Car body repair after hail – what is the best approach?
Hail can cause dozens to hundreds of dents on the hood, roof and other parts of the vehicle. Repair at a traditional body shop often means filling, sanding and repainting the entire car body, which can significantly reduce the vehicle's value. However, there is a better and gentler solution – the PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) method, which is ideal precisely for hail damage repairs.
How does hail damage vehicles?
Hail is one of the most destructive natural phenomena for cars. Hailstones can vary in size – from small pellets a few millimeters in diameter to large chunks of ice several centimeters across. The bigger the hailstones, the greater the damage they can cause.
| Hailstone size | Diameter | Typical damage | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 5–10 mm | Minor dents, usually without paint damage | Low |
| Medium | 10–20 mm | Visible dents on the hood, roof and trunk lid | Medium |
| Large | 20–30 mm | Pronounced dents, possible paint damage | High |
| Extreme | 30+ mm | Deep dents, cracked paint, possible glass damage | Very high |
The parts of a vehicle most frequently damaged by hail are the horizontal surfaces that are directly exposed to the falling hailstones:
Hood
One of the most frequently damaged parts, usually with the highest concentration of dents.
Roof
A large surface exposed to the direct impact of hailstones, often with dozens of dents.
Trunk lid
Similar to the hood, often significantly damaged in a hailstorm.
Fenders
Especially the upper parts of the fenders are prone to damage.
Doors
Mainly the upper parts of the doors can be damaged, but usually less than the horizontal surfaces.
Side mirrors
They can be damaged or completely destroyed in a severe hailstorm.
Why choose PDR for hail damage repair?
Repair speed
The repair can be finished in 1–3 days, while conventional methods take a week or more.
Preservation of the original paint
PDR preserves the original factory paint, which increases the car's value and ensures a flawless appearance.
Favorable price
Up to 50% cheaper than a conventional body shop repair, which involves filling and repainting.
Approved by insurance companies
Most insurance companies cover hail damage repairs using the PDR method and prefer it for its efficiency and lower costs.
How does a hail damage repair work?
Repairing a hail-damaged vehicle using the PDR method is a systematic process that requires expert knowledge and experience. Here is a detailed overview of the individual steps:
Diagnostics and documentation
Technicians first thoroughly inspect the vehicle and document all the damage. They use special lighting that highlights even minor dents. Every instance of damage is recorded for the insurance company.
Vehicle preparation
Depending on the location of the dents, it may be necessary to remove some interior parts, lights or other components to gain access to the back side of the damaged panels.
Dent repair
Technicians use special tools to access the back side of the dents. Using precise movements and pressure, they gradually straighten each dent. This process requires patience and precision.
Quality control
After repairing each dent, the technicians check the result using special lighting. They make sure the surface is perfectly smooth and without any signs of damage.
Final inspection and handover
Once all the repairs are completed, the vehicle is thoroughly inspected, all removed parts are put back in place, and the vehicle is ready to be handed over to the customer.
Hail damage repair is often covered by comprehensive or natural disaster insurance. Contact us to find out how to get the repair reimbursed!
Insurance and hail damage repair
Hail damage to a vehicle is typically covered by comprehensive insurance or natural disaster insurance. The process of filing an insurance claim is as follows:
- Report the damage to the insurance company – contact your insurer as soon as possible after the event.
- Document the damage – take photos of the damage from different angles.
- Choose a repair shop – pick a specialized shop with experience in hail damage repairs.
- Inspection by the insurance company's technician – the insurer may send its own technician for an inspection.
- Repair approval – once approved by the insurance company, the repair can begin.
- Payment for the repair – the insurance company may pay the shop directly or reimburse the costs to you.
How we can help you
- ✓We will help you file the insurance claim
- ✓We will provide complete documentation of the damage
- ✓We communicate directly with the insurance company
- ✓We will prepare a detailed repair calculation
- ✓We will ensure a fast, high-quality repair
- ✓We work with all insurance companies in the Czech Republic
Frequently asked questions about hail damage repairs
How long does it take to repair a vehicle after hail?
The repair time depends on the extent of the damage. Minor damage (up to 20 dents) can be repaired within 1–2 days. More extensive damage may take 3–5 days. Compared to traditional methods, which can take 1–2 weeks, PDR is significantly faster.
Can all hail dents be repaired?
Most hail dents can be repaired using the PDR method as long as the paint is not damaged. In cases where the paint is cracked or the dents are extremely deep, a combination of PDR and traditional repair methods may be necessary.
How much does it cost to repair a hail-damaged vehicle?
The price depends on the number and size of the dents. Minor damage can start from CZK 5,000, while extensive damage can reach CZK 20,000–30,000. Compared to traditional methods, PDR is usually 40–60% cheaper. Most insurance companies fully cover these repairs.
Will it be visible after the repair that the car was damaged?
With a properly performed PDR repair, there will be no trace of the previous damage on the vehicle. The surface will be perfectly smooth and the original paint will remain untouched. This is one of the main advantages of PDR over traditional methods.
Conclusion
Repairing a hail-damaged vehicle using the PDR method is the best solution in terms of preserving the vehicle's value, repair speed and cost. Thanks to the preservation of the original paint and the flawless result, this method is preferred by both customers and insurance companies.
If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, do not hesitate to contact us. Our technicians have extensive experience with hail damage repairs and will help you return your vehicle to its original condition quickly and efficiently. We will also help you handle the insurance claim so that the whole process is as easy as possible for you.
Need a dent repaired?
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