How to file a claim for auto hail damage on your car, truck, or SUV

How to file a claim for auto hail damage on your car, truck, or SUV

Weather is a fickle thing and very unpredictable. Severe rain, wind or storms can wreak havoc on personal belongings like property or vehicles. During such severe weather conditions, vehicles may take a beating due to hail damage. While vehicle owners must get the car restored, it is better to properly understand how to file a claim for auto hail damage on their car, truck, or SUV.

But before that, we suggest that you look through your insurance papers to know what extent of the damage has coverage. For instance, many of our customers have comprehensive coverage, which also takes care of interior damage to the vehicles.

On the other hand, most insurers don’t pay for the damage if you have liability-only coverage. It only protects you if you cause harm to others while using the vehicle. Hail and storm damage are considered “acts of nature,” covered under comprehensive coverage.

Either way, hail can cause unsightly dents across the entire vehicle. If the insurance policy covers hail damage, file the claim as soon as possible to reap greater benefits.

Some companies may deter policy purchasers from taking hail damage car insurance coverage if they are buying insurance just before the start of inclement weather. They may put a hold on comprehensive coverage before, say, hurricane season; you have not taken the policy, and hail happens. Then, you are liable to pay for the physical damage to the vehicle.

Even if you have coverage, there are other things to understand before learning how to file a claim for auto hail damage, including:

Deductibles

Like any standard insurance claim, hail damage to vehicles also has deductibles. The amount is set at the time of purchase of your car, SUV or truck insurance. However, zero deductible is also allowed for an additional cost to be paid during the policy’s acquisition. But sometimes, the car repair costs may exceed this value.

Auto hail damage repair costs depend on the extent of how much the vehicle got pummeled. Simply put, it is possible that a vehicle can get totaled, and the damage can be extensive. Although the hail damage vehicle repair costs may be high for certain types of damage, it is not something we recommend to ignore.

You may live with the dents that are just cosmetic and think of them as accentuating dimples, but the vehicle itself may lose out on resale value. You already incur depreciation every year; so, getting hail damage repaired can be an excellent way to protect your assets.

In any case, it is not feasible to contemplate how to file a claim for auto hail damage. Delaying the claim process will only slow down things more, as your vehicle may not be the only one damaged.

Auto hail damage process

Most insurance companies only get involved after the repairs are finished. Meanwhile, you can refer to the policy documents to understand how to file a claim for auto hail damage. Some insurers may remove the deductible and send a check for the estimated repair cost.

Your insurance adjuster and an auto body shop will get an estimate during the vehicle insurance claim process. Your insurance adjuster will determine if it is worth fixing or not.

It can happen when the repair estimate costs exceed the vehicle’s depreciation value. The company may then cut you a check worth the vehicle’s actual cash value, which can help you purchase a replacement vehicle.

Contact the insurer: Don’t wait to contact your insurance company. We have seen vehicle owners who would not know when to call the insurance company representative in our experience. Giving them the exact details of what happened can present a clear picture, which helps them determine the damage’s extent.

Understand the terms: We are surprised to know that some people do not get their vehicles repaired, as they may have to pay a deductible from their pockets. Luckily, we have a free auto repair offer for eligible situations.

Meet the insurance adjustor: Work with your insurance adjuster and the body shop technicians. Be present when the adjuster comes around to help speed up the claim process.

Find a trustworthy auto body shop: Skimping out on repair costs or scouring for the lowest estimates can backfire when you see the outcome. At Ex-Hail Auto Hail Repair, we use the highest standards when it comes to getting your vehicle back to its original state.

With us, you get:

  • Turnkey packages including glass replacement, detailing, paintless dent repair and more
  • Restoration of corrosion protection materials, under panel adhesives, etc.
  • Free vehicle pickup, delivery and car rental
  • Exceptional service with quick repair times
  • Access to top insurance companies in the country
  • Zero-cost auto hail damage repair to your satisfaction

Typically, there are two ways to repair auto hail damage:

Conventional method

It is best suited for exterior damages to the vehicle. Fishing these involves pulling out the deep dents, repairing irregularities in the body filler, etc. But it takes a longer time since the repairable area gets primed first.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)

PDR requires special molded tools to push out dents from the underside of the car, truck or SUV panels. As we smooth the dents, the paint surface remains intact; so, there will be no paint mismatches. PDR is less expensive, time-saving and insurance-approved.

It is ideal for small and medium-size dents from hail damage, dings, creases and other repairs. When we finish the job, the repair is practically invisible. It is an eco-friendly technique, as it eliminates paints and solvents.

Contact Ex-Hail Auto Hail Repair for dependable vehicle restoration. We provide paintless dent repair for excess hail damage and deliver the utmost commitment to our customers’ needs. We also assist you on how to file a claim for auto hail damage. Give us a call to get a free repair without delay!

Does Paintless Dent Repair Reduce the Resale Value of My Car?

Does Paintless Dent Repair Reduce the Resale Value of My Car?

Sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. If your car has been damaged by a hail storm, you may be wondering “Does Paintless Dent Repair reduce the resale value of my car?” The short answer is NO. But the more complete answer is that it is usually better to repair hail damage before trade-in or sale. Read on for details.

While a hailstorm may be short, hail can leave behind lasting damage on your car long after its melted. Hail damage may not seem very big, but they can make a huge dent in your car’s resale value. While small dents and bruises may not bother you, it’s often worth it to fix hail damage before trying to sell your car. 

You may have heard about paintless dent repair. But, is it the best way to repair your car? If you’re wondering how paintless dent repair will affect the trade-in value of your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. 

Stop dreading hailstorm season! We can help. Keep reading to learn more about whether paintless dent repair is right for your car. 

Is It Worthwhile to Fix My Hail Damage Before I Sell My Car?

It may seem counterintuitive to spend money repairing your car before you sell it. After all, unsightly hail dents may be the reason you want to sell in the first place! Auto body repair can be a huge pain, so you may be inclined to get rid of the car without making any repairs. 

However, fixing hail dents can offer a significant return on investment (ROI) when you’re ready to sell your car. Buyers frequently ask for discounts when they see noticeable exterior damage. Plus, a dealership or used-car retailer may offer a much lower offer on your car if it has frame damage.

You may have heard that traditional methods of dent repair can be costly. Assumptions about the high cost of dent repair lead many car owners to try DIY fixes first. Unfortunately, DIY dent repair kits are often a disappointing waste of time and money. 

That doesn’t mean you have to spend tons of money to get your car ready to sell. Hail repairs may be less expensive than you think. Paintless dent repair is a quick, easy, and affordable way to restore your car’s frame damage.  

How Does Paintless Dent Repair Work? 

Paintless dent repair is becoming a popular option to combat hail damage. This technique offers fast turnaround times and a beautiful restoration of your car’s body without repainting, resanding, or any bonding. But how does it work? 

For dents where the metal and paint are largely unaffected, paintless dent repair (also known as PDR) is a cost-effective fix. Many hail dents ding the door panel without chipping away the paint or ruining the metal. This allows a technician to reshape the panel from the inside of the car rather than trying to manipulate the outer metal. 

Reshaping from the inside can restore the look of your panel without leaving lasting effects. Technicians use special tools to repair any size dent without touching the original paint. Even if your hail damage left behind small paint damage, it may be worthwhile to repair the dent and leave a small chip to get the best trade-in value for your car. 

How Is Paintless Dent Repair Different From Traditional Dent Repair?

In traditional dent fixing methods, technicians may need to replace panels or repair damaged panels from the outside. Many classic methods require using heat to warp the metal back into place. Using heat to repair a dent can change your paint’s color, causing more noticeable body damage.

Other repair options involve sanding down paint or removing the paint entirely. Body fillers can fill medium-sized dents, but they involve completely removing the paint around the dent to fix. Finish glazing requires sanding down the paint to repair the dent with putty.

In all of these cases, your car’s paint will need to be replaced. While some paint colors may be easy to match, others may require a whole new paint job. Regardless of the method used, all of these methods cost more and take longer than paintless dent repair.

If a dent doesn’t chip your paint, there’s no reason to repaint your car. Paintless dent repair offers a good-as-new fix without having to replace panels or repaint your car. Plus, in most cases, paintless dent repair can be done in only one or two days!

