Anyone who has lived in Denver knows that the weather can be volatile. During hail season you can be in the sunshine and a hail storm inside the same hour. That hail damage in Denver can be a real problem for the tops of homes and vehicles alike.
Next to owning a house, a car is one of the biggest personal investments people make. Once a hailstorm wreaks its havoc, many car owners seek repair services to fix the broken glass, chipped paint, and dented surfaces. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect a vehicle from a severe hail beating, but what happens when you just can’t protect your car?
Cost of Repairing Hail Damage: How Much?
The first question that comes into the mind of car owners with a hail-damaged vehicle is, “how much do I need to repair hail damage?” Knowing what expense to expect for damages caused by a catastrophic hail storm can save stress and confusion if and when it happens to you.
Different auto repair shops have different quotes. The cost of repair depends on several factors: the extent of the damage, size of every dent, deductibles, auto body shop, and parts replacement. If your car took hail while unprotected, your car could have dents the sizes of peas or golf balls.
Based on an average estimate, a hail claim is roughly around $3,000. However, light hail damage might not even meet your deductible, while massive dents– even if they’re mostly cosmetic– can total a nearly new car. With that in mind, make sure that the body shop you have chosen performs a comprehensive inspection of all the dents before you have them fix your car.
5 Simple Tips to Protect Your Car from Hail Damage
Welcome to Denver– a U.S. city with some of the world’s worst hailstorms. Hundreds of auto insurance claims worth millions of dollars are filed every year. Obviously the top surfaces of a vehicle, including the hood and roof, are the most vulnerable to hail. Just as obviously, the potential for severe damage and overall devaluation of a vehicle increases when there is no carport or garage to park your car. To safeguard your car against dents and dings from hailstorms, here are some simple tips that you can follow:
Park your vehicle in your garage or a carport
The simplest (and perhaps most expensive) way to avoid hail damage is to park your car in your garage. You can also install a carport within a budget of $200-250 if you know that the hail season is coming. Having a garage or a carport does not only protect your car from hail but also frost and sunshine.
Cover your car with thick blankets or a car cover
If you don’t own a garage, you can protect your vehicle with a blanket or car cover. There are many car covers and thick blankets available in supermarkets and department stores. Although it is not as safe as a garage, placing a cover or sheets over your car can soften the impact and protect your windshield and hood.
Monitor the weather updates
As the old and gold saying goes, “Precaution is better than prevention.” Make sure to listen to weather reports and channels or turn on your weather app notifications to prepare yourself in case of a hailstorm. Knowing an incoming hailstorm will give you enough time to prepare and make decisions as necessary.
Find a safe place if you are at the wheel
If hail starts when you’re on the road, get to the nearest cover you can find, even if it’s a freeway overpass or gas station. While your windshield can withstand the hails, your side windows might not. You can use your GPS to find the nearest covered location.
Do not skimp on comprehensive insurance.
Another way to protect your car is to get insurance coverage for your vehicle. Having comprehensive insurance can help cover expenses in case of a natural phenomenon. Make sure that you get car insurance that pays for the damages caused by weather and fire to avoid out-of-pocket repair costs.
Your car is a fruit of your hard work and hard-earned money. Following these simple tips can safeguard your car and your wallet. When hail damage in Denver hits your vehicle despite your best efforts, our car specialists at Tip Top Auto Hail can help you. They can fix the dings and dents to restore your car to like-new condition. Call (303) 868-1270 to schedule an appointment today!