After a hailstorm, damage can be easy to miss, especially on a wet or dusty car. A careful walk-around helps you record what you can see and explain it clearly when arranging an assessment. Check in good light, take your time, and avoid pressing on dents or handling damaged glass. The checklist below covers the main areas to inspect, plus a few details worth noting before you contact a repair shop.
Inspect the body panels
Start with the roof, bonnet, boot, and upper sections of the doors. Hail dents may appear as small dimples or shallow depressions, and reflected light can make them easier to spot. View each panel from different angles rather than relying on a straight-on look. If the car is wet, let it dry first; water can hide subtle changes in the surface.
Check the edges of panels and the areas around door handles, mirrors, and trim. Note which panels seem affected and whether you can see paint chips, cracks, or scratches alongside the dents. Do not try to push dents out yourself. A quick set of overview photos and closer shots can help you keep track of visible damage.
Check glass and lights
Look over the windscreen, side windows, and rear window for chips, cracks, or star-shaped impact marks. Inspect from outside and inside where it is safe to do so, because glare or reflections can obscure small defects. Do not touch a cracked area or apply pressure to it.
Examine headlamps, tail lamps, and indicator lenses for cracks or missing pieces. If glass is visibly broken, keep people away from sharp edges and avoid driving if your view is obstructed or a lamp no longer works. Arrange appropriate help instead of risking a journey.
Look for less obvious signs
Open the doors and boot carefully, then check for damp carpets, water marks, or a musty smell. Hail itself does not always cause a leak, but impact damage or a broken window can let water in. Note any moisture and where you found it; avoid removing trim or trying to locate a leak by force.
Check mirrors, aerials, roof trim, and any exposed accessories for looseness or damage. If the car has a sunroof, inspect the glass and nearby edges without forcing it open. Make a note of anything that looks out of place, even if you are unsure whether hail caused it.
Record details before assessment
Photograph the car from all four corners, then take clear close-ups of each affected area. Include a wider image that shows where each mark sits on the vehicle. Use natural light when possible, and keep photos unedited so they show the condition accurately. A written list of panels, glass, lights, and interior signs can prevent details being forgotten.
Write down when the storm occurred and whether you noticed any changes afterward, such as a new warning light, water entry, or difficulty opening a door. Share what you observed when booking an assessment, but leave the final cause and repair method to the inspection. If you are in Sheffield, Sheffield Dent Repair can discuss arranging an assessment.
A careful check helps you identify visible damage, protect yourself from broken glass, and give the repairer useful information. Photograph what you find and avoid attempting repairs before an assessment. If you spot cracked glass, a blocked view, or another safety concern, do not drive until it has been dealt with. Arrange an assessment when you are ready.