Hailstorms aren’t an everyday occurrence in the UK, but when they do show up, they can wreak havoc on unsheltered cars. 

If your car’s been caught short and now has hail damage, don’t worry! There are some tried and tested ways to repair car hail damage, so your vehicle will be looking as good as new in no time.

This blog looks at the different types of hail damage, common repair costs, prevention strategies, and whether you can claim hail damage on your insurance. Those dents will be gone in the blink of an eye! Let’s get started.

Types of car hail damage in the UK

Hail damage isn’t always the same. The damage can range from minor dents to severe broken glass, depending on the storm. Here’s a quick overview of hail damage for cars:

• Dents — Hail can cause small to medium dents on the car’s surface. Large dents are extremely rare unless you’re caught in a freakishly strong hailstorm!
• Paint damage — Like dents, hail can chip or scratch your car’s paint job. This looks unpleasant and can cause rust if left untreated. 
• Cracked or broken glass — If you’re unlucky, hail can shatter and crack windshields, mirrors, and side windows.
• Puncture marks — Larger hailstones can puncture car roofs or hoods. This is rarer, though.

How often do hailstorms happen in the UK?

Hailstorms aren’t very common in the UK, but they tend to appear from September to April during the transition between seasons. 

According to the Met Office, hail is most common in the western parts of Britain since the area is closest to the North Atlantic and Irish Sea. When cold showers reach the cold land in winter, hail is created. 

Eastern England and south-east Scotland see more hail in spring when temperatures are still cold.

Fun Fact: Most hailstones are smaller than 25mm. However, they can be as small as 5 mm and grow up to 50mm! 

How much does hail damage cost to repair?

Hail damage repair costs depend on the type of damage to your car. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of costs based on the four kinds of damage described earlier in the blog:

• Minor Dents — £50 to £150 for paintless dent repair, depending on your car make and local garage costs. 
• Paint Repairs — £100 to £500, depending on the extent of the damage. Large patches will cost more to fix than smaller chips. 
• Cracked Glass — Cracked windows and windshields cost anywhere from £150 to £500+. The cost ultimately depends on which area is broken, how bad the damage is, and the make of your car.
• Puncture Marks & Structural Problems — Depending on the damage, costs can range from £300 to £1,000+. Minor punctures will cost less than significant body or roof damage.

Fix hail damage as soon as possible. Some problems may lead to a failed MOT!

How to protect your car from hail damage

The best way to avoid hail damage repair is to protect your car from the get-go. You can do so in a few simple steps. 

1. Regularly check the weather forecasts and alerts, particularly during the between-season periods.
2. Invest in a sturdy car cover or portable carport if you need to park outside.
3. Find secure indoor parking or shelter during forecasted hailstorms.
4. If you don’t have any shelter or a cover, use blankets or floor mats as improvised shelters!

How to repair hail damage

If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in a hailstorm, don’t panic! 

There are multiple ways to access hail damage repair, such as the following:

Professional hail damage repair

Most drivers should contact their local garage or dealership for professional advice. These experts can assess the damage and create a personalised repair plan.

This may include paint repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), new windows, or structural repairs.

DIY repairs

While garages are recommended, if you’re knowledgeable about cars, you may want to tackle the hail damage yourself. 

For example, DIY dent removal kits can be used on minor dents. However, they may not be as seamless as professional repairs. If you’re unsure or haven’t worked on a car before, it might be best to contact a professional.

When to seek professional assistance

You should seek professional help if the hail damage is extensive (e.g. broken glass, large dents, or severe paint chipping). Trying to fix large areas of damage yourself may lead to further problems.

As stated above, if you’re unfamiliar with cars or DIY work, it’s always best to leave it in capable professional hands!

With Bumper, you can split the cost of repairs with no extra charges.

Can you get hail damage car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance will pay out for car hail damage. However, it’s usually considered an ‘at-fault’ claim, meaning your premium will go up when it’s time to renew.

This doesn’t always seem fair, but it’s more due to the language used by car insurance companies. ‘At-fault’ means that no one else’s insurance will cover the costs, leaving your insurance company to foot the bill. 

Unlike comprehensive car insurance, third-party packages won’t cover hail. So, if you don’t have a sheltered parking spot and live in an area prone to hail, it’s best to opt for comprehensive insurance. 

If you’re unsure, you can check your policy coverage by logging into your insurance portal or looking at past paperwork. You can also reach out to the company if you can’t find the information. 

Always check before renewing or purchasing insurance!

Final thoughts on car hail damage

Hail damage can be costly and frustrating, but hopefully, this guide has helped you minimise your risk or find relevant repair costs. 

If your car has sustained damage, review your insurance policy and reach out to a local garage for professional assistance. Avoid DIY repairs unless you have enough experience!

How Bumper can help

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, perfect for covering pesky hail damage. We work with many partners nationwide who can fix your car without stress. 

Find your nearest garage using Bumper here.

Or keep learning. Visit the Bumper blog now.