Hailstorms are a predictable part of life in Texas. Almost every year, golf-sized balls of hail descend from the sky wreaking havoc on cars and homes. If you are wondering if it’s worth it fixing a hail damaged car then you simply want to read this article to the end.
What Is Hail?
Hail is a type of solid precipitation that forms when water freezes in storm clouds. It can take the form of small balls but sometimes they are as big as a potato.
How badly can hail damage my car?
The damage caused by hail depends on the size of the hailstones and the extent of exposure your car suffered. All cars are susceptible to hail damage if caught in a hailstorm. The damage can be so severe that the car has to be written off.
My car has already been damaged by hail, how do I know if it’s worth fixing?
You will know if you car is worth fixing by weighing the following factors:
1. What are your plans for the car?
Your plans for the car will help you determine if the car is worth fixing or not. For instance, If you intend to keep the car and drive it till its last days, then it might not be worth fixing it. However, if the aesthetics of your car matter greatly to you on the other hand, it might be worth fixing the damage just to give yourself some peace of mind.
2. What is the car’s long term value?
A car’s long term value can also help you determine if it is worth fixing its hail damage. A car that is old and has little value will probably not be worth fixing. A car that has a high long term value on the other hand is more likely to be worth fixing.
3. Do you plan to sell the car?
If you plan to sell the car, then it is probably a good idea to fix the hail damage. A damaged car would be very hard to sell and fetch far below the standard market price, so fixing it makes sense.
4. Does the car have a high resale value?
If the car has a high resale value, then it is probably a good idea to fix the hail damage. This is because the repair costs can be recovered during resale.
If the car doesn’t have a high resale value then it might not be worth it fixing the damage.
You should also weigh the cost of repair to the value added. If the repair costs more than the increase in value to the car then it is probably not worth it.
5. Are you emotionally attached to the car?
At that point you have to weigh your feelings and attachment to the car and your preferences: would you rather drive a damaged car or a fixed one? Is the car very special to you or just a means to get around?
Fixing hail damage can be expensive. The decision to fix a car should be based on your plans and the car’s value. Sometimes people fix cars even when there is no attendant gain in value just because they like the car. The decision is yours. The important thing is to weigh all the factors before taking a final decision.
