Typical hail damage repair costs
| Severity | Typical range | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Light (dozens of small dents) | $1,500–$2,500 | PDR on hood, roof, trunk |
| Moderate (100+ dents) | $2,500–$5,000 | Multiple panels, some deep dents |
| Severe (cracked paint, glass) | $5,000–$10,000+ | Conventional repair + glass |
What affects the price
- Dent count. This is the whole game. A proper hail estimate starts with a counted dent map — hood: 40, roof: 60, trunk: 25, and so on. No count, no honest number.
- Paint condition. If hail cracked the paint (common on edges and previously repaired areas), those dents can't be PDR'd — they need conventional filler and repaint, which costs far more per dent.
- Panel material. Aluminum hoods and roofs dent easier and repair harder. Some aluminum panels get replaced rather than repaired when dent counts are extreme.
- Glass and trim. Severe hail breaks windshields, sunroofs, and mirror glass — priced separately on top of the PDR work.
- Insurance. Hail falls under comprehensive coverage, not collision. It's generally not considered an at-fault claim. If your repair is $3,500 and your deductible is $1,000, filing is usually the right call.
The storm-chaser warning
After every major hailstorm, traveling “dent companies” flood the area offering cheap, fast repairs. Some are legitimate PDR techs; many are not. Red flags: no local address, cash-only, pressure to sign over your insurance check, and no written dent count. A real hail repair takes days, not hours — anyone promising your 150-dent car back tomorrow is cutting corners you'll find at resale.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
Should I file an insurance claim for hail damage?
Usually yes — hail is a comprehensive claim (not collision), so it's not rated as at-fault. Compare the repair cost against your deductible: on a $3,000+ repair with a $790–1,000 deductible, claiming makes sense.
Can all hail dents be fixed with paintless dent repair?
Most, but not all. Dents with cracked paint, dents on edges and body lines, and extremely sharp hits need conventional repair. A good hail tech marks which is which on the dent map.
How long does hail damage repair take?
Light hail: 2–3 days. Heavy hail: a week or more. Any shop promising same-day turnaround on real hail damage is skipping dents.
Will hail damage show on my car's history report?
An insurance claim will typically appear on vehicle history reports. Quality PDR preserves factory paint, which matters more to buyers than the report entry — but it's a real resale factor on heavy-hail cars.