Hail damage repair in Chicago: what to do after a storm

First: check the damage in the right light

Hail dents are often invisible in direct sun. Look at the hood, roof and trunk lid at an angle in shade or early evening, or look at the reflection of a straight line — a garage door edge, a light fixture — moving across the panel. Every dent bends the reflection.

Take photos of each panel, plus the date and location of the storm. Check the glass, mirrors, lamp housings and trim too; cracked parts are easy to miss next to a roof full of dents.

Paintless dent repair is usually the right fix

When the paint isn't cracked or chipped, most hail dents can be massaged out from behind the panel with paintless dent repair (PDR). No filler, no repainting, and your factory finish stays intact — which matters for resale value.

Dents with cracked paint, dents on sharp body lines, or panels hit so many times the metal has stretched may need conventional repair and refinishing instead. A technician can tell you which panels are which in one inspection.

How the insurance side usually works

Hail falls under comprehensive coverage, not collision, so it doesn't depend on who was at fault. Report the claim soon after the storm while the date is easy to document. The adjuster writes an estimate; if the repair reveals more damage, the shop submits a supplement to the insurer.

In Illinois you choose the repair shop — your insurer can recommend one but can't require it. See our insurance claims page for how we handle the paperwork with your carrier.

Don't wait for the next storm season

Hail dents rarely get worse on their own, but any chip that exposes bare metal will start rusting through a Chicago winter. Get the car looked at while the claim is fresh. Send us photos and we'll tell you what it takes to fix — free.