My Fit was stuck in a hail storm and took a pounding. The shop estimate says they'll need to take much of the car apart--many panels, sunroof, headliner, and more. The damage I have now is cosmetic. I'm worried that the repairs could cause more harm than good. My car is still relatively new and I plan on keeping it. Should I be concerned? Or am I worrying needlessly?

 

Be concerned. Body shops never put things back together correctly. Also hail damage ends up on Carfax and similar reports so your resale value unfortunately just went down.

My Fit was hailed on in this storm a couple of years ago. The insurance company totaled it before they got halfway around the car.

 

if I were you guys, I would carry a big old blanket around during the season when it hails.

 

Our area was hammered with a hailstorm a few years ago and most people had their vehicles repaired using Paintless Dent Removal. Days later, insurance companies set up tents in shopping center parking lots where they appraised damage. Repair waits were months long, but my friend's Toyota was repaired and it looked great. Just wanted to mention this if you wished to explore the option.

 

Very good idea !

 

About ten months ago my car was severely damaged in a hail storm. I had well over 1000 dents on the roof, hatch, hood, door frames and panels. I even had a shattered tail light. Two Honda dealers said the roof would have to be removed and replaced. I had only 5K miles on the car for heaven's sake. Someone on this site suggest PDR( paintless dent removal) for hail damage. I yelped PDR and carefully interviewed PDR guys and their references. The team I chose set up their gear in my garage. Two guys worked together for a full day and when they were done every surface was perfect. It was nothing short of remarkable. From any angle, in any light the finish was smooth as silk. I could not have been more pleased. Good luck with finding a good team and don't hesitate to go the PDR route.

 

Out of curiosity, what does something like that cost?

CERTAINLY much less than a roof replacement (& all else they would screw-up while doing it)!

 

I believe the insurance company cut me a check for $2300. I honestly don't remember if I had to pay the $500 deductible or not. The PDR guys wanted $2000 cash for the day's work. By setting up in my garage they were able to save on overhead. A neighbor was so impressed with their work that he had them remove a few dents for him after they finished up with my car. They made a fair bit of cash for the day. They usually freelance their services to auto dealers around the area. Previous to PDRing my car they had repaired hail damage to the lot cars at one the local Audi dealerships. Believe me when I say I called the dealership to verify their expertise. Remove the roof or pay cash to unknown PDR guys? It worked out extremely well for me but there was a lot of anxiety working through the process. Needless to say I gave them a glowing Yelp review.

 

Too bad you (& that vendor) are so very far away, but I'll keep that process in mind!

 

Few years ago we had a good one come through. I had a black Mustang at the time.. thought it was hosed. Paintless is amazing. Couldn't find any hint of damage..





Same location after paintless.

 

My GK got hit in a hail storm 2nd day of ownership. Golf ball sized hail. Both fits got dinged up. I did not take any panels off to do the PDR. 99% of the work was with my glue puller and knock down tool. Only one ding I used my conventional rod. My insurance guy was pretty amazed with my work.

Already sold the GE, Carmax obviously did not see any damage on the roof or the hood