How to Spot Hail Damage You Might Have Missed

April 19, 2025

Are you worried about how that hail storm might have damaged your car? While the obvious dents catch your eye immediately, it’s the damage you might have missed that keeps you up at night.

As experts in Colorado Springs hail damage repair, we’ve seen how tricky hail damage can be to spot, even for experienced car owners. Those tiny dents you barely notice today could lead to bigger problems tomorrow, from rust development to decreased resale value.

That’s why knowing what to look for after a hailstorm helps you protect your investment. Whether you’re dealing with obvious damage or suspect there might be more than meets the eye, here’s how to properly inspect your vehicle.

Critical Inspection Areas

The right lighting is your best friend when inspecting your vehicle for hail damage. Position your car in direct sunlight or under bright overhead lighting.

Then, slowly walk around your vehicle, viewing each panel from multiple angles. A systematic approach, dividing the car into sections, ensures you see all the damage.

Here’s where most people miss damage:

  • The edges where your hood meets the fenders
  • Along body lines and creases
  • The subtle curves of your door panels
  • Around trim pieces and moldings
  • The lower sections of your side panels

Look at each panel from at least three different angles, paying special attention to how light reflects off the surface. What might look perfectly smooth from one angle could reveal a constellation of minor dents from another.

Hidden Damage Warning Signs

Even if you think your car escaped the storm unscathed, there may be hidden damage requiring Colorado dent and hail repair expertise. These are subtle indicators many vehicle owners miss:

  • Changes in paint reflection: Notice how sunlight bounces differently across your hood or roof
  • Door operation issues: Newly developed squeaks or resistance when opening doors
  • Window function: Slight hesitation or unusual sounds in your power windows
  • Trim pieces: Look for spots where trim meets the body panel at slightly different angles
  • Sunroof operation: New noises or changes in how smoothly it opens

Why do these subtle signs matter? Experience shows that unaddressed minor damage often leads to more significant problems. Paint can start to crack around stressed areas, and minor dents can trap moisture, potentially leading to rust.

When to Seek Professional Help

Don’t let the thought of car dent repair costs scare you away from getting professional paintless dent repair. Catching damage early typically means more repair options and lower overall costs. Plus, your insurance may cover it without any increase in policy costs. The right time to seek expert help is:

  • Immediately after a hailstorm, before damage worsens
  • When you spot any of the warning signs mentioned above
  • Before filing an insurance claim, to ensure thorough documentation
  • If you’re planning to sell or trade-in your vehicle
  • When you notice changes in how your car’s features operate

At Lord of the Dings, we understand you might hesitate to get an assessment and be worried about what we might find. But knowing what you’re dealing with puts you in control, whether you repair it now or later.

Action Steps

Don’t let hidden hail damage compromise your vehicle’s value or peace of mind. Lord of the Dings provides free, thorough inspections that catch the damage others miss.

Book your appointment today for on-site or mobile service in our Colorado and Arizona locations. Our certified technicians will provide a detailed damage report and clear repair options without obligation or pressure. When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s value, sooner is always better than later.