An auto hail repair claim can be complicated and intimidating, especially if it is the first time you are dealing with hail damage. We’ll guide you through the entire claim process as well as provide some key advice along the way. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure you a successful auto hail repair claim and have your vehicle back as soon as possible.
Here are the 5 steps you will need to do:
1. File Your Auto Hail Repair Claim ASAP
Call your insurance company as soon as possible and file your auto hail damage claim. You do not want to put this off, especially if you live in a densely populated area. You will want to get to the front of the line. Insurance adjusters are assigned numerous customers and it can take a while for them to schedule an appointment and access your damage. They will require specific information so be prepared. They will want to know the date of the damage, where you were when it happened and the extent of the hail damage.
Meet Your Adjuster
When the adjuster sets an appointment, make sure you are there to meet him/her. They will be very busy and it may be a while before they can return. Your hail damage will be accessed and you will have to answer a few more questions. You’ll also be able to ask questions of your own. The adjuster will then take that information and send you an estimate of repairs. The estimate can take up to a week depending on your area and the size of the storm.
2. Take Your Vehicle to a Reputable Shop For An Estimate
Once you have your claim number, take your vehicle to a reputable repair shop for an estimate.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they have to bring their vehicle to the shop recommended by their insurance company for an auto hail repair claim. This is not only false, but it may cost you more money and not get you the best repair possible. It’s no secret that insurance companies work with body shops and the repairs are made the way they want them to be which isn’t always in your best interest. We strongly advise against it. You may be required to get multiple estimates but you are free to use any place you like.
Insist On Paintless Dent Repair
Seek a repair facility that specializes in paintless dent repair (PDR) and auto hail repair for the best results. PDR is the superior method of repair vs a body shop for various reasons. The biggest benefit of PDR is that your factory paint stays intact. You can read more in our PDR vs Body Shop for hail damage blog.
3. Arrange A Rental Car Or Alternate Transportation
Depending on the extent of hail damage, your car may take a few days (Or longer) to be repaired. If your insurance policy provides a rental car, you will want to make arrangements as quickly as possible. Rental cars can become scarce following large storms in a heavily populated area. For this reason, The Dent Company has free rental cars and loaners available for our customers.
4. Begin The Auto Hail Repair Process
The shop will give you a date and time to bring your vehicle in for auto hail repair. They will also give you an estimate of how long it will take to make the repairs and you will have to sign some paperwork. They will take delivery of your vehicle and let you know when it is complete. If the shop provides a rental car, you will pick it up then.
5. The Delivery of Your Repaired Vehicle
Once the repair work is complete, the shop will contact you to pick it up. At this point, you should inspect your vehicle and do a complete walk-around It should look exactly as it did before the hail damage happened. Any imperfections should be pointed out and insist they be fixed before taking possession of your vehicle. Do not return your rental car before the inspection just in case more repairs are required. If your vehicle needed to be painted, make sure the paint matches the rest of the car. Body lines and gaps should be straight and uniform. You should receive a written lifetime warranty for the repair.
At the time of delivery, you will be required to pay your deductible.
Auto Hail Repair Claim Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t Put Off The Hail Repair
One of the worst things you can do is not to get your vehicle fixed once the auto hail repair claim is made. Many people do this because of the deductible, finding transportation and the hassle. Even worse, some people will cash the settlement check and never plan on repairing the vehicle. This is usually the case for light hail damage that they find acceptable. If the vehicle is involved in an accident, the insurance company will deduct the amount of the settlement before agreeing to make any repairs.
* No-Deductible Auto Hail Repair
The Dent Company offers a Deductible Assistance Program to our customers for all qualifying auto hail repair work we perform. We forgive the first $500 of your deductible on each vehicle we repair.
File A New Auto Hail Repair Claim For Old Damage
Do not try to file a new auto hail repair claim for old hail damage. This does happen so we thought we would mention it. While you are not required to get your vehicle repaired after the settlement check is issued, insurance companies are keenly aware of people attempting to make new claims on old damage. There are ways to tell if the hail damage was recent or not and it simply isn’t worth the risk as they consider this to be fraud.
At The Dent Company, all of our work is backed by a written Lifetime Warranty and a Satisfaction Guarantee. Word of mouth and customer satisfaction has made us successful from day one, and we never forget that. We want to be your go-to dent company and the one you tell your friends about.
The Dent Company
(866) 685-4245
The Auto Hail Repair Experts
America’s Dent Co.