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How can I repair minor hail damage to my car?

I live in a storm-prone area, and it’s not uncommon to get hail. As a result, I have dents all over my vehicle. Is it possible to fix minor hail damage to my car without going to the mechanic?

avatar
Heather Bernhard · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Short answer: maybe.
Technically, you can fix minor
hail
damage to a car at home, but it’s a bit of an undertaking. This is especially true if you’re a bodywork newbie.
That being said, there are a couple of options for home repair:
  • ** Suction cup dent puller**: Dent pullers suction directly to the car. The suction pulls the dent out, making it level with the rest of the vehicle—this method can be tedious and physically taxing if you have many dents. Still, the tools are less than $10, so it’s worth a shot.
  • Pushing tools: You can also use a long-handled, thin pushing tool to force dents out from inside your car. These tools are designed to be used in brief bursts rather than continuously, so don’t try it unless you’re patient and have steady hands.
  • Heating and cooling: Car dents stretch the metal. ou can apply heat to the dent for a few seconds before cooling it with dry ice. The heat should stretch the metal, and the cold should contract it fast, causing the dented metal to pop back out. Experts advise against it: results are mixed at best, and it’s risky.
Best bet? If you’re worried about hail damage to your car, go to a pro who has the proper tools to do the job safely. But before you call, check your
car insurance
policy—as long as you have
comprehensive coverage
, the repairs will be covered.
Not sure what kind of policy you have or what it covers? Reach out to the friendly service reps at Jerry.
Jerry
will contact your insurance company to get the details of your current coverage so you don’t have to scale a mountain of questions. You get all the best prices and coverage with none of the legwork. And if that isn’t enough for you, Jerry can even help cancel your old policy.
MORE: Everything you need to know about hail damage to your roof
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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