After a hailstorm, vehicle damage isn't always immediately obvious. While larger hail can leave noticeable dents, smaller hail damage can be difficult to see without the right lighting and viewing angle.
If your car has been exposed to hail, here's how to inspect it properly and determine whether you may need Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) or Paintless Dent Removal.
1. Inspect the Most Exposed Panels
Start with the panels that face upwards, as these generally receive the most direct hail impact.
Pay particular attention to the:
Bonnet
Roof
Boot lid or tailgate
Tops of guards
Upper sections of doors and quarter panels
Look for small, shallow dents as well as larger or deeper impacts.
2. Look at the Panels from Different Angles
Hail dents can be surprisingly difficult to see when looking directly at a panel.
Instead, look across the surface of the panel from an angle and watch how reflections move across the paintwork.
A dent will distort the reflection and can make damage that was almost invisible from directly above much easier to identify.
3. Use Good Lighting
Lighting makes a significant difference when inspecting for hail damage.
Natural daylight can work well, but avoid relying only on harsh direct sunlight. Reflections from nearby buildings, garage lighting or other straight lines can make subtle dents easier to identify.
Professional PDR technicians use specialised lighting and reflection boards for exactly this reason — they make changes in the shape of the panel much easier to see.
4. Check the Sides of the Vehicle
Although the bonnet, roof and other upward-facing panels often receive the most damage, don't forget the sides of the vehicle.
Wind-driven hail can also damage:
Doors
Front guards
Quarter panels
Pillars
Walk around the entire vehicle and inspect each panel from several different angles.
5. Inspect the Paintwork
Check whether any hail impacts have damaged the paint.
Look for:
Chipped paint
Cracks
Missing paint
Exposed metal
Deep scratches or impact marks
This is particularly important because Paintless Dent Repair is designed to retain the existing paint finish. Significant paint damage may mean conventional paint or body repair is also required.
6. Check the Glass, Lights and Exterior Trim
Large hail can damage more than just metal panels.
Inspect the:
Windscreen
Side and rear glass
Mirrors
Headlights and tail lights
Exterior trims
Look carefully for cracks, chips or impact damage.
7. Take Clear Photos of the Damage
If you find hail dents, take photos before arranging an assessment.
Try to capture:
Wider photos showing the affected panels
Closer photos showing individual dents
Photos from different angles
Reflections across the damaged panels where possible
Hail dents can be difficult to photograph, so changing the angle and lighting can make the damage much easier to see.
Can Hail Damage Be Repaired with PDR?
Many hail-damaged vehicles can be repaired using Paintless Dent Repair, provided the damage is suitable.
Using specialist tools and techniques, individual hail dents are carefully reshaped without fillers, sanding or repainting, helping preserve the vehicle's original factory paint finish.
However, every hail-damaged vehicle is different. The number and severity of dents, paint condition, panel material and other factors all need to be considered.
What Should You Do After Finding Hail Damage?
If you're making an insurance claim, contact your insurer and follow the claims process outlined in your policy.
If you'd like to determine whether the dents may be suitable for PDR, clear photos can provide a useful first assessment without requiring an initial in-person inspection.
For significant hail damage, further assessment may be required before the full extent of the repair can be determined.
Hail Damage Repair in Sydney
Dentless Automotive provides professional mobile Paintless Dent Repair and Paintless Dent Removal throughout the Sydney area.
With 2,000+ vehicles repaired, we have experience repairing everything from individual dents to extensive hail damage.
Has your vehicle been damaged by hail? Complete our Get a Quote form and upload clear photos of the affected panels so we can assess the damage and determine whether PDR may be suitable.
