Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How long does it take to fix a severely hail-damaged car?

We had a huge hailstorm recently and it seriously damaged the family car. We were planning a big road trip to visit my parents next week. How long does it take to fix a severely hail-damaged car?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! So sorry to hear about the hail damage. Hail damage can take several days to fix, if you can find a repair shop that can handle the job.
It’s super smart to get your car repaired before you take it on a road trip. Even a small crack in the windshield could put your whole family in danger.
First of all, what kind of damage has your car sustained?
If you have tons of large dents, the repair may take several days. You may need body filler or PDR (paintless dent repair), or even replacement panels if the damage is severe. This could cost up to $2,000 in extreme cases.
On the other hand, a few small dents may take just a few hours to fix—and a $15 DIY repair kit from the hardware store might do the trick.
If your car was a clunker on its last legs, you may decide it’s not worth the cost to repair it. But if this is a hard-working family car with lots of life left, by all means, get it repaired! It’s very possible that you can get the repairs done in time for your trip.
But before you book a repair appointment, check your car insurance policy. If you have
comprehensive coverage
, you should have some protection for hail damage. Once you pay your
deductible
, the policy can kick in to help pay for the remaining repair costs.
If you’re going through insurance, document the damage carefully and ask if the company has a preferred repair shop before spending any money.
For any
car insurance
questions—or help finding a new policy—
Jerry
can help. The app can help you quickly compare rates and sign up for an affordable policy. If you have questions, our friendly agents can answer questions via phone and text.
Hope your car gets fixed soon!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings