A hailstorm can be brutal—leaving your vehicle with dents, cracked panels, or worse. But what many drivers don’t realize is that the real damage often happens after the storm. What you do next can impact your vehicle’s value, insurance coverage, and repair quality.

Here are the top mistakes to avoid when your car has been hit by hail—and what to do instead.

1. Waiting Too Long to File a Claim

Time matters. Delaying your claim could create complications with your insurance provider. Most policies have time limits for reporting hail damage, and postponing could lead to claim denial or payout reductions.

Tip: File the claim as soon as possible and take detailed photos of the damage.

2. Assuming Small Dents Don’t Matter

Many drivers ignore small dings and assume they’re purely cosmetic. But when your car is later appraised or traded in, those dents will count against its value. Plus, unrepaired hail damage could be deducted from your insurance payout if the vehicle is totaled later.

Tip: Even minor hail damage can be repaired easily with paintless dent repair—especially when it’s covered at no cost.

3. Choosing the Wrong Repair Method

Not all hail damage repair is equal. Many shops still use outdated bodywork techniques that involve sanding, fillers, and repainting. This can lower your car’s resale value and may take much longer.

Tip: Look for a repair provider that uses paintless dent repair (PDR) for faster, more effective results without compromising your original finish.

4. Paying Out of Pocket When You Don’t Have To

One of the biggest myths about hail damage is that it always costs you money. At Comeback Auto Assist, most repairs are performed at no cost to the customer. Through comprehensive insurance coverage and expert claim handling, many drivers pay $0 from start to finish.

Tip: Don’t assume you have to pay—explore programs that manage your insurance and offer complimentary services.

5. Handling Insurance on Your Own

Trying to manage the insurance process alone can be frustrating and time-consuming. It’s also where many mistakes are made, including incomplete documentation or missed steps.

Tip: Choose a repair service that handles the entire claim process—from inspection to approval to repair execution.

Let us handle the hard parts—insurance, repairs, updates, and more. Schedule your no-obligation inspection and get your vehicle on the road to recovery without the usual hassle.