Is Paintless Dent Repair Covered by Insurance?

Even if paintless dent repair is less expensive than traditional repair methods, you may be resistant to paying to repair your car right before you sell it. However, depending on your insurance, your hail damage repairs may actually be covered in full! 

Filing a claim for small hail damage is a worthwhile expense before you buy a new car. Paintless dent repair covered by your comprehensive insurance offers a much higher ROI when you go to sell your car. Most of the time, a slightly increased premium pays for itself with the value you get from the repairs. 

For hail damage, most insurance companies recommend paintless dent repair as the go-to repair solution. While shops offering PDR may not be on your insurance company’s “preferred list,” they offer services that are covered by insurance or affordable out of pocket. Often, hail damage can be completely covered by your insurance company if you file within a year of the hailstorm.

If you only have a few dents, your repairs may cost substantially less than your comprehensive insurance deductible. Paying out of pocket is much more affordable and feasible with PDR than other dent repair options. Plus, PDR will not affect your clean car title or come up in a car history report. 

Is Paintless Dent Repair the Right Choice for Me?

If you’re looking to get the best resale value for your car, paintless dent repair is the best way to repair hail damage without breaking the bank. Whether you’re paying out of pocket or filing an insurance claim, PDR is an affordable way to fix car dents and maintain your car’s factory finish. Fixing your dents can offer a huge return on investment when you go to trade in your car.

Ready to fix your hail damage? We’re here to help! Our dent repair services are the best way to increase your car’s value in Dallas or Fort Worth, and other surrounding areas.

Contact us today and see if you qualify for free hail repair!

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Auto Hail Damage?

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Auto Hail Damage?

Are you concerned about the costs to repair hail damage on your car? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In the aftermath of a hailstorm, you need to know how you can get your car repaired without breaking the bank.

Curious to learn more? Keep reading to find out how much it costs to repair auto hail damage — and why you need to do it!

Check Your Insurance Policy on Hail Damage

While it might be tempting to deal with hail damage down the road, you’re better off taking care of the problem immediately. Depending on your auto insurance coverage, hail damage may require a specific time table for repairs. And if you wait too long to get the damage fixed, you might end up paying out more later.

Check your insurance policy so you’re clear on all deadlines and policies. If you make a claim but then just keep the money you get from your insurance company, you may have to subtract that amount from any future claims. So don’t think you can keep the cash in your pockets and deal with the issue later.

And check your deductible to see if the total cost of damage is higher. If the cost of damage is higher than your deductible, then it’s definitely worth your while to get the car fixed. Work with an expert repair team to ensure that your insurance claim goes through and you don’t have to pay extra money for the hail damage!

Why You Need to Take Care of Hail Damage Right Away

If you don’t take care of hail damage right away, you’ll end up paying the price later. Are you planning to sell or trade-in your car one day? You’ll be able to get a better price for it if your car doesn’t have visible body damage.

The resale value of a car depreciates the minute you drive a car off the lot, and the value really tanks when the car’s body shows evidence of hail damage. A damaged body means you’ll either have to take a lower offer or fork over money to do the repairs before selling — and your insurance claim might not cover the damage after a certain time depending on your plan. But by maintaining your car and taking care of hail damage, you can get a better resale value. 

What Steps Should You Take?

Finding your car pockmarked after a hail storm never is a good experience. But if you stay calm, you’ll see that it’s actually easy to get the damage repaired without gouging your bank account. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps.

Begin by taking pictures of the damage from every angle. You’ll want to have a visual record of all dents, scratches, and bigger problems to help make your insurance claim. Be in touch with your insurance provider as soon as possible to get started.

It’s also smart to look for reputable auto body shops. Your insurance provider might suggest particular shops to use, but ask around to find the best one and make your choice. Get estimates from several shops before committing to one, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about their process and services.

What to Look For in a Repair Shop

When you’re looking for the right repair shop to handle your hail damage repairs, you’ll want to look for one that knows how to work with you from start to finish. A good repair shop can help you get your claim processed and car repaired. Beyond being able to offer you a good deal, a shop should have claim experts and experienced technicians on staff.

