hail car damage

Hailstones are nature’s way of giving your car a lunar surface and your insurer a mild panic attack. Light peppering can often be fixed with paintless dent repair, while cracked paint or creased panels mean bodywork and bigger bills. Expect rough repair costs from AUD $1,000–$5,000 for mild PDR to $5,000+ if panels, glass, or trims need replacing. If you’re buying a hail-damaged car, the discount can look tasty, but resale and insurance history will follow you like a dented bonnet.

• Inspect in bright, even light: roofs, bonnets and bootlids cop it worst.
• Run a magnet/hand for creases; look for micro-cracks in paint that invite rust.
• Check for water leaks around windscreens and sunroofs, and verify windscreen safety systems if fitted.
• Always run a PPSR check to see if an insurer wrote it off for economics, not structural drama.

Negotiate hard, budget for repairs, and remember: shiny paint doesn’t guarantee a straight panel.