Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

.

Brisbane Road Accident Lawyers and Bus Accident Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a road accident in Brisbane, especially one involving a bus, can be a daunting experience. Whether you’re a passenger...

Freezer Room Hire in Perth: The Ultimate Solution for Reliable Cold Storage

Ever found yourself in a cold storage crisis and wondering how to save your perishables before they go bad?   Well, this isn't something new. Pe...

Why Exterior Window Cleaning Is More Than Just Aesthetic

Most people see window cleaning as a finishing touch. Something you do before guests come over or when the smudges finally start to annoy you. It is...

How Duct Inspections Can Save You Money Long-Term

Ever noticed your energy bill creeping up without changing your habits? It is more common than you might think, especially in Melbourne homes where ...

Designing Secure Content APIs in Headless CMS Environments

APIs are what enable content to be delivered from a headless CMS to anywhere digital content can exist from websites and apps to IoT and more. Yet whi...

How to Choose the Right First Aid Kit for Your Workplace

Ever walked past your workplace first aid kit and wondered if that dusty box actually contains what you'd need in a real emergency? We know that fee...

The Role of Mining Equipment Suppliers in the Industry

Mining is one of the most essential industries, driving the global economy by providing raw materials for manufacturing, energy production, and infr...

From White Belt To Warrior: How To Train Your Body For BJJ Endurance

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is as much a mental chess match as it is a physical grind. Whether you’re new to the mats or prepping for high-level com...

Driving After Brain Injury: Common Challenges and How To Overcome Them.

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can drastically influence a person's ability to drive safely. For many, driving represents independence, bu...

The Psychology of Stepping Up: Why We Avoid Helping—and How to Fix That

Most of us like to think of ourselves as kind, helpful people. We imagine that if someone needed assistance—especially in an emergency—we’d st...

Cross-Continental Collaboration: Nutifood and Viplus Dairy to Create Australian- Standard Premium Dairy Brand

Vietnam’s Nutifood has officially entered a strategic partnership with ViPlus Dairy, a heritage-rich dairy manufacturer with over 130 years of ex...

Commercial Plastering Can Boost Your Business Appeal

In business, appearances matter. The way your space looks sets the tone for how clients, customers, and even your staff perceive your brand. A well-...

How Panel Beating Can Quickly Repair Your Car’s Hail Damage

  • Written by Sheen Group

According to recent figures from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) a catastrophic hailstorm in Sydney, which occurred on the evening of December 20 2018, cost the state of NSW approximately $670 million in insurance claims. Of the more than 80,000 claims processed due to that storm, 70 percent were car-related and 21 percent were related to residential homes. In the case of roof damage relating to the home, companies that offer commercial hail damage repair can help to fix any damages or leaks there are on the building. For a car, there are also specialist companies that fix any problems.

While these figures are astronomically high for an isolated incident, cars are frequently damaged by hail. To avoid paying a fortune in repairs, it is important to have comprehensive car insurance (the only level of cover that will protect you against storms) and – if you choose to repair the damage – know how to pick the right panel beater.



Common Types of Hail Damage

When a vehicle is left out in the open during a hailstorm it is at risk of damage. How serious the damage is depending on the intensity of the storm, how long the storm goes on for, and the size of hailstones. The severity of the damage will also determine the total cost of repairs.

If exposed to the elements, the most common car parts to be damaged by a hailstorm is the:

  • Roof

  • Boot

  • Bonnet

  • Windscreen

  • Side panels

  • Side windows

  • Mirrors



Most visual signs of hail damage are clear to see at first glance. However, it is easy to miss those few ‘bumps’ if you inspect the vehicle at night or in poor lighting conditions. So you should wait until daytime for proper lighting to assess the damage.

You will know your vehicle has hail damage when you see bumps, usually the size of a golf ball, on the surface. Sometimes hail is strong enough to damage the paint job as well. But this is not always the case. If you are lucky enough to avoid paint damage by having a ceramic new car paint protection coating applied in advance, the cost of repair will be cheaper.

When hail does hit a window, and the hailstones are either incredibly large or fall very quickly, there is a chance the impact will crack or split a glass panel. When this happens the chance of a successful repair is pretty low. Usually it is safer, quicker, and cheaper to replace the glass panel instead.



Is Hail Damage Covered By Insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is the only type of insurance that will protect you against storms.