Many shops will even help you file the claim to get the ball rolling. If your car has significant damage and needs to spend a few days undergoing repairs, the shop should be able to provide a rental car or help you get the transportation home you need.

Consider what services are included in hail damage repair. Does the shop only replace damaged glass, or will they get your car’s body looking as good as new? Make sure you’re getting a full-service repair.

The right auto repair shop is going to take care of dents, glass, and detailing — and they’ll check for internal damage, too. Ultimately, you want a shop that will get your car back in action quickly!

How Much Does Hail Damage Repair Cost?

The final cost of your repair depends on several factors. These include the type of insurance policy you have, the length of time since the damage happened, and the extent of the damage.

Repairing a dent on your car might only cost you under $100, but for more extensive damage the price will go up. With the average cost of car hail damage repair hovering around $2,500, it’s worth taking care of the problem quickly and getting help from insurance.

Left untreated, hail damage that is costly can lead to a rustier car body over time and a lower resale value. Talk to your claim adjuster to get the process started!

Address the Damage

Hail damage is always upsetting if you’ve taken good care of your car, but fixing the problem doesn’t have to be hard. After going through the insurance claims process, you can get your car the attention it needs and have it back to normal in no time. Make sure to work with a qualified shop that will help walk you through the process.

When you’re ready to tackle the hail damage on your car, contact us and we can help!

How Much Time Do You Have to File an Auto Hail Damage Claim?

How Much Time Do You Have to File an Auto Hail Damage Claim?

Hail causes many different forms of destruction that can be costly in the long run. In areas where hail is common, people are all too familiar with the types of damage that hail can cause. Hail can wreak havoc on vehicles in a variety of ways, leaving auto owners to cope with the resulting destruction.

So how much time do you have to file an auto hail damage claim? If you’ve been affected by auto hail damage, you need to be sure to file a claim for your trouble. However, you might have a few questions about the auto hail damage claim process before you make a claim. Whether you’re wondering how much time you have to file a claim or what the process entails, we have all the answers you’re looking for. Here’s everything you need to know about how to file a claim for auto damage caused by hail.

Types of Insurance

The claim filing process depends heavily on the type of auto insurance coverage you have. Be sure to take the time to familiarize yourself with your coverage plan. By considering the requirements and limitations of your plan, you’ll have a better idea of how to proceed.

The first type of insurance to consider is comprehensive insurance. A comprehensive car insurance policy typically covers damage caused by the following events:

  • Natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, storms, etc.)
  • Falling objects (including hail)
  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Glass damage
  • Hitting an animal

While these are the most common forms of coverage, every insurance plan is different. Be sure to carefully review your comprehensive insurance policy to verify that it covers hail damage. This will help prevent you from running into any sort of confusion later on.

If you have auto liability insurance instead, it’s possible that hail damage isn’t covered in your policy. Auto liability coverage helps keep you protected if you receive any claims of physical injury as a result of an auto accident. In addition, auto liability may cover the relevant expenses if the other party has to repair or replace their vehicle. However, coverage for hail damage is not typically included in a standard auto liability policy.

What Qualifies as Auto Hail Damage?

Before you begin the auto hail damage claim process, you need to determine whether the damage to your vehicle qualifies as hail damage. Ensuring that you have legitimate hail damage will save you a lot of time and help the process go much more smoothly.

Generally speaking, damage caused by hail can come in a wide variety of forms. Some common examples of hail damage include shattered or cracked glass and dents or dings on the surface of your vehicle. In addition, some drivers may notice signs of water damage inside their cars as a result of hail.

It’s also important to consider the extent of hail damage to your vehicle. If you only have tiny dents or dings on the surface of your car, you might not qualify. However, serious damage will likely allow you to make a claim without too much hassle.

When Should You File a Claim for Hail Damage?

If your car has been a victim of hail damage, it’s best not to wait too long to file a claim. The faster you complete the auto hail damage claim process, the faster you can get reimbursed for your trouble.

Most insurance companies give you a one-year time limit to make an auto hail damage claim, but there are many other deadlines to take into account. These deadlines tend to vary based on the type of policy you have, so pay close attention to the restrictions of your specific coverage plan.

