Hail Damage on Your Car in Arizona? Here’s What to Do Next
Dimples belong on cheeks. When they show up on your hood, Orlando Auto Body can help you understand your repair options.
You step outside after an Arizona storm, walk toward your car, and notice something different. The hood has little dimples. The roof’s reflection looks uneven. Yesterday, those marks weren’t there.
A surprise hailstorm can leave you wondering whether the damage needs repainting, whether the dents can be repaired, and where to start.
For drivers in Mesa, Gilbert, and Scottsdale, the first step is to document what you can see and arrange an assessment. You don’t need to know which repair method your vehicle needs before asking for help.
Start With a Look Around Your Vehicle
Once the storm has passed and it is safe to go outside, inspect your vehicle in good lighting. Look across the panels from different angles rather than viewing everything straight on.
Pay particular attention to:
- Small dents or dimples across the hood, roof, and trunk.
- Uneven reflections that make subtle damage easier to notice.
- Chipped, cracked, or otherwise disturbed paint.
- Damage to mirrors, exterior trim, and lights.
- Chips or cracks in the windshield and other glass.
You are gathering observations, not trying to diagnose the repair yourself. Make a note of anything that looks new so you can point it out during the assessment.
Photograph the Damage Before Requesting an Estimate
Take a few wider photos showing the affected areas, followed by close-ups of individual dents or paint damage. Try another angle if the marks disappear in the reflection. Keep the original images so you can share them when discussing repairs.
Photos are a useful starting point, but they may not show every dent. Orlando Auto Body’s online estimate process is based on damage visible in the submitted images. An in-person inspection allows for a more detailed assessment.
If you manage company vehicles, check each vehicle separately. A work truck parked outside the office may have been exposed differently from a car parked across town.
Can Hail Dents Be Repaired Without Repainting?
Sometimes, yes.
Paintless dent repair, often called PDR, uses specialized tools to carefully reshape suitable dents while preserving the existing paint finish. It can be an option for hail damage, but an inspection is needed to determine whether it fits your vehicle’s damage.
That is why it helps to start with a question rather than an assumption: “Could these dents be repaired without repainting?”
You do not have to decide that from a photograph or compare your vehicle with someone else’s repair. Let the team assess it and explain the recommended approach.
What If the Paint Is Damaged Too?
Point out any chipped or cracked paint when you arrange your assessment. Ask the shop to explain how it affects the repair plan and whether bodywork or refinishing will be needed.
Orlando Auto Body offers auto body and collision repair services for damage that requires more than a simple dent repair. The goal is to understand the work your vehicle needs before making decisions about the next step.
Useful questions include what the estimate covers, whether a closer inspection could reveal additional damage, and when the shop can provide a realistic schedule.
Hail Damage? Let’s Take a Look
Arizona weather already gave you enough of a surprise. Getting help with the aftermath should feel straightforward.
Whether you noticed a few dimples on your daily driver or damage across several company vehicles, Orlando Auto Body can help you explore your repair options.
Find your nearest Orlando Auto Body location in Mesa, Gilbert, or Scottsdale and arrange an assessment. Bring your photos, point out your concerns, and let’s talk about what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every hail dent be fixed with paintless dent repair?
No single repair method fits every vehicle. Paintless dent repair may suit some hail dents while preserving the existing finish. An assessment is needed before the shop can recommend it for your damage.
Can I get a hail damage estimate using photos?
Photos can help you begin Orlando Auto Body’s online estimate process. However, that estimate reflects only the damage visible in the images. An in-person inspection provides a more detailed view of the vehicle.
How long will hail damage repairs take?
The schedule depends on the damage, the repair method, and shop availability. Ask for an expected timeline after the assessment rather than assuming another vehicle’s repair time will apply to yours.