Can a Car's Sunroof Be Repaired After a Hailstorm?

Has your car's sunroof recently experienced damage due to hail? Here's what you need to know about vehicle sunroof repair.

Hail—or solid ice that forms inside thunderstorm updrafts—is a serious nuisance.

It can damage homes, aircraft, and vehicles, and even be deadly to animals or people.

Small hailstones fall at a rate of nine to 25 miles per hour. Severe thunderstorms cause hail to fall between 25 and 40 miles per hour. And in the strongest supercells, the fall speed can register between 44 and 72 miles per hour.

Unprotected vehicles are especially susceptible to damage—especially their glass windshields and sunroofs. If your vehicle has recently suffered sunroof damage, you might be wondering about sunroof repair.

Is it possible? What goes into the repair of a sunroof on a vehicle? And how much does it cost?

Keep reading for all the answers to your questions.

Is Sunroof Repair Possible?

Imagine the scene.

A giant hailstorm sweeps through Panama City Beach while you're indoors at work. You don't have time to move your vehicle, which is sitting outside, unprotected by a garage or roof. When you come out to your car after work, you realize the sunroof has a significant crack.

Now what?

Luckily, you have options. Sunroof repair is not only possible but a necessity. Driving around with a damaged sunroof can be dangerous.

Before you do anything—even move your vehicle—take pictures of the damage. You should file a claim with your insurance company, and these photos provide evidence. If your sunroof is only cracked and didn't completely shatter, you can move on to the next steps. If it did shatter, you'll need a game plan for cleaning out the inside of the vehicle.

While the decision to drive your vehicle is your own, it might be safest to have it towed to the nearest auto hail repair company. Look for one with a fast turnaround that helps with claim handling and even provides the option for free vehicle rental.

What Goes Into Sunroof Repair?

It depends on the type of sunroof your vehicle has. Sunroofs come in a wide variety of styles, including:

• Spoiler (or tilt-and-slide)
• Built-in
• Panoramic
• Solar
• Moonroof (a sunroof made with a material that allows you to see through it)

These are just a few of the many types and each requires its own method of repair. Attempting to DIY the repair could result in more damage or an improper fix, resulting in decreased car value and safety.

Repairing a crack usually entails using a special resin combined with UV light. For something more extensive, your vehicle might need replacement parts.

Because of the complexity and variety of sunroofs, it's best for a professional to tackle the repairs. Not only will they understand what replacement parts are required, but they'll have the necessary tools to install them, too.

How Much Does It Cost?

Thankfully, sunroof damage is something that should be covered by a standard auto insurance policy. Comprehensive coverage typically applies in cases where the damage is not your fault—such as a hailstorm.

That's why taking pictures of the damage immediately is crucial. An auto hail repair company can also help with this process. When they replace or repair your sunroof, they can file a claim with insurance as proof that you needed a repair or replacement.

As far as estimates go, look for a company that does free estimates. Charging for estimates is a red flag that the company is more concerned about making money than ensuring your safety.

Finally, driving a damaged vehicle could be dangerous. If you decide to tow your vehicle to a repair company, keep records of your receipt, which you can include in your claim. Whether that cost gets covered depends on your insurance policy.

As far as driving a rental car goes, a company worth your business can help with this, too, securing you a free rental.

All in all, the cost of sunroof repair or replacement shouldn't cost you anything—as long as you're working with the right business and have a good policy.

How to Find a Reputable Sunroof Repair Company

We've already hinted at a few of the things that make an auto repair company great:

• Free estimates
• Quick turnaround
• Free rental vehicle during the time of service
• Lifetime guarantee
• Help with claim handling

When you're dealing with the headache of a damaged sunroof, filing a claim with insurance turns that headache into a migraine. A reputable company will help you file a claim to ensure you receive the most money back. They'll even pay your deductible up to a certain amount since their work will be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Finally, look for a company with great reviews from other residents. If they're backed by people in your community, you'll know they're trustworthy.

Hail Today, Gone Tomorrow

Sunroof repair is possible—and it's necessary.

Driving with a damaged, cracked sunroof is dangerous. One unexpected pothole or curb check could shatter it, sending shards of glass raining down on you and your vehicle's interior. You want to solve the problem before it gets to this point.

That's where we come in.

Express Auto Hail Repair is the auto hail expert. From free estimates to high-quality, 48-hour repairs, your vehicle will be back up and running in no time. Our repairs are also lifetime guaranteed.

Click here for our 3-minute online estimate, or call us at (850)-771-7248 to book a one-hour custom estimate. We look forward to restoring the value and safety of your vehicle.

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