The cost to repair hail damage on a car can range from $50 to $15,000 or more, with the average falling between $2,500 and $5,000. The final price depends almost entirely on the severity of the damage and the repair method used. Minor dings might only require affordable Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), while extensive damage that has cracked the paint necessitates far more expensive conventional bodywork.
The most critical factor is the repair technique. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a process where a technician massages the dents out from the inside of the panel, preserving the factory paint. This is the preferred and most cost-effective method for the majority of hail damage, but it only works if the paint surface is intact.
| Factor | Low-End Cost | High-End Cost | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Minor Hail (PDR) | $50 - $1,000 | Per-dent pricing; ideal for small, shallow dings. | |
| Moderate Hail (PDR) | $1,000 - $4,500 | Entire panel or multi-panel work; most common range. | |
| Severe Hail (Bodywork) | $4,500 - $15,000+ | Requires filler, repainting; costs escalate quickly. | |
| Vehicle Size | - | - | Larger panels (hood, roof) cost more to repair than smaller ones. |
| Dent Location | - | - | Dents near edges or with limited access are more labor-intensive. |
| Insurance Deductible | $250 - $1,500 | Out-of-pocket cost if you file a claim. | |
Always get at least two or three written estimates from reputable body shops. Before proceeding, contact your insurance company to understand your comprehensive coverage and deductible. For older cars with low market value, the repair cost might exceed the car's value, leading to it being declared a total loss.
