Can you tell old hail damage from new?
Emma Jordan
Published Mar 02, 2026
When there is no damage to the paint from previous hailstorms, most dents look the same. So it will be challenging to tell old hail dents from new ones. If the hail damaged the paint, in most cases, old damage looks different from new ones: New damage exposing bare metal will still be clean and shiny; vs.
Can I insure my car if it has pre existing hail damage?
Only some types of auto insurance cover pre-existing damage. It can be a bit of a worry if you want to take out car insurance, but your vehicle has dents, scratches or other pre-existing damage. You may wonder if you’re eligible for any auto insurance at all. The good news is that you can still insure a damaged car.
Is it worth buying a car with hail damage?
If you buy a hail-damaged car, keep in mind that its resale value might be impacted. Although an undamaged vehicle may cost more initially, its eventual resale value might make it the more financially sensible option. You should also ask your insurance agent if the hail damage puts your comprehensive insurance at risk.
How does hail damage affect car insurance?
Yes, your auto insurance will cover the cost of repairs or the total loss of your car due to hail damage or other severe weather, but only if you had comprehensive coverage on your vehicle before the damage. That coverage gives you no protection for your vehicle.
How do body shops remove hail dents?
A technician manipulates the metal of the car’s framework to remove the dents and dings created by the hail damage. This manipulation is done without having to remove any paint on the surface. The technicians work on the dent from the inside, so there’s no need to deal with any painting, sanding or even filling.
How do they fix hail damage dents?
Do you get a check for hail damage?
You have no garage and a recent hailstorm left your car with more scars than Edward Scissorhands. You file a claim, pay your deductible and receive a check for damages from your insurance company. But could you simply pocket the cash if you want to?
What happens to your car insurance after a hail storm?
When the next big storm doubles the amount of dents in your hood, your insurer will subtract the amount of the previous hail damage claim check from the new claim check. You will still receive an amount for the new damages, but it won’t cover the preexisting damage. Safety. After severe hailstorms, your vehicle may not be safe to drive.
How long does it take for insurance adjuster to approve hail damage claim?
The adjuster must evaluate the hail damaged roof and siding within 15 days, approve or deny that claim within the next 15 days, and provide the payout within four to five days of an agreed-upon settlement. These timelines vary from state to state – so learn the timelines your state has put in place.
How does depreciation work in a hail damage claim?
Depreciation means a lower payout, so many insurance companies will use actual cash value (ACV), which deducts depreciation. Your insurance policy documents govern your roof coverage. You can usually count on those issues being part of your hail damage claims process. If so, the following steps are necessary.