How to repair hail damage on a car
Hail damage to cars can range from minor denting to smashed windows or windscreens. While usually a vehicle can be repaired by experts to its pre-hail-damaged state, in the worst cases, insurers may assess a car as a total loss.
Find the answers to:
What to do if your car is damaged by hail
If your car has been damaged during a hailstorm, it’s important to let us know as quickly as possible.
In a major hailstorm, QBE's hail repairer may set up facilities in localities affected by the storm within days of a hail event. Then customers can have their vehicles reviewed and assessed at a time that meets their needs.
After assessment, we can either book your vehicle in for repairs at a convenient time (subject to parts availability), or if the vehicle is significantly damaged, review it as a potential total loss.
Related article: What to do before, during and after a hailstorm
How is hail damage on a car repaired?
The method of repair will depend on the type and severity of the damage, but could generally include:
- Paintless dent repair for hail dents
- Conventional panel repairs for more severe damage
- Repairs for damaged windows and windscreens
What is paintless dent repair?
QBE’s national Hail Repairer Network provides an end-to-end solution for customers in their time of need.
For most damaged cars, specialised hail repairers will use a less invasive technique called paintless dent repair (PDR).
PDR means that a moderately damaged car can be repaired in days, while a conventional repair through a traditional panel shop could take weeks.
Cars are assessed under a light tunnel so technicians can find all damage, which is then repaired by PDR experts, who massage out the dents using special tools.
The PDR method works best for light to medium hail damage. Anything more severe needs to go through a conventional repair process, which is also arranged by QBE and managed by our hail repairers.
How can QBE help with hail damage repairs?
- We partner with end-to-end hail repairers who specialise in PDR and conventional hail repairs, providing a one-stop shop for the assessment and repair of your car
- When you use our national Hail Repairer Network for your hail repair, you will be offered travel vouchers for a Taxi or Uber (up to $50 each way) to help you get to and from the repair shop
- You’ll be kept informed of your vehicle’s repair progress
- All repairs are guaranteed
At the heart of it, we’ll do everything we can to help you weather the storm and get you back on the road as soon as possible.