A collision with another vehicle can cause serious damage to your car's body and frame. However, nature can often cause even more severe damage than a regular accident. Here's a guide to help you learn about some common types of storm-related auto damage and know when it's time for emergency auto body repairs.

What Is Common Storm-Related Auto Body Damage?

While heavy rains and flooding can cause significant damage to your vehicle, they generally won't cause auto body damage unless bare metal is exposed to the water. This is most likely to occur if you have pre-existing scratches or dents that haven’t been repaired. When bare metal is exposed to moisture, rust will form, which can weaken and corrode auto body panels. In this case, the weakened parts will need to be repaired or replaced to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive.

In terms of auto body damage, however, hail and wind tend to be the more common culprits. Hail can leave small dents all over the vehicle's body and potentially damage the windshield. Strong winds can also carry airborne debris or cause heavy tree branches to come down on top of your vehicle, resulting in significant damage to the frame and auto glass.

What Kinds of Auto Body Repairs Might Be Needed After a Storm?

The type of auto body repair that you need will depend on the amount of damage your vehicle sustained. Smaller dents resulting from hail can typically be kneaded out of the affected body panels with special metal rods as part of paintless dent removal.

However, if a tree fell on top of your car, you’ll need more extensive repairs to restore the vehicle's safety and normal functioning. You will likely need to have the windshield replaced, and more extensive bodywork will likely be necessary to repair the frame. Some damaged panels may need to be replaced entirely. Fortunately, these repairs are typically covered under comprehensive auto insurance.

If your vehicle is in need of auto body repair work after a storm, contact Mark’s Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. In business for over 25 years, their highly trained auto body technicians are up to date on the latest industry advances and will work with most insurance companies to ensure your repairs are affordable. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (513) 731-4273 to schedule a free estimate.