In Australia, severe weather conditions, including hailstorms, can cause extensive damage to vehicles. Hailstones, varying in size from small pellets to large stones, can dent your car’s body, crack the windshield, and ruin the paintwork. If your car has been affected by a hailstorm, it’s essential to take immediate action to minimize further damage and ensure a swift recovery. This step-by-step guide will walk you through what to do when your car gets damaged by hail in Australia.

1. Assess the Damage

After the hailstorm has passed, find a safe location to park your car and assess the damage. Inspect the exterior thoroughly for dents, scratches, and cracked glass. Take pictures from various angles to document the damage; these photographs will be useful for insurance claims.

2. Be safe and Check for Safety Hazards

If you are inside the car while hail is ongoing it is best to find a spot to park your car to minimize the dents that your car may get from hail. 

If the hailstorm has caused significant damage to your car’s windshield or windows, avoid driving the vehicle until repairs are made. Broken glass can obstruct your vision and pose a safety hazard. Call for roadside assistance or have the car towed to a safer location. 

Remember, when a hail storm affected wide areas and many cars were affected, insurance claims and repairers may be crowded. If your windshield is damaged you can choose to have it fixed ASAP by a windshield repairer and have the panel damage fixed for later, this is for you to still be able to drive your car without waiting for a repairer to be available.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Reach out to your car insurance provider as soon as possible to report the hail damage. Make sure you have your policy number and all relevant information ready to provide to the representative. Some insurance companies may require you to submit the photos you took during the damage assessment.

4. Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance policy, specifically coverage for hail damage. Depending on your policy, hail damage may or may not be covered. Comprehensive insurance typically covers hail damage, but liability insurance does not. Take note that hail damage is an act of nature that’s why your insurance company will collect an excess when you lodge a claim regarding hail.

5. File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Once you have gathered all the required information and repair quotes, submit a claim to your insurance company. Many insurance providers allow you to file a claim online or over the phone. Provide all the necessary details, including the photos and repair estimates, to expedite the claim process.

6. Schedule the Repairs

After your claim is approved, schedule the repairs with your chosen auto repair shop, or with your insurance’s preferred repairer. Be ready for the repair process to take some time, as hail damage repairs may require extensive work. Some of your insurance may have a special discount on rental car services if your car will be out of commission for an extended period, but you can choose to add a hire car feature on your insurance so you can avail a hire car whenever your car is being repaired for a much lower cost.

How do smash repairers fix hail damage from your car?

If the hail damage is not extensive, the repairer will fix your car using Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). PDR is a technique that can remove dents without the need for repainting or even changing the panels, which can be a more cost-effective and quicker solution for minor hail damage.

Hailstorms can be a distressing experience, causing considerable damage to your car. However, by following these steps and promptly addressing the situation, you can ensure a smoother process for getting your car repaired and back on the road. Remember to prioritize your safety and document the damage thoroughly for insurance purposes. By working with reputable repair shops and your insurance provider, you can restore your car to its pre-hailstorm condition and navigate the aftermath with ease.

Cosgrove Smash Repairs does PDR, Call us today or click Book My Repairs below to book your car’s Initial Assessment.