Hail Damage Repair in Murfreesboro: What to Do and What Insurance Covers

A hailstorm can move through Middle Tennessee quickly, but the damage it leaves behind can be hard to ignore. After the storm passes, you may walk outside to find dents across your hood, roof, trunk, or other body panels.

The good news is that hail damage is often one of the more straightforward types of vehicle damage to repair. And if you carry comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy will often cover hail damage as well.

Here's what Murfreesboro drivers should know after a hailstorm.

Why Middle Tennessee Sees Hail Damage

Middle Tennessee experiences strong thunderstorms throughout the year, especially during periods when warm, humid air creates the right conditions for severe weather.

Not every storm produces damaging hail, but when one does, even a relatively short storm can leave dozens of dents on a vehicle.

The hood and roof are often hit the hardest because they're the most exposed surfaces, but hail can also damage:

• Trunk lids

• Doors

• Fenders

• Roof rails

• Mirrors

• Glass and windshields

Even if the dents look minor at first, it's a good idea to inspect your vehicle carefully once conditions are safe.

How to Check Your Vehicle After a Hailstorm

Start by walking around the vehicle in good lighting. Small hail dents can be surprisingly difficult to see, especially on lighter-colored vehicles or when the surface is dirty.

Look at the panels from different angles and watch for changes in the reflection. Check the hood, roof, trunk, and upper portions of the doors carefully.

You should also look for:

• Cracked or chipped paint

• Broken glass

• Damaged mirrors or trim

• Dents along body lines and edges

• Damage that may be difficult to see without proper lighting

Taking photos soon after the storm can also be helpful for documenting the condition of your vehicle before repairs begin.

If you're unsure how extensive the damage is, a professional inspection can give you a clearer picture of what you're dealing with.

Does Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Hail damage is typically covered under the comprehensive portion of an auto insurance policy, subject to your deductible and the specific terms of your coverage.

Comprehensive coverage generally applies to damage caused by events other than a collision, including things like hail, falling objects, fire, and certain weather-related damage.

Because hail damage is not caused by you colliding with another vehicle, a comprehensive claim is typically handled differently from an at-fault accident claim.

Many drivers worry that filing a hail claim will automatically raise their insurance rate. In general, comprehensive claims are treated differently from collision claims, and a rate increase is not automatic. However, insurance policies, companies, and individual circumstances can vary, so it's always a good idea to ask your insurance provider how a claim could affect your specific policy.

Why Hail Damage Is Often a Good Candidate for Paintless Dent Repair

One reason hail damage repair in Murfreesboro can sometimes be completed without extensive bodywork is because hail often dents the metal without damaging the paint.

When the paint surface is still intact, paintless dent repair, often called PDR, may be an option.

Instead of filling and repainting the damaged area, a trained technician carefully works the dented metal back toward its original shape.

When appropriate, paintless dent repair can offer several advantages:

• No repainting of the original panel

• Preservation of the factory finish

• Less invasive repairs

• Efficient repair of multiple hail dents

• No concerns about matching new paint to the surrounding panel

However, not every dent can be repaired using PDR. The location, depth, size, and shape of the damage all matter.

A professional inspection is the best way to determine whether paintless repair is appropriate for your vehicle.

When Does Hail Damage Require Paint?

Paintless repair works best when the paint and underlying panel can be restored without refinishing. If hail causes paint damage, stretches or severely distorts the metal, or damages areas that can't be properly repaired using PDR, more traditional body repair may be necessary.

Painting may be required when:

• The paint is cracked or chipped

• The panel has severe or complex damage

• A dent is located in an area that cannot be properly accessed

• The metal has been stretched beyond what paintless repair can correct

• Other collision or storm damage is present

In those cases, the repair process may involve conventional dent repair, preparation, refinishing, and paint matching.

The goal is to determine the repair method that makes the most sense for the actual damage—not simply use the same approach for every dent.

What to Do After Your Vehicle Is Damaged by Hail

After the storm, try not to wait too long before having the damage assessed. Severe weather can affect a large number of vehicles at once, and repair shops may become busy quickly after a major hail event.

A good next step is to:

1. Take photos of the visible damage.

2. Review your insurance policy for comprehensive coverage and your deductible.

3. Contact your insurance company to begin a claim if appropriate.

4. Schedule an inspection with a qualified repair shop.

5. Discuss whether paintless dent repair or conventional body repair is the better option.

Hail Damage Repair in Murfreesboro: Your Repair Options

A hailstorm can make your vehicle look like it took a beating, but many types of hail damage can be repaired successfully—and sometimes without repainting the affected panels.

If your vehicle was caught in a Middle Tennessee storm, JW's Collision Center can inspect the damage and help you understand your repair options.

Contact JW's Collision Center for hail damage repair in Murfreesboro, TN, and let our team help get your vehicle looking like itself again.