Hail can leave your vehicle covered in dents and dings in a matter of minutes. At Autobahn Collision, we specialize in efficient, high-quality hail damage repair for New York drivers—restoring your vehicle’s appearance while preserving its factory finish and value. From minor roof and hood dents to widespread panel damage, our team delivers precise repairs with minimal downtime.
What Is Hail Damage Repair?
Hail damage repair addresses the small to moderate dents caused by hailstones impacting horizontal and upper body panels—hoods, roofs, trunks, fenders, and even doors. In most cases, the ideal solution is paintless dent repair (PDR), a technique that reshapes metal from behind the panel without sanding, fillers, or repainting. When paint is cracked or panels are stretched, we blend PDR with traditional refinishing to achieve seamless results.
Why Quick Hail Repair Matters
Left untreated, hail dents don’t just affect appearance—they can reduce resale value and, when paint is compromised, expose metal to corrosion. Prompt repair:
- Preserves your factory paint and vehicle value
- Prevents rust where paint is chipped or cracked
- Avoids diminished value on vehicle history when PDR is feasible
- Keeps insurance claims straightforward and timely
Our Hail Damage Repair Approach
Every hail event is unique, so we begin with a thorough inspection under specialized lighting to map the size, depth, and distribution of dents. We document everything for you and your insurer, then recommend the most efficient path to pre-storm condition.
- Comprehensive Assessment: We evaluate all affected panels, including roof rails and body lines, and check for cracked paint or stretched metal.
- Repair Plan: If panels qualify for PDR, we prioritize it to preserve your original finish. Where paint is compromised, we combine precision PDR with minimal refinishing only where necessary.
- Precision PDR: Our certified technicians use professional-grade tools and lighting to massage dents from the underside, restoring metal memory without disturbing the paint.
- Refinishing When Needed: For dents with paint breaks, we perform OEM-spec prep, color match, and clear coat for an invisible repair, blending adjacent panels as needed.
- Quality Verification: We re-inspect panels under controlled lighting to ensure a consistent surface and flawless finish before delivery.
Insurance-Friendly Process
Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance. We simplify the process by:
- Providing photo documentation and detailed estimates
- Coordinating adjuster reviews and supplements during disassembly
- Advocating for OEM procedures that protect value
- Helping you understand deductibles and timelines
PDR Benefits for Hail Events
Paintless dent repair is the gold standard for eligible hail dents because it maintains your factory paint, often costs less than conventional repair, delivers faster turnaround, and avoids panel replacement and color-match concerns. Most importantly, it preserves vehicle value by preventing unnecessary paintwork on otherwise healthy panels.
When PDR May Not Be Enough
We’ll be transparent if traditional methods are needed. Deep dents with sharp creases, cracked or chipped paint, stretched metal beyond recoverable tolerance, and areas with limited access behind the panel may require a hybrid approach or panel refinishing. Our goal is always the least invasive path that delivers a factory-quality outcome.
What to Expect in Terms of Timing
Repair time depends on dent count and severity. Small, localized hail can be repaired in a day with PDR. Widespread moderate damage may take 2–4 days. Hybrid repairs with refinishing or part replacement typically require additional time for paint cure and reassembly. We’ll provide a clear timeline after inspection.
Why Choose Autobahn Collision for Hail Repair?
- Certified PDR Specialists: Experienced with complex dent patterns, body lines, aluminum panels, and modern materials.
- OEM-Standard Refinishing: When paintwork is needed, we use computerized color matching and OEM-grade materials for a seamless finish.
- Advanced Lighting and Tools: Professional PDR lighting and tooling reveal and correct dents others miss.
- Insurance Coordination: End-to-end claim support to keep your repairs moving.
- Quality Guarantee: We stand behind our hail repairs with a workmanship warranty.
All Makes and Materials
We repair hail damage on steel and aluminum panels across all makes and models, including luxury, EVs, and commercial vehicles. Our team understands the nuances of panel access, adhesives, interior trim removal, and reinstallation to protect your vehicle’s integrity.
Serving New York City
We proudly serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Whether your car encountered a localized storm or a citywide hail event, we’re equipped to handle individual vehicles and high-volume claims efficiently.
Get a Free Hail Assessment
If your vehicle was caught in a hailstorm, schedule a free inspection. We’ll map the damage, outline your best repair options, and coordinate with your insurer. Most hail repairs qualify for paintless dent repair—fast, precise, and protective of your vehicle’s value.
Call us today or visit our shop for your hail damage evaluation. We’ll restore your vehicle to pre-storm condition with the least disruption to your schedule.