Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How Panel Beating Can Quickly Repair Your Car’s Hail Damage

  • Written by Sheen Group

According to recent figures from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) a catastrophic hailstorm in Sydney, which occurred on the evening of December 20 2018, cost the state of NSW approximately $670 million in insurance claims. Of the more than 80,000 claims processed due to that storm, 70 percent were car-related and 21 percent were related to residential homes. In the case of roof damage relating to the home, companies that offer commercial hail damage repair can help to fix any damages or leaks there are on the building. For a car, there are also specialist companies that fix any problems.

While these figures are astronomically high for an isolated incident, cars are frequently damaged by hail. To avoid paying a fortune in repairs, it is important to have comprehensive car insurance (the only level of cover that will protect you against storms) and – if you choose to repair the damage – know how to pick the right panel beater.



Common Types of Hail Damage

When a vehicle is left out in the open during a hailstorm it is at risk of damage. How serious the damage is depending on the intensity of the storm, how long the storm goes on for, and the size of hailstones. The severity of the damage will also determine the total cost of repairs.

If exposed to the elements, the most common car parts to be damaged by a hailstorm is the:

  • Roof

  • Boot

  • Bonnet

  • Windscreen

  • Side panels

  • Side windows

  • Mirrors



Most visual signs of hail damage are clear to see at first glance. However, it is easy to miss those few ‘bumps’ if you inspect the vehicle at night or in poor lighting conditions. So you should wait until daytime for proper lighting to assess the damage.

You will know your vehicle has hail damage when you see bumps, usually the size of a golf ball, on the surface. Sometimes hail is strong enough to damage the paint job as well. But this is not always the case. If you are lucky enough to avoid paint damage by having a ceramic new car paint protection coating applied in advance, the cost of repair will be cheaper.

When hail does hit a window, and the hailstones are either incredibly large or fall very quickly, there is a chance the impact will crack or split a glass panel. When this happens the chance of a successful repair is pretty low. Usually it is safer, quicker, and cheaper to replace the glass panel instead.



Is Hail Damage Covered By Insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is the only type of insurance that will protect you against storms.

Keep in mind no two policies are ever the same. While most comp policies offer some level of coverage against storms, not all do. So it is always a good idea to refer to your policy, or contact your insurer directly, for clarification.

Even if you are covered in the event of a storm, not all policies give you the freedom to choose your panel beater. This can be a problem if the panel beater your insurer does choose is overwhelmed with repair jobs after a recent storm. There is a chance the job could be rushed or you will be left stranded without a vehicle.

Any reputable panel beater will service your vehicle to the highest quality standards. They will also offer a replacement hire car – which your insurer may cover depending on your policy – to keep you on the road in the meantime.



How Panel Beaters Repair Hail Damage

Whether your vehicle is repaired through an insurer or not, most panel beaters offer a free visual inspection and quote. They will have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to assess the damage in the correct lighting conditions, and determine the full extent of the hail damage.

Based on the results, your panel beater will recommend one or more of the following repair services:



Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

This is an effective way to remove dents from a vehicle without the need to re-paint or use body fillers. It involves the use of special PDR techniques, such as high tensile levers and metal rods, in order to gently ‘push’ the dent from the inside back outward and then massage the surface back to its original form. When done correctly, the surface looks as good as new, and you preserve the resale value of your vehicle too.

PDR is a viable repair method as long as the panels are not cracked or scratched.

Keep in mind the cost of repair does go up as more dents are found. Especially if multiple panels are damaged. Sometimes the cost of fixing the tens if not hundreds of dents will exceed the cost of replacing the panel. When this happens, any reputable panel beater will advise you to replace the panel and save you a bit of money.



Body Filler and Re-Paint

Body filler is a substance used to fill dents or dings. It is a viable way to refinish a surface if PDR is unable to resolve the extent of hail damage.

There are many types of body fillers available on the market, which can repair varying degrees of damage for different panels. This includes lightweight body filler to heavy-duty filler for more serious damage. Your panel beater will know which type of filler to use based on your unique circumstances.

Once the body filler has been applied, the panel beater will sand down the surface to ensure a smooth finish. Finally, they will re-paint the surface with the same colour as the original finish so that it matches the rest of the vehicle.



Panel and Window Replacement

If the extent of hail damage is beyond the scope of repair, your panel beater will replace the panel. Any broken windscreens or other glass panels are typically replaced as well.



Cost of Panel Beating Repairs

PDR is the most cost-effective way to repair hail damage, as it does not require re-painting or replacing the panel. And the service only takes 1-2 hours depending on the extent of the damage. Better still, you preserve the look and resale value of your vehicle as well.

Most reputable panel beaters will give you a free quote online. All you have to do is upload a photo of the hail damage and fill out the online form. You will get a quick response and an honest price estimate to help you take the next step.

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

What is RPL in Australia?

RPL is Recognised Prior Learning and refers to skills you already have that can be credited for further study or learning. For example, previous courses you have taken, your current...

“North of the River” Vs “Over the Bridge” – What’s in Brisbane’s ongoing North Vs South Feuds?

Greater Brisbane Australia’s largest capital city by land area, coming in at 15,824 square kilometers, and ranks number three worldwide. It has Australia’s largest city council and northern neighbour Moreton...

Best Electrical Services Perth: What to Look For

To help find the best electrical services Perth, you should know what criteria to look for to get top-of-the-line service. When it comes to your home or business, you want...

Sydney Off Road Trips - Yes, They Exist

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? When it comes to exploring in caravans, Sydney residents may not realise how easy it is to get away for the...

International Influence: Unique Premium Toys from Around the World

In an increasingly interconnected world, the toys children play with often reflect the diverse cultures and creative traditions of different countries. Premium toys, in particular, stand out not only for...

Exploring Australia, Unlocking Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Australia is a vast and diverse continent, offering everything from stunning coastlines and lush rainforests to arid deserts and vibrant cities. But even with so much to see and do...

Tips And Techniques For Keeping Your Suzuki Looking Like New

Owning a Suzuki is not just about enjoying the ride; it's also about taking pride in the appearance of your vehicle. A well-maintained Suzuki not only performs better but also...

How everyone in Sydney can find the right employment

Finding meaningful work that offers exciting opportunities and something that broadens the mind is something most Australians yearn for. Why just head somewhere to complete a shift without taking something...

How Mortgage Brokers Influence the Australian Property Landscape

The role of mortgage brokers in Australia's property landscape is an aspect of the real estate and finance sectors that cannot be overlooked. Over 55% of property transactions in Australia...

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Refurbished iPads Are Better Than New Ones (Here's Why)

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Apple's refurbished iPad program has quietly become one of the best deals in tech. While everyone obsesses over the ...

Your Guide to Finding the Right GP: What Perth City Doctors Offer Today

Choosing a General Practitioner (GP) is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Luckily, Perth’s vibrant CBD now hosts a new ge...

Why Every Mining Operation Needs a Robust Safety Management System

Mining is one of the backbones of the Australian economy, particularly in Western Australia. Back in 2019-20, mining contributed 10.4% of Australia...

Australian Classic Literature Enjoys Resurgence

Welcome back to the good old days of storytelling! As the modern world becomes increasingly more demanding, returning to childhood favourites offers...

How to Choose the Right Lawyers in Sydney for Your Situation

When faced with a legal issue, selecting the right legal representation can make all the difference. Whether you're dealing with a personal injury, ...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and ...