Keep in mind no two policies are ever the same. While most comp policies offer some level of coverage against storms, not all do. So it is always a good idea to refer to your policy, or contact your insurer directly, for clarification.

Even if you are covered in the event of a storm, not all policies give you the freedom to choose your panel beater. This can be a problem if the panel beater your insurer does choose is overwhelmed with repair jobs after a recent storm. There is a chance the job could be rushed or you will be left stranded without a vehicle.

Any reputable panel beater will service your vehicle to the highest quality standards. They will also offer a replacement hire car – which your insurer may cover depending on your policy – to keep you on the road in the meantime.



How Panel Beaters Repair Hail Damage

Whether your vehicle is repaired through an insurer or not, most panel beaters offer a free visual inspection and quote. They will have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to assess the damage in the correct lighting conditions, and determine the full extent of the hail damage.

Based on the results, your panel beater will recommend one or more of the following repair services:



Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

This is an effective way to remove dents from a vehicle without the need to re-paint or use body fillers. It involves the use of special PDR techniques, such as high tensile levers and metal rods, in order to gently ‘push’ the dent from the inside back outward and then massage the surface back to its original form. When done correctly, the surface looks as good as new, and you preserve the resale value of your vehicle too.

PDR is a viable repair method as long as the panels are not cracked or scratched.

Keep in mind the cost of repair does go up as more dents are found. Especially if multiple panels are damaged. Sometimes the cost of fixing the tens if not hundreds of dents will exceed the cost of replacing the panel. When this happens, any reputable panel beater will advise you to replace the panel and save you a bit of money.



Body Filler and Re-Paint

Body filler is a substance used to fill dents or dings. It is a viable way to refinish a surface if PDR is unable to resolve the extent of hail damage.

There are many types of body fillers available on the market, which can repair varying degrees of damage for different panels. This includes lightweight body filler to heavy-duty filler for more serious damage. Your panel beater will know which type of filler to use based on your unique circumstances.

Once the body filler has been applied, the panel beater will sand down the surface to ensure a smooth finish. Finally, they will re-paint the surface with the same colour as the original finish so that it matches the rest of the vehicle.



Panel and Window Replacement

If the extent of hail damage is beyond the scope of repair, your panel beater will replace the panel. Any broken windscreens or other glass panels are typically replaced as well.



Cost of Panel Beating Repairs

PDR is the most cost-effective way to repair hail damage, as it does not require re-painting or replacing the panel. And the service only takes 1-2 hours depending on the extent of the damage. Better still, you preserve the look and resale value of your vehicle as well.

Most reputable panel beaters will give you a free quote online. All you have to do is upload a photo of the hail damage and fill out the online form. You will get a quick response and an honest price estimate to help you take the next step.

Holidays & Travel

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and more...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to unlocking smoother acceleration and enhanced vehicle performance? Exhaust...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy of watching the...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diverse landscapes, these countries offer incredible opportunities for sailors...

A Guide to Finding Caravans for Sale for Your Australian Road Trip

From the rugged Outback to stunning coastal drives, there's no better way to explore Australia than in a home on wheels. If you're considering joining the caravan community, you're likely...

Must-Have Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip

 Introduction Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure but not sure what gear makes the cut? Selecting quality equipment optimized for the conditions helps ensure fun and safety during backcountry trips...

5 Innovative Caravan Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Caravanning offers a unique and liberating way to explore the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, having the right accessories can significantly...

Conventional Tent or Roof Top Tent? Which Is Better for Camping in Australia?

For camping in Australia, it depends on factors like terrain and climate. A roof top tent is sturdy in rugged areas and elevates you above ground risks. In flat places like parks...

Choosing the Best Boat Seats: A Comprehensive Guide for Water Enthusiasts

Boat seats are not just about providing comfort during your time on the water; they can significantly impact your overall boating experience. Whether you're cruising leisurely, fishing, or engaging in...

Fashion & Beauty

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you prefer bold patterns, minimalist details or soft...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sustainability and unique haircare philosophy sets Davines apart...

High Visibility Work Shirts: A Must-Have for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a necessity. Workers from construction sites to manufacturing units should be visible for their well-being and they have it by wearing high visibility work shirts. Yes, when...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal gatherings and more. These are...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attention and doing the deal becomes easy. The...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They are doing excellent there. So, the Australian...