time and location of the storm.
- 2
Check for glass and safety damage
Look for cracked windshields, broken mirrors and damaged lights. A cracked windshield can affect visibility and structural safety, so do not delay that repair.
- 3
Review your policy
Hail is normally covered under comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible. Liability-only policies usually do not cover hail. Find your policy number and deductible before you call.
- 4
Open a claim with your insurer
Report the damage promptly. You will receive a claim number. Write it down; your repair shop will need it to coordinate with the adjuster.
- 5
Choose your repair shop
In Texas, you choose who repairs your vehicle. Pick a dedicated PDR shop with certified technicians that repairs in a facility, not a parking lot.
- 6
Get a detailed inspection and estimate
A good hail estimate maps every dent by panel and size. We document hidden damage and submit supplements when trim or headliner removal reveals more.
- 7
Arrange a rental or concierge pick-up
Ask about rental coverage and deductible assistance. We offer free pick-up and delivery so you never have to leave home or work.
- 8
Inspect the finished repair
Look at every panel under good light before you sign off. Our final quality check uses the same LED boards technicians use during the repair.
Need help right now? Call (866) PDR-HAIL and we'll walk you through the claim, or send us photos.
Questions
Hail damage FAQ
Should I wait to repair hail damage?
You can, but don't wait too long. Insurers set reporting deadlines, and unrepaired damage can lower the vehicle's value at trade-in. Open the claim promptly even if you schedule the repair later.
Will a hail claim raise my insurance rates?
Hail is generally treated as a comprehensive, no-fault claim in Texas, so it often affects rates less than an at-fault accident. Rate decisions are up to your insurer, so ask your agent.
Can hail damage be fixed without repainting?
Usually, yes. If the paint is not cracked, paintless dent repair restores the panel while keeping the factory finish.
What if my car is totaled by hail?
Severe hail can push repair costs past a vehicle's value. A detailed PDR estimate often costs less than conventional repair, which can keep a vehicle repairable. We'll document everything for your adjuster.