When it comes to buying a used car, many people go out of their way to avoid any vehicle that is smashed in any way. It’s not just the ugly bit that sends people running off when they think someone’s got a chunk of glass cracked, or that dent filled sock making your arm smell like pet urine. But there’s a group of people out there that will see through those warning signs and purchase a hail damage cars for sale.

So the question is: are hail damaged cars a good buy or a bad investment? Like any other purchase of salvage or damaged automobiles, the answer really depends on your goal, your risk tolerance, and the knowledge you’ve acquired about what you’re buying. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know in order to determine if a hail-damaged car is really a good purchase.

What Is Hail Damage?

Hail damage is damage to a vehicle caused by hailstones ( bits of ice that fall from storms ). It can be anything from cosmetic damage to damage that ‘s so severe ( windows shattered or roof dents deep enough to cause significant structural damage ) that the vehicle must be replaced.

Most hail damage affects the exterior:

• Dents on the hood, roof, and trunk
• Cracked or broken windshields and windows
• Chipped paint and minor corrosion
• Sunroof or light fixture damage

Because hailstorms usually do not affect the drivetrain or suspension ( or anything else really ), these vehicles are generally relatively mechanically sound ( even if they look a little rough on the outside ).

Why Are Hail-Damaged Cars Sold at a Discount?

Generally cars that get hail damage end up going to auction or resale because the insurance companies declare them total losses. That may seem extreme, especially if it turns out to be minor damage. But in many cases the cost of getting every single dent fixed and replacing cracked glass equals more than the retail value of the vehicle.

That ’s what the insurance companies do — they reduce their losses ( pay their claim ) and send the car to a salvage auction where it really shines because it still runs and drives right, but due to cosmetic damage the market value of the car drops dramatically.

Who Should Consider Buying a Hail-Damaged Car?

Hail – damaged car, may be a good deal for some buyers but not everyone. You should consider this type of vehicle if:

• You prioritize function over appearance and are happy to drive a cosmetically imperfect car
• You want to save money and can accept some minor aesthetic damage
• You’re a DIY enthusiast who can repair dents, replace windows, or repaint panels yourself
• You need a second car or a daily driver that doesn’t need to look pristine
• You’re looking for a project car to repair and potentially flip

On the other hand, you might want to avoid hail-damaged vehicles if:

• You expect to resell the car quickly and want to preserve resale value
• You need a vehicle for business or professional appearances
• You plan to finance the car and want full insurance coverage
• You’re uncomfortable buying a vehicle with a salvage or branded title

What to Look for When Shopping for Hail-Damaged Cars

Before you make a purchase you should definitely look for the specific damage to any vehicle you are considering. Not all hail damage is created equal – some cars will have just a few dents while others scream golf ball storm.

1. Assess the Severity of the Damage

Walk around the car looking at all the panels and focus on the roof, hood and trunk area – these are the areas that are most likely to get hit. Light cosmetic dents will probably not need any repair, but creases or any extensive paint damage may cost more to patch up.

2. Check the Glass and Lights

Windows/mirrors / headlights and taillights can crack or shatter with hailstorms. Replacement of car glass doesn’t have to be expensive but adds it to your budget and make sure there is no danger of damage to glass.

3. Evaluate the Interior

Some things that can cause water leaks: Hail can crack or otherwise lift up seals on sunroofs, windows or doors. Look for signs of water intrusion or musty smells, mold or electrical problem inside of the car.

4. Confirm the Mechanical Condition

Don’t forget to look under the hood. Just because the damage is external it doesn’t mean you should try to skip doing a mechanical check. Check all the motor, transmission, brakes and suspension is in good shape before you buy.

5. Review the Title Status

Depending on how much damage was done and the insurance company’s decision, the car may have either a clean title or a salvage title or a rebuilt title. A salvage or rebuilt title could impact your insurance options and resale value so you want to look up the local regulations and make sure you’re comfortable with what happens.

Pros of Buying Hail-Damaged Cars

There ‘s a number of solid reasons that hail damaged automobiles may be a good buy:

1. Major Cost Savings

You can usually buy a hail damaged car for 30-60% less than a similar clean title model, so (if you really have a good excuse to drive a car with some dents) you can make big savings.

2. Lower Competition

They are often overlooked by buyers for salvage vehicles. So you ‘re not as likely to get bidding wars at auctions or fierce competition in private sales.

3. Mechanically Sound Vehicles

Unlike cars with flood or collision damage hail damaged cars are often in mechanical fine shape. The issues are cosmetic and do not affect performance or reliability.

4. Easier to Repair Than You Think

Paintless dent repair ( PDR ) has really come of age in the last few years. Basically if the paint is not cracked, skilled technicians can get rid of dents fast and cheaply. And if you ‘re DIY savvy you can actually try small repairs yourself.

Cons to Consider

Like any car that has been discounted or skewed there are some potential dangers:

1. Insurance Challenges

Some insurance companies will not provide full coverage on a hail damaged car if you have a salvage or rebuilt title. You may only be eligible for liability insurance, and any claim that involves some existing damage will probably be denied.

2. Resale Difficulties

Because if it runs perfectly the visual damage and title status make the car attractive to a lower pool of buyers. Unless you plan to resell it expect a lower buyer pool and lower offers.

3. Repair Costs Add Up

If the damage is any worse than superficial, professional dent repair, repainting, and glass replacement can add up incredibly fast. Compare the total cost of the repairs to the value of the vehicle after the repairs before you buy.

4. Potential Hidden Damage

In very rare cases serious hail can cause damage beyond the surface. The likelihood is misaligned body panels, cracked body seals or electrical issues caused by water ingress. So don’t assume all hail damage is harmless.

Tips for Making a Smart Purchase

These tips will help protect your investment if you are buying a car damaged by hail:

• Request a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
• Use damage as leverage to negotiate a lower price
• Research your insurance options before committing
• Check repair estimates for glass, bodywork, or paint
• Understand your local DMV’s rules for registering salvage or rebuilt titles

Final Thoughts

It’s certainly an excellent way to save money and get an overall mechanically sound car for less – but only if you do it with some open mind and a clear idea of what you’re getting into. Basically you need to be aware of the kind of damage you’re in, what it does to the car’s value and what you’re expecting.

If you’re willing to take the cosmetic damage for what it is and do your homework, a hail damaged car can still be reliable travel without breaking the bank (and if you’re willing to put in the work for it, it may even get restored back to its original condition).

Just remember: Dents can affect the value of a car but they do n’t always affect the value of a car.