When hail hits your car in San Antonio, it’s not always obvious what kind of damage you’re dealing with. Some dents are big and easy to spot. Others? Not so much. Tiny, subtle depressions can go unnoticed—until they start to compromise your car’s appearance, structure, and even value.
At The Hail Group, we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped thousands of San Antonio drivers who thought the damage “wasn’t that bad” — only to discover that hail had quietly affected their vehicle’s roofline, trunk lid, hood, or side panels. The truth is, hail rarely leaves just one or two dents. It usually hits hard and fast, covering your vehicle in small, shallow marks that require a trained eye to detect.
That’s why we always recommend a professional inspection after any hailstorm. It takes just a few minutes, and it could save you thousands down the road. Hail damage doesn’t heal — it only gets worse over time. Whether you lease your car, plan to trade it in, or want to preserve your investment, catching and repairing the damage early is the smart move.
Even if you’re not a technician, there are a few key things you can look for after a hailstorm. While some damage jumps out right away, others require the right angle, lighting, and patience. Here’s what we recommend checking:
Look in Natural Light, Not Shade
The best way to detect hail dents is under bright, natural sunlight. Park your car so the sun hits the surface directly, and scan the panels at an angle. Dents cast small shadows that become easier to see in direct light.
Feel the Surface with Your Hand
Run your palm over the hood, roof, and trunk. Even if you can’t see a dent, you may be able to feel it. Hail often leaves behind soft, shallow impressions that you can pick up through touch.
Don’t Forget the Roof and Upper Trim
The roof takes the brunt of hail impact, and it’s often the most damaged area. Be sure to check any roof rails or trim pieces, too. Cracked plastic or loosened components are a sure sign of impact.
Watch for Paint Cracks or Chipping
Severe hail strikes can cause microfractures in your car’s paint. If you see cracking or bubbling, the damage may already be more advanced than it looks.
Putting off hail damage repair might seem harmless, especially if the dents are small. But the truth is, delay can lead to bigger headaches. Here’s why it’s important to act fast after your car gets caught in a San Antonio hailstorm:
Compromised Resale and Trade-In Value
Even minor hail damage can reduce your car’s market value. Dealerships and buyers will inspect for cosmetic flaws, and hail dents will count against your offer. Most trade-in systems are automated and deduct for visible body issues.
Insurance Claim Deadlines
Most insurance companies have time limits for filing hail-related claims. If you wait too long, you could lose the chance to file altogether. Once that deadline passes, the cost of repair is all on you.
Risk of Rust and Paint Failure
Even when paint isn’t chipped, dents can weaken the clear coat and protective surface. Over time, moisture and temperature changes work their way in, eventually causing corrosion. That’s a long-term problem no one wants to deal with.
Future Claims Complications
If another storm hits and your car already has existing hail damage, it can complicate new claims. Insurers may deny coverage for “pre-existing” damage or reduce your payout. Repairing promptly keeps your record clean and your coverage intact.
Early repair is easier, faster, and often cheaper—especially when handled by specialists like The Hail Group. We streamline everything so you don’t have to stress, and we get the job done right the first time.
Our skilled technicians are experts in the most advanced hail repair methods, guaranteeing that your vehicle receives top-notch care.
We prioritize your schedule by offering fast and reliable repair solutions, ensuring you're back behind the wheel in no time.
Ensuring your complete satisfaction is at the forefront of our efforts, and we aim to surpass your expectations through our exceptional workmanship.
Google Reviews
"Fine group of staff! Initially, I met Ben and Joe! I was sold on the service because of their professionalism! Later, I met Logan and Adrian. Great group to work with. I love the way my car turned out. It was worth the wait!"
"Completely awesome and great customer service. this is the second place i’ve been to trying to fix the hail damage on my car and they were the ones who could fix them the best!! like it never even happened!! awesome job!!"
"Amazing people and great service!! They were able to help get the dents out of my vehicle from a recent storm that had passed. Absolutely loved the experience, highly recommended!"
