How Hail Damage Affects Vehicle Value — And How to Fix It Fast

Hail damage can tank your car’s value fast

West Texas weather doesn’t play around — and if you’ve lived in Lubbock long, you’ve probably experienced a hailstorm that left your vehicle looking like a golf ball. Whether it’s a handful of dings or hundreds of deep dents, hail damage can seriously impact the value, appearance, and safety of your car or truck.

But how much does hail damage actually affect resale value? And what’s the fastest, most affordable way to fix it?

In this guide, the experts at Moreno’s Elite Autoworks LLC break down everything you need to know about hail damage repair in Lubbock, TX — from insurance claims to restoration techniques that preserve your factory finish.

Why Hail Damage Is a Big Deal — Even If You Keep Driving

Some drivers think, “It’s just cosmetic,” and put off repairs. But the truth is, hail damage can cost you thousands when it’s time to trade in, sell, or return a leased vehicle.

Here’s why:

• Dealerships and buyers reduce offers for visible dents and body damage.
  
  
• Carfax reports may show unrepaired damage, even without an accident.
  
  
• Hail can weaken your paint, eventually leading to rust and corrosion.
  
  
• Lease companies charge penalties for damage exceeding wear-and-tear limits.
  
  
• Insurance claims can expire if you wait too long after the storm.
  
  

Even if the car drives fine, unrepaired hail damage tanks resale value and hurts first impressions. Think of it like selling a house with broken siding — it’s still livable, but you’ll get a lower offer.

How Much Value Does Hail Damage Decrease?

Depending on the severity, unrepaired hail damage can drop your car’s market value by $2,000 to $7,000 — or more. That reduction is even higher for:

• Newer vehicles
  
  
• Luxury or sports models
  
  
• Classic or collector cars
  
  
• Leased vehicles due for return
  
  

In some cases, insurance companies may even declare a total loss if the repair costs exceed the car’s current value — even though the vehicle still runs.

That’s why it’s important to get a professional assessment quickly, even if the damage looks minor.

Common Types of Hail Damage

Hail damage varies based on the size of the hailstones, wind direction, and your vehicle’s exposure.

Most common areas hit:

• Hood and roof
  
  
• Trunk lid
  
  
• Doors and fenders
  
  
• Mirrors and moldings
  
  
• Windshield and glass
  
  

Visible symptoms:

• Round dents or dimples
  
  
• Paint chips or micro-cracks
  
  
• Cracked or shattered glass
  
  
• Water leaks if seals are broken
  
  

“James and his team fixed my hail damage and made the color match perfectly. I was a return customer and I’ll keep coming back.”
— Shari Davis, Verified Google Review

The Best Way to Fix Hail Damage: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks, our go-to method for hail damage is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR). It’s a fast, affordable technique that gently reshapes the metal without sanding, fillers, or repainting.

Benefits of PDR:

• Preserves your factory finish
  
  
• Faster than traditional repair
  
  
• Insurance-approved
  
  
• No need to repaint or blend panels
  
  
• Lower cost for multi-dent repairs
  
  

PDR is ideal for hail dents where the paint is intact — which covers the majority of storm-related damage in Lubbock.

When Traditional Repair Is Needed

If the hailstorm chipped or cracked your paint, or if the dents are too deep or creased, we’ll recommend traditional dent repair. This includes:

• Removing and replacing damaged panels
  
  
• Sanding and filling the area
  
  
• Precision color matching and repainting
  
  
• Clear coating and polishing
  
  

While more labor-intensive, this approach ensures the car looks as good as new — especially if you're planning to resell, return, or insure the vehicle.

What About Insurance?

If you have comprehensive coverage, hail damage is almost always covered — and it won’t raise your rates.

At Moreno’s, we:

• Work directly with most major insurance companies
  
  
• Help you file or reopen claims
  
  
• Document all damage
  
  
• Provide accurate, insurer-ready estimates
  
  
• Handle communication with your adjuster
  
  

“James helped me through the insurance process and got everything approved. Fast turnaround and honest service.”
— Amy Salazar, Real Review

Important: Most policies have a time limit (often 6–12 months) to file a hail claim after a storm. If you delay, you may lose coverage.

Why Lubbock Drivers Trust Moreno’s for Hail Repair

• Family-owned, local business
  
  
• Specialists in PDR and full-body restoration
  
  
• Trusted by repeat customers across West Texas
  
  
• Transparent estimates and warranty on work
  
  
• Fast turnaround, even after large storms
  
  

“Amazing work! Great care, kind owner. Priced reasonably and got my car back to me within the week.”
— Jayson Willia

FAQs About Hail Damage

How long does hail repair take?

Minor PDR jobs can be completed in 1–2 days. More extensive damage may take up to a week, depending on parts and approval.

Can I drive my car with hail damage?

Yes — but you risk losing insurance eligibility and lowering resale value if it’s not repaired promptly.

Does PDR leave any trace behind?

No — if the dent qualifies for PDR and the paint is intact, the panel will look like new when finished.

What if I already got a claim check from insurance?

You can still bring it to our shop. We’ll honor the payout and work within the approved estimate.

Don’t Let Hail Damage Devalue Your Vehicle

Hail is unavoidable in West Texas — but losing thousands in vehicle value isn’t. At Moreno’s Elite Autoworks, we make hail repair easy, fast, and affordable. Whether you're fixing it for peace of mind or prepping to sell or trade in, we’ll help you protect your investment.

Call (806) 772-9956
Visit: 8901 US-87 Suite 125, Lubbock, TX
Email: eliteautoworksoflubbock@yahoo.com

Free estimates. Insurance help. No pressure. Just honest, elite-level repair.