Hail damage in vehicles is something that most people don’t experience very often. In some areas of the country, hailstorms are a normal part of everyday life. Still, many people continue to lose a lot of money on auto repairs and more without good reasons.
These are the most common errors that cost millions every year and how you can avoid them.
Auto Repairs: Costly Mistakes When Dealing With Car Damage Due To Hail
Mistake #1
“It’s just super light hail damage. I can’t see it. I don’t think it’s worth worrying about.
It’s cosmetic and may not bother you. What many people don’t realize is that even very minor hail damage can still be devastating to your vehicle’s value. Even though you cannot see the damage, your car’s value can drop by the thousands. That’s why you need to bring it to an auto body shop right away.
While many people love their cars and do everything to make sure they are in top condition, you need to pay close attention to your car’s appearance. Your vehicle can be your savings account. It will eventually be worth thousands of dollars, regardless of whether you decide to sell it or trade it in.
Mistake #2
“I think it’ll be best to wait until hail season has ended before I fix it… just in case it hails again.”
Many people find this line of thinking logical. This is a mistake. You should bring your car to an auto body shop right away. First, if you have hailstorm damage and you try to file just one claim, you may be technically involved in insurance fraud. While this may work for some people, it is not the best way to go.
Keep in mind that every time your vehicle is “unrepaired,” you are driving with “pre-existing damage.”
Don’t wait before you bring your car to an auto shop to repair the damage, regardless of whether the delays were caused by others (including your insurance company). Every day that you do this, you are keeping your savings account unguarded.
Mistake #3
“If hail damage is visible on my car, I need to first call my insurance company to file a claim. Then, do what they tell you.”
Insurance companies often get overwhelmed with claims after hailstorms damage a lot of vehicles in an area. Sometimes, you may have to wait for weeks or months before an adjustor inspects your vehicle and creates an estimate. Then they will offer a settlement check.
There are a few issues here. You should remember that you could lose thousands of dollars during the waiting period.
Second, the initial estimate is not always a complete or professional one. It should be done in a safe environment using the appropriate equipment. It is not unusual for an initial estimate to exceed 40-50% of actual vehicle damage.
Mistake #4
“If I file hail damage claims, they will raise my premium and it is just not worth it.”
This is a common misconception. Every year, people lose a lot of money because they don’t realize how expensive the damage is and don’t want to spend a few dollars more each month.
It is not your fault that a hailstorm has happened. You didn’t cause the hailstorm, it just happened. This is covered by your comprehensive coverage. You have the option to either take the money out of the pool or let the insurance company keep it if they feel you need it more.
Mistake #5
“All hail repair shops and PDR are the same. It doesn’t really matter where I have it fixed.”
PDR, also known as Paintless Dent Repair, is the best way to fix your vehicle.
This method is widely regarded as the best because it doesn’t require bondo, grinding resins, fillers or primers. You can sculpt the paint perfectly and match it with the surrounding panels. Then blend it in flawlessly with the surrounding area and panels. You can do a great job, but not as good as factory paint or custom jobs that cost thousands. If you have the option, PDR is a good choice.
Sometimes, severe damage can require traditional auto shop repairs, such as new paint and body panels. It is best to use PDR whenever possible.
Call Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop now if you need an expert to repair your vehicle.
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Miller Brothers Transmission Auto Repair and Body Shop
7123 Tazewell Pike
Corryton, TN 37721
(865) 689-5072
https://www.millerbrosautorepair.com/
Serving Knoxville, TN and Knox County
Service areas include: All of Knox County, Corryton, Fountain City, Halls Crossroads, Powell and Knoxville