Important Hail Damage Claim Deadlines

Being mindful of deadlines is crucial to getting your auto hail damage claim approved as quickly as possible. Be sure to mark these key deadlines on your calendar to avoid running into problems later on.

The first step is to let your insurance company know that your vehicle has suffered hail damage. Before notifying them, keep in mind that time is of the essence here. If you delay taking this first step, you may be at risk of having your auto damage claim rejected. In the event that you have a legitimate reason for putting off this important step, make sure you clearly communicate it to your insurance company.

Next, stay up to date with any estimates, loss lists or other forms of documentation that you’re required to fill out. Again, this step is typically different for each insurance policy. Make the effort to familiarize yourself with the appropriate documentation before you take any further action. By taking the time to understand the forms you need to fill out, you’ll show your insurance company that you take your claim seriously.

It’s worth noting that the process of filing a claim for hail damage can be confusing, especially if it’s your very first time going through it. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you find yourself having trouble with any step of the process. Whether you’re unclear on deadlines or unsure if your insurance policy covers auto hail damage, it’s best to get the help you need early on so that you can increase your chances of getting your claim approved.

Get the Support You Need During the Auto Hail Damage Claim Process

Making a claim for auto damage after experiencing hail damage to your vehicle is a crucial step to take. However, you shouldn’t have to go through this process alone. Once you’ve completed the auto hail damage process, you can trust our reliable auto hail repair services to bring your vehicle back to optimal condition. We can work to get your auto damage claim approved and repair your car, truck or SUV free of charge.

What Qualifies as Auto Hail Damage?

Before you begin the auto hail damage claim process, you need to determine whether the damage to your vehicle qualifies as hail damage. Ensuring that you have legitimate hail damage will save you a lot of time and help the process go much more smoothly.

Generally speaking, damage caused by hail can come in a wide variety of forms. Some common examples of hail damage include shattered or cracked glass and dents or dings on the surface of your vehicle. In addition, some drivers may notice signs of water damage inside their cars as a result of hail.

It’s also important to consider the extent of hail damage to your vehicle. If you only have tiny dents or dings on the surface of your car, you might not qualify. However, serious damage will likely allow you to make a claim without too much hassle.

When Should You File a Claim for Hail Damage?

If your car has been a victim of hail damage, it’s best not to wait too long to file a claim. The faster you complete the auto hail damage claim process, the faster you can get reimbursed for your trouble.

Most insurance companies give you a one-year time limit to make an auto hail damage claim, but there are many other deadlines to take into account. These deadlines tend to vary based on the type of policy you have, so pay close attention to the restrictions of your specific coverage plan.

Important Hail Damage Claim Deadlines

Being mindful of deadlines is crucial to getting your auto hail damage claim approved as quickly as possible. Be sure to mark these key deadlines on your calendar to avoid running into problems later on.

The first step is to let your insurance company know that your vehicle has suffered hail damage. Before notifying them, keep in mind that time is of the essence here. If you delay taking this first step, you may be at risk of having your auto damage claim rejected. In the event that you have a legitimate reason for putting off this important step, make sure you clearly communicate it to your insurance company.

Next, stay up to date with any estimates, loss lists or other forms of documentation that you’re required to fill out. Again, this step is typically different for each insurance policy. Make the effort to familiarize yourself with the appropriate documentation before you take any further action. By taking the time to understand the forms you need to fill out, you’ll show your insurance company that you take your claim seriously.

It’s worth noting that the process of filing a claim for hail damage can be confusing, especially if it’s your very first time going through it. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you find yourself having trouble with any step of the process. Whether you’re unclear on deadlines or unsure if your insurance policy covers auto hail damage, it’s best to get the help you need early on so that you can increase your chances of getting your claim approved.

Get the Support You Need During the Auto Hail Damage Claim Process

Making a claim for auto damage after experiencing hail damage to your vehicle is a crucial step to take. However, you shouldn’t have to go through this process alone. Once you’ve completed the auto hail damage process, you can trust our reliable auto hail repair services to bring your vehicle back to optimal condition. We can work to get your auto damage claim approved and repair your car, truck or SUV free of charge.

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