A sudden hailstorm can damage your car leaving dents and broken windows. In Australia, these storms hit hard, and you might wonder: How much damage makes a car a total loss?
We’ll explain it, covering repair costs, how insurance works, and what to do if your car can’t be fixed. Keep reading to understand your next steps after a hailstorm.
When Does Hail Damage Lead to a Car Write-Off?
In most cases, a car is considered a “write-off” if the cost of repair is more than 50% of the car’s market value. This applies to hail damage too.
For example, if your car is worth $8,000 and repairs are estimated at $5,000, it’s likely the insurer will write it off. Why? Because fixing it would cost more than what the vehicle is worth.
If your car is written off, your insurance company may offer a payout based on its current value. But what if you’re not covered? This is where companies like Metro Car Removal come in. We pay top cash for hail-damaged cars in any condition.
Types of Hail Damage and Their Repair Options
Not all hail damage is the same. Some dents are small and easily fixed. Others are severe, affecting multiple panels or even the glass and lights.
1. Minor Damage
This includes light dents and scratches that haven’t broken the paint. These can often be repaired using:
- Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) – A cost-effective method that removes dents without needing to repaint.
- S.M.A.R.T Repairs – Small to Medium Area Repair Technology helps fix localised damage efficiently.
The estimated cost in this case is $500–$1,000
2. Major or Widespread Damage
When multiple parts of your car are affected like the roof, bonnet, doors, or boot. It’s considered major damage. This type of repair can include:
- Panel beating
- Glass or window replacement
- Repainting
- Part replacement
The estimated cost in this case is $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on severity.
At this level repairs are often too expensive to be worth it especially for older vehicles.
Is Hail Damage Covered by Insurance?
Yes. But Only With Comprehensive Coverage
Only comprehensive car insurance covers hail damage. If your policy includes this, you can lodge a claim, and the insurer will assess whether to repair or write off your vehicle.
Always keep in mind that:
- The process can take time.
- You may need to pay an excess.
- There may be delays in repair approvals and assessments.
If your vehicle is written off, your insurer will usually keep the car and give you a payout. But you can also choose to keep the damaged vehicle and sell it to a cash for cars company instead.
No Insurance? You Still Have Options
If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, repairs are out-of-pocket and can get expensive. Instead of spending thousands, consider selling your hail-damaged car to Metro Car Removal. We offer:
- Cash on the spot (up to $9,999)
- Free towing across Greater Sydney
- Quick quotes and no hidden fees
When Should You Sell a Hail-Damaged Car?
Sometimes, the smartest option is not to repair the car. If:
- Your car is older or already had issues before the hailstorm
- The cost of repairs is more than your budget
- Insurance won’t cover the damage
- You don’t want to wait for long repairs
then selling your car to a licensed car removal service can save you time and money.
At Metro Car Removal, we buy all kinds of vehicles. Damaged, old, unwanted, or written off and we make the process easy from start to finish.
Why Choose Metro Car Removal?
With more than 15 years of experience, Metro Car Removal has become one of Sydney’s most trusted names in car removals. Here’s what you can expect when you sell your car to us:
- Instant cash payments – We pay up to $9,999 for cars in any condition.
- Free car removal – We pick up your vehicle at no cost, anywhere in Greater Sydney.
- All cars accepted – We buy cars, utes, vans, trucks, 4WDs. Running or not.
- Same-day service – We offer fast quotes and often complete the removal on the same day.
- No roadworthy needed – Don’t stress about repairs or paperwork. We handle it all.
Whether your car is lightly dented or completely written off, we’ll give you a fair offer and remove it at no charge.
What’s the Process?
Selling your hail-damaged car to Metro Car Removal is quick and easy:
- Call or fill out our form – Reach out to us on 0422 600 833 or via our website.
- Get a free quote – We assess the value based on the damage and vehicle condition.
- Schedule a pickup – Choose a time that works for you. We’ll come to your location.
- Get paid on the spot – Hand over the keys, and we’ll hand over the cash.
No hassle. No towing fees. No delays.
Final Thoughts
So, are you dealing with hail damage? If yes, then it is very important to weigh your options. While minor dents can be repaired, more serious damage might mean your car is no longer worth fixing. When that happens, selling it to a reliable car removal company like Metro Car Removal is often the most stress free choice.
We’ll give you a fair price, pay you cash and remove your car the same day. Plus, there is no need for a roadworthy certificate or any upfront costs.
Call us today at 0422 600 833 or get a free quote now.