Auto Hail Repair Process!
I this page we will show you the whole process of auto hail repair. From start to finish these are the full steps that are taken from call to delivery. It’s much more difficult to repair a hail damaged vehicle than most people could ever dream of.
When you get hit with hail the first thing that you will want to do is contact your insurance company and tell them about the incident. They will want to know where and when it happened. Once you tell them and they go through the prompts they will give you a claim number and depending on the insurance company they will want you to go in and get it looked at or they will schedule a field inspection.
The second thing that you will want to do tell the insurance company that you will want a rental car. If you have rental coverage they will give you a rental reference ID that you will then use to make your reservation with their preferred company.
This step is harder than it seams. Not only are you going to have a hard time finding a good body shop but you are more than likely find it hard to schedule your vehicle for repairs. Many areas that were affected with hail have a long waiting list. The body shop does not have in-house paintless dent repair technicians (which is the way they repair hail) So it is more than likely going to be sublet out to another company for repairs. So no only are you waiting on them but you will also be waiting and hoping the hail guys are on time and good.
Look for a good body shop with good PDR techs and get credentials for the sub let company that will be doing your repairs.
Dropping your vehicle should be easy but it seldom is. You will need to work it out with your schedule and usually takes about 2-3 hours. You will need to get picked up by the rental company, fill out paper work and then head into the body shop to do the same thing.
Once your vehicle is dropped off at the repair company then there will be a job called remove and install performed on your vehicle. Many times the body shops have teams of R&I guys made up of young guys that work for an hourly wage that remove your headliner and any other part that is in the way of the dents. Our shop however uses seasoned pros to do this job. These pros are just as good as the best of the best because we take this step very seriously.
Once the vehicle has been taken apart an there is access to the back of the metal. The PDR tech gets started with his/her magic. This is a tedious process and can take 3-30 minutes for every single dent. Some dents take longer depending on the severity of the hail.
All the kings men and all the kings horses couldn’t put the vehicle back together again. Remember I said that we take this step very serious? Well this is why. If the technicians that took the vehicle apart are not well experienced then the vehicle will never go back together like it came apart. Lucky we use only the best professionals for all our work and this job comes out perfect just like our paintless dent repair.
Once you get the word that your vehicle is done, then you have to return the vehicle. If you use a company like ours you can simply come get your vehicle and we will arrange for the rental to be returned for you.
Make sure to fully inspect the vehicle. Look at the hood and deck lid, Make sure they are lined up. Tug on headlights and tail lights. Make sure that all the parts that were damaged are repaired or replaced. Look inside the vehicle and make sure your headliner is snug and back where it should be. Park the vehicle under some shade and use the reflection of the tree or other shade to see any imperfections in your paint and be sure that all dents were removed.
This part really sucks!
You get hit with hail.
It wasn’t your fault.
You get super inconvenience!
And on top of that you to pay money!!!
Well lucky for you, we can help you with that. We have what we call a Deductible Reduction Program that can reduce your obligation to pay to 0$.
Call us and find out how.
Why Choose Us?
✓ Guaranteed Perfect Repairs
✓ Free Insurance Help
✓ Deductible Payment Plans
✓ Complimentary Pro Detail
✓ Fix Door Dings
✓ Certified Master Technicians
✓ Convenient Rental Service
✓ Advanced Repair Technology
✓ Daily Photo Updates
✓ Lifetime Repair Warranty
The Complete Guide to Auto Hail Repair: From Storm Damage to Restored Vehicle
When mother nature unleashes her fury in the form of hail, your vehicle can sustain significant damage. Understanding the hail repair process can help ease your concerns and prepare you for what lies ahead. This comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the auto hail repair journey, from the moment the storm passes to driving home in your restored vehicle.
Immediate Steps After Hail Damage
The moments after a hailstorm are crucial. Once it’s safe to go outside, your first priority should be documenting the damage. Take clear, well-lit photographs of your vehicle from multiple angles, ensuring you capture every dent and impact point. These photos will be invaluable for your insurance claim and serve as a record of the original damage.
Starting the Insurance Process
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate a claim. Your insurance representative will guide you through their specific process and explain your coverage details. They’ll likely ask for the photos you took and may schedule an initial assessment of the damage.
Scheduling with a Professional Body Shop
The next crucial step is connecting with a reputable auto body shop that specializes in hail damage repair. During your initial contