Hail damage repair includes assessing dents (paintless dent repair or panel replacement) and filing insurance claims. Here, we talk about what car owners must know about hail dent repair and insurance claims, as well as how to restore their vehicles in a cost-effective way.

The most hail-prone regions of Australia are the central east coast, which extends from Brisbane (North) to Sydney (South). Due to the emerging issues regarding global warming, hail frequency is observed in the Brisbane and Sydney/Canberra regions. Other hail-prone regions include some of Western Australia and Melbourne. However, hailstones damage vehicles rapidly, creating dents and shattering glass. And this has become an increasing concern for Australian car owners.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Hail damage appears as black spots, dents, cracks, or granule loss, affecting vehicles, roof materials, and titles. On metal components, you can find dings and dents, as well as on tile roofs, including cracks and displaced tiles.

Due to hailstorms, large to small dents can be found on the top of the car and the bonnet. It also leads to shattered windows and windscreens, while scratching or paint chipping and damaged headlights can also be found.

Type of Damage	Description	Severity	Repair Method
Minor Dents	Small, shallow dents with no paint damage.	Low	PRD
Deep Dents	Large, sharp dents with possible paint loss	Moderate	PDR or panel work
Cracked Paint	Dents with chipped/cracked paint	Medium-High	Panel replacement or repaint
Broken Glass	Cracked windscreens/windows	High	Glass replacement
Roof & Bonnet Dents	Multiple dents over a large surface	Varies	PDR or replacement

Table 1: Common Types of Hail Damage to Vehicles

Key Repair Options

Here are some of the key repair options available for hail damage repair in Australia.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)

• PDR is a non-invasive method, best for medium and hail damage, if the paint is still intact.
• Trained PDR techniques use specialised tools to take out dents from the underside of vehicles.
• It is a less expensive and faster process compared to conventional methods. Being cost-effective and quick, it is preferred to address minor damages.

Traditional Panel Repair

• If the damage due to hailstorms is extensive, you can seek the traditional hail damage repair options to get rid of the sharp dents.
• You can also consider repairing and panel beating options to repair your car and ensure its aesthetics.
• Despite the long-term impact of the traditional repair process, it is costlier and time-consuming in nature.
• It involves multiple body fillers, restoring the surface of a vehicle.

Replacement

• In many cases, it is observed that the damage to the roof or shattered glass is beyond repair. In that case, you need to replace the glass to keep your car usable.
• The side panels and windscreens must be secured with new ones in extreme cases.

Repair Option	Best For	Pros	Cons
PDR	Minor dents, no paint damage	Fast, affordable, no paint needed	Not for cracked paint
Panel Beating	Moderate–severe dents	Effective for paint damage	Longer turnaround
Panel Replacement	Irreparable panels	Restores full integrity	Higher cost
Glass Replacement	Cracks/smashed glass	Safety essential	An insurance claim may be required

Table 2: Repair Method Comparison

Insurance & Hail Damage in Australia

In Australia, car insurance policies cover hail damage issues, but you must check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to confirm the exclusions and specifics.

What to Do When You Experience Hail Damage

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible, based on the nature of the damage.
• Provide adequate information and documentation or photos of damage to assist your insurer in processing the claim.
• Read the target marketer determination and product disclosure statement carefully to understand the exclusions and coverage.

Car Insurance and Hail Damage

• Comprehensive cover is the only type of car insurance that covers hail damage.
• The damage won’t be recovered if you only have the third-party policy.
• Insurers might not cover the claims regarding pre-existing damage.

Type of Repair	Timeframe	Notes
PDR (Minor Dents)	1–2 days	Quicker if no repainting is needed
Panel Repair	3-5 days	Depends on workshop availability
Roof Replacement	Up to 7 days	May need insurance approval
Windscreen	Same or next day	Mobile replacement available

Table 3: Average Hail Repair Timelines

Choosing the Right Hail Damage Repair Specialist in Australia

You need to seek specialists with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in repairing hail damage. Prioritise their experience, especially regarding your car model.

• Consider PDR specialists, as it is comparatively cheaper and time-effective to repair your car.
• Check customer reviews, take suggestions from family and friends to find the most suitable and experienced company.
• You must ensure that specialists are insured and hold government licenses and regulatory compliance.

Summary

The frequency of hailstorms in certain Australian regions has been a key threat to public life. It affects the resale values of cars, as well as their functional values, on a significant scale. While PDR is comparatively cheaper, the conventional repairing method needs a longer period to fix the issues. However, you need to consider specialists with government licenses and experience to get the best options for hail damage.

Still not sure about the hail damage repair services for your car? Visit the nearest store or their websites for a better understanding of the services.