Hail Season in the Ozarks: What to Do After a Storm

Spring and early summer in the Ozarks bring beautiful weather, but they also bring severe storms that can drop damaging hail in a matter of minutes. If you have ever lived through a northern Arkansas hailstorm, you know the sinking feeling of looking at your vehicle and seeing dozens — or even hundreds — of small dings peppered across your hood, roof, and trunk.

At Harrison Dent Removal, we guide vehicle owners through the recovery process every single hail season. Here is our step-by-step guide on what you should do immediately after a hailstorm to protect your vehicle's value, simplify your insurance claim, and get it restored to perfection.

Step 1: Document the Damage Safely

Once the storm has fully passed and it is safe to go outside, take a look at your vehicle. However, do not try to take detail photos immediately if it is still overcast or wet. Water droplets on the panels hide dents, and flat, grey light makes them hard to see on camera.

• Dry the vehicle first: If it has stopped raining, wipe down the panels with a clean microfiber towel.
• Find indirect light: Wait for a clear day or move the vehicle under a carport or garage. The best time for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low.
• Take wide and angled shots: Take photos of the whole vehicle first, then take close-up shots at a 45-degree angle. This helps adjusters see the depth of the dents.

Step 2: File Your Claim Promptly

Hail damage is covered under your auto policy's comprehensive coverage, not collision. FILE YOUR CLAIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Important: Comprehensive claims do not raise your premium rates because weather is considered an "Act of God." Filing a claim for hail will not penalize your driver safety record.

In major hail events, insurance companies get flooded with thousands of claims at once. The sooner you file, the sooner your adjuster will be scheduled and the quicker you can get your car fixed.

Step 3: Choose Your Repair Shop (It is Your Choice!)

Your insurance company might suggest a specific collision center or "preferred vendor" to handle the repairs. While they can make recommendations, by Arkansas law, you have the right to choose whatever repair shop you want.

Many preferred insurance network body shops default to traditional repairs (replacing panels, sanding, and repainting). Choosing a specialized Paintless Dent Repair shop like Harrison Dent Removal ensures your original factory paint is preserved, keeping your car's resale value intact.

Step 4: Understand the PDR Advantage for Hail

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is the insurance industry's preferred method for repairing hail damage. Why?

• Preserves Factory Paint: No repainting means zero risk of mismatched colors, paint runs, or clear-coat failure down the road.
• Maintains Resale Value: PDR is non-invasive. Your panels remain original, meaning no "accident or bodywork" history on your vehicle reports.
• Faster Turnaround: A body shop might keep your car for 3 to 4 weeks. PDR shops can typically finish a complete hail restoration in 1 to 3 days.

What to Expect During the Repair

When you bring your vehicle to Harrison Dent Removal, we handle all the details for you. Here is how we make it hassle-free:

• Direct Billing: We submit the estimate directly to your insurer, write any necessary supplements if the adjuster missed dents, and collect payment directly from them.
• Deductible Assistance: Depending on the size of the claim, we can often assist with or cover your comprehensive deductible to keep your out-of-pocket costs at zero.
• Rental Car Coordination: If your policy includes rental coverage, we can help coordinate your pickup and drop-off right at our shop.

Don't Wait Until Next Season

It is tempting to put off hail repair, especially if the dents are small. However, waiting is risky. If your car gets hit by a second storm, or if moisture gets under any micro-cracks in the clear coat, the paint can begin to fail and rust. Furthermore, insurance claims have strict filing deadlines (often 1 year from the storm date).

Let Jeff and the team at Harrison Dent Removal inspect your vehicle today. We will give you an honest assessment and work directly with your insurance company to make your car look like the storm never happened.