Hail Season Is Approaching: What Dealerships and Fleets Need to Know
SERGHEI ADAM - VICE PRESIDENT
Hail Damage Repair For Dealerships
As spring approaches, so does hail season in many parts of the country. Hailstorms might be brief, but they pack a punch — denting vehicles and causing extensive damage in minutes. In fact, NOAA research indicates hail can cause billions of dollars in damage annually. For auto dealerships and fleet managers, prepping now can save time and money when the inevitable storms hit.
The Seasonal Threat of Hail
In much of the U.S., peak hail season spans late spring through summer. Hail forms within severe thunderstorms, and even small stones can pummel vehicles. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center recorded nearly 7,000 hail events in 2023, underscoring how common these storms are. Each hailstorm can damage hundreds of cars in minutes, creating a major headache for businesses.
With weather patterns becoming more unpredictable due to climate extremes, dealerships and fleets face a growing challenge in protecting their assets. It’s not just a matter of if a hailstorm will strike, but when – and how prepared you are to respond
Hail Risks for Dealerships
Dealerships often keep most of their inventory outdoors. A single severe hailstorm can dent every car on the lot, shatter windshields, and strip paint. In recent years, some storms have caused *millions* in losses at individual dealerships. The cost to repair or write off dozens of new vehicles (and the lost sales time) can be devastating to a dealer’s bottom line. Most dealerships carry insurance for hail, but high claim volumes and deductibles mean an out-of-pocket hit is likely. After a major storm, insurance adjusters may be overwhelmed by hail damage claims, causing delays in getting vehicles back to sellable condition. In the meantime, dealers face storage issues for damaged inventory and potential devaluation of “hail sale” vehicles.
Preparation is key. Dealers in hail-prone regions should monitor weather alerts from reliable sources like the National Weather Service. If a severe storm is forecast, moving as many vehicles as possible indoors or under protective cover can significantly reduce damage. Some dealerships invest in hail nets or portable carport systems to shield inventory. Even simple steps like using custom hail blankets on high-value models can make a difference when a storm is bearing down. 
Fleet Hail Repair Services
Fleet managers face similar threats. Whether it’s a rental car company, a delivery van fleet, or corporate service vehicles, hail can knock multiple units out of service at once. For businesses, that means operational downtime and unexpected repair costs. An entire fleet caught in a hailstorm could require immediate repairs, stretching maintenance teams and budgets thin.
Ensure that your fleet’s insurance policy covers hail damage under comprehensive coverage, and check the deductible for hail claims. It may be worth opting for a lower deductible in hail-prone areas. Also, have a plan for where vehicles can be sheltered when hail warnings are issued – even if it means temporarily relocating vehicles to covered parking or garages. Quick action when a storm is coming can save tens of thousands of dollars in damage across a fleet.
Hail Damage Insurance Claims
When hail strikes, dealing with insurance claims can be complex. Document all damage immediately – take detailed photos of every dent, cracked windshield, and broken light. Most auto insurance policies do cover hail (it falls under comprehensive coverage), but filing promptly is important. After a widespread hail event, insurers often bring in mobile catastrophe centers to process claims faster, yet it’s still a first-come, first-served situation.
According to industry data from State Farm, hailstorms have led to billions in claim payouts in recent years. This means you should expect heavy demand on local body shops post-storm. Understanding the auto hail insurance claims process can make it less daunting – from filing the initial claim, to the adjuster’s inspection, to getting a repair estimate and approval. Be proactive in communicating with your insurer and schedule repairs as soon as you get the green light.
A word of caution: after a big hailstorm, “storm chaser” contractors may pop up offering quick fixes. Always work with reputable repair providers (and coordinate with your insurer) before authorizing any work. This protects you from subpar repairs or potential scams. Your insurance company may even have preferred shops or paintless dent repair specialists to recommend for quality assurance.
Fast, Quality Repairs: The Role of PDR
For most hail dents, paintless dent repair (PDR) is the preferred solution. PDR involves gently massaging out dents from the backside of the panel without the need for sanding or repainting. This technique is faster and more cost-effective than traditional bodywork, which is why many insurance companies recommend it for hail damage. Another big benefit: it preserves the vehicle’s factory paint, which is critical for maintaining resale value — especially important for dealerships with new inventory and fleet owners concerned about branding.
EZTech PDR & Collision specializes in high-volume hail repair. Our team is equipped to handle dozens of hail-damaged vehicles efficiently through our fleet hail repair programs and auto dealer partnerships. In a hail catastrophe scenario, we can deploy multiple certified PDR technicians to work simultaneously, drastically reducing repair times per vehicle. We use specialized lights and tools to spot and fix even the smallest dings, ensuring a thorough restoration. The goal is to get dealership inventory or fleet vehicles back on the road fast, with minimal disruption to your business.
Of course, not all damage can be fixed with PDR. Hail can crack windshields, chip paint, or even puncture panels in extreme cases. For those situations, a full-service body shop like EZTech can seamlessly transition from PDR to conventional repairs. We handle everything from glass replacement to paint matching and panel repair as needed. Our technicians can manage the entire spectrum of hail damage, including any needed collision repair in Glen Ellyn and Naperville for severely damaged vehicles. Plus, we assist with insurance paperwork and supplements, making the process as smooth as possible for our clients.
Chrysler Certified Collision Center
EZ Tech PDR & Collision is a Chrysler Certified Collision Center in the Chicago area, using genuine Mopar parts and factory-approved repair methods you can trust.
EZ Tech PDR and Collision Center is Jeep certified by FCA US LLC
EZ Tech PDR and Collision Center in Chicago is Jeep certified by FCA US LLC, ensuring proper training, tools, equipment, and authentic Mopar parts for repairing Jeep vehicles to factory specifications.
Be Prepared This Hail Season
Hail season comes every year – the exact timing may vary, but the threat is real and recurring. Taking steps now can save a lot of headaches (and money) later. Make sure your dealership or company has a hail response plan: designate staff roles for moving vehicles when a warning comes, know your nearest sturdy shelters, and consider investing in protective covers or hail canopies if feasible. It’s also wise to double-check that your insurance coverage is up-to-date and adequate for a worst-case scenario (large hailstorm affecting all your vehicles at once).
Lastly, identify a trusted hail repair partner in advance. Knowing who to call for hail damage repair services will streamline your recovery after a storm. EZTech PDR & Collision is ready to help dealerships and fleet operators weather the storm. With expert technicians, state-of-the-art PDR techniques, and experience handling large-scale hail events, we’re a one-stop solution to get your vehicles back to pre-storm condition. Don’t let hail season catch you off guard – prepare now, and rest assured that if the worst happens, our team has you covered.
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