Dealing with automotive hail damage may not be frequent for most, but hailstorms are part of life in Colorado and Texas. Unfortunately, many people end up losing significant amounts of money needlessly.
As a trusted industry insider, I’m here to highlight common mistakes that cost people millions yearly and show you how to avoid them. With our guidance, your encounter with the “hail nightmare” can be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. You won’t lose value, and you won’t have to spend a fortune. We’ll address the questions that almost everyone has in this process, and in just a few minutes, you could find yourself wearing a big smile.
Below are the top seven mistakes to avoid when dealing with auto hail damage repair:
1. Underestimating Hail Damage Severity
Depending on the hailstorm’s intensity, your vehicle could have minor, nearly imperceptible dents to significant craters that render it undrivable. If the hailstones were as large as golf balls, immediate repairs are crucial. Otherwise, it could pose a safety risk.
However, when the hail damage appears minor and seemingly insignificant, many vehicle owners tend to overlook it. While this might save you time initially, it could lead to more significant expenses in the long run due to rust.
Metal retains a memory. The longer you delay repairing hail damage, the more challenging it becomes to restore your vehicle’s value and structural integrity fully. Remember to consider the potential long-term consequences of seemingly minor hail damage.
2. Attempting DIY Repairs
The thought of fixing hail damage on your own might be tempting. Still, it’s crucial to understand that repairing vehicle hail damage involves specialized tools and the expertise that bodywork specialists acquire through years of training. Attempting a DIY repair without the proper tools and knowledge could result in additional wear and further weaken your vehicle’s bodywork. It’s not a recommended approach.
3. Blindly Trusting Your Insurance Company’s Choice
Filing an insurance claim after hail damage is necessary, but you should still accept your insurance company’s recommended repair shop. Insurance companies often have preferred bodywork shops that offer reduced rates in exchange for a steady stream of business from insurance claims.
To ensure you’re making the best choice for your vehicle:
- Take the time to conduct your research.
- Obtain your quotes, seek second opinions, and trust your independent research.
- Consider your best interest before your insurance company steers you.
4. Avoiding Filing an Insurance Claim
Some believe filing a claim for vehicle hail damage in insurance coverage will increase monthly premiums, but this is only sometimes the case. In most insurance scenarios, vehicle hail damage is categorized under Comprehensive coverage, not Collision coverage, making it a “no-fault” claim.
If you live in an area prone to frequent hailstorms, your premiums may already be higher to account for this risk. It makes sense to claim for what you’re already paying for and ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly.
5. Delaying Hail Damage Repairs
Putting off your auto hail damage repair until the end of hail season might appear to be a practical choice. After all, making just one claim rather than multiple claims throughout the season might seem more convenient. However, this approach needs to be revised.
Besides the risk of potential insurance fraud charges (you can’t file one claim for multiple hail damage events), your vehicle’s bodywork will already be compromised from the initial damage. Subsequent hailstorms can compound the issues, causing significant vehicle problems. It’s best to address the damage promptly to avoid more extensive and costly repairs.
6. Opting for the Cheapest Option
Seeking a good deal is usually a smart move, but when it comes to hail damage repair, always going for the lowest quote may not be in your best interest.
The saying “you get what you pay for” typically holds in this industry. Regrettably, unscrupulous repair shops or “roadside warriors” may offer low prices but can inadvertently inflict more damage to your car’s bodywork. Quality should be prioritized over cost to ensure your vehicle is restored correctly.
7. Neglecting Legal Compliance
When you’ve experienced auto hail damage, such as a broken windscreen or a damaged tail light due to a hailstorm, you might inadvertently fall out of compliance with vehicle regulations as outlined by the NHTSA.
If you delay the necessary repairs, you could face substantial fines if you’re stopped by law enforcement. Regrettably, blaming the hailstorm won’t alleviate the charges. To comply with legal requirements, promptly addressing and rectifying any hail-related vehicle damage is essential.
Take Action Now and Secure Future Savings
You can rely on Dentwerks Auto Hail Repair for top-notch auto hail damage repair in Dallas. We’re dedicated to making the process of fixing hail damage on your vehicle hassle-free.
Our commitment to your satisfaction includes a free rental car, free pick up and delivery, speedy repair turnaround, no waiting times, premium service quality, effective communication, and a lifetime warranty.
Don’t wait—Contact us now to protect your vehicle and save on future expenses.
