Hail Damage Repair Cost in 2026
$750 – $10,000
Hail damage repair costs $750 to $3,000 for light damage (a few dozen small dents) and $5,000–$10,000+ for severe storms with broken glass and dented roofs. Repair shops price hail at roughly $30–$75 per dent using paintless dent repair.
Get a free estimate in under a minute
Upload photos of the damage — AI breaks down the repair cost. 100% free, no signup.
Drag & drop photos here or click to browse
Maximum 10 files (0/10)
Hail damage cost by severity
| Repair type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Light (10–30 small dents, PDR) | $750 – $2,000 |
| Moderate (30–75 dents, mostly PDR) | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Severe (100+ dents, some panels replaced) | $4,500 – $7,500 |
| Severe + broken windshield/glass | $6,000 – $10,000 |
What affects the price
- Dent count and size — shops count dents per panel and price per dent ($30–$75).
- PDR eligibility — most hail dents qualify for PDR; cracked paint or creased panels need conventional repair.
- Roof and hood — the largest, most exposed panels often have the most dents and the hardest access.
- Glass and trim — cracked windshields, sunroofs, and moldings add $500–$2,000.
- Insurance deductible — comprehensive claims pay minus your deductible (typically $500–$1,000).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover hail damage?▾
Yes — comprehensive coverage covers hail damage. Filing a hail claim generally does not raise your rates, since it's classified as an act of nature.
When is hail damage considered a total loss?▾
When repair cost exceeds roughly 70–80% of the car's actual cash value. Older cars with moderate hail damage are frequently totaled even while still drivable.
Should I file a claim or pay out of pocket?▾
If the repair estimate is close to your deductible, paying cash avoids a claim on your record. For $2,000+ damage, comprehensive claims are almost always worth filing.
Can hail dents be fixed without repainting?▾
In most cases, yes — hail dents rarely crack factory paint, so PDR handles 80–90% of hail repairs at a lower cost and preserving original paint.
Related repair cost guides
- Head Gasket Repair Cost in 2026
- Transmission Repair Cost in 2026
- Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost in 2026
- Car AC Repair Cost in 2026
All prices are estimated US national averages for 2026 (parts + labor) and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual quotes vary by vehicle, region, and shop.