Quick summary: This guide walks through what to do after a hailstorm damages your vehicle in Sioux Falls.
- Hail damage is often more than cosmetic, breaking the paint seal and inviting rust and water intrusion.
- Right after a storm, inspect in good light, photograph every panel, and note the date and location.
- Cover broken glass if rain is coming, and call a shop and insurer before authorizing any work.
- You have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle.
South Dakota sits in the heart of hail country, and Sioux Falls sees its share of severe storms every spring and summer. A single supercell can pit hoods, dent roofs, and crack trim across an entire neighborhood in a matter of minutes. If your vehicle was caught out in the open, knowing exactly what to do next protects both your car and your wallet. This guide walks through the steps that matter most in the hours and days after a storm.
Why hail damage deserves prompt attention
Hail damage is often more than cosmetic. Dents break the protective seal of your paint, and once bare metal is exposed, moisture and winter road salt can start rust forming beneath the surface. Cracked windshields and shattered trim let water reach places it should never go. Even light dimpling lowers resale value and is almost always flagged during a trade-in appraisal. Addressing the damage while it is fresh keeps a small, affordable problem from turning into a larger and far more expensive one down the road.
What to do immediately after a hailstorm
The moments after the sky clears are the most important. Work through these steps calmly and in order:
- Wait until it is safe, then inspect your vehicle in good light. Run your hand along the hood, roof, and trunk to feel for dimples you cannot always see.
- Take clear photos and video of every panel, the glass, and any cracked lamps or mirrors. Timestamped images become valuable evidence for your claim.
- Note the date, time, and location of the storm. Local weather reports help confirm that a covered event actually occurred.
- Cover any broken glass or open dents with tape or plastic if rain is still in the forecast, so water stays out of the interior.
- Call a trusted body shop and your insurance company before authorizing any work. You have the right to choose who repairs your vehicle.
How hail damage is repaired
The right repair method depends on the size and location of the dents and whether the paint was broken. A reputable shop will inspect the vehicle closely and recommend the least invasive option that fully restores it.
Paintless dent repair
When the paint surface is intact and the dents are shallow, paintless dent repair is usually the ideal solution. Trained technicians work behind each panel with specialized tools, gently massaging the metal back to its original shape. Because no filler or repainting is required, the factory finish stays untouched, the turnaround is faster, and the cost is generally lower. Most hail dimpling on hoods, roofs, and trunk lids is an excellent candidate for this approach.
Conventional bodywork and refinishing
Deeper dents, creased metal, or spots where the paint has cracked call for traditional repair. This may involve filling and sanding the panel, priming, and refinishing so the color and texture blend seamlessly with the surrounding surface. Careful color matching is essential here, which is why our team relies on our full range of expert auto body paint services to make repaired areas disappear. For hail that has damaged large sections of a vehicle, a combination of both methods often delivers the best result. You can learn more about our dedicated hail damage repair services and how we approach each vehicle individually.
Working with your insurance company
Most comprehensive auto policies cover hail damage, and filing a claim is usually straightforward. Hail is considered an act of nature, so a claim typically does not raise your rates the way an at-fault collision might, though you should always confirm the details with your own agent. Get your claim number, review your deductible, and let the shop coordinate directly with the adjuster whenever possible. A shop experienced with storm claims can document every dent thoroughly so nothing is missed on the estimate. We handle this every season, and our insurance claim assistance is designed to take the paperwork stress off your shoulders.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a hail claim?
Policies vary, but it is best to file promptly while the storm is well documented. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove when the damage happened, and lingering dents give rust time to take hold. When in doubt, call your insurer soon after the storm and start the process.
Will paintless dent repair work on my vehicle?
It works on the majority of hail cases where the paint is unbroken and the metal is accessible from behind. The best way to know for certain is a hands-on inspection. If a panel is not a good candidate, we will tell you honestly and recommend the right alternative.
Is it safe to drive with hail damage?
Cosmetic dents are usually safe to drive on, but cracked windshields, broken mirrors, and damaged lights are safety concerns that should be handled quickly. Have any glass or lighting damage evaluated before you rely on the vehicle for daily driving.
When a storm rolls through Sioux Falls and leaves your vehicle dimpled, Boxy’s Paint & Body Inc. is ready to help you get back to a flawless finish. Call us at (605) 543-5568 to schedule an inspection, and let our team guide you through repair and insurance from start to finish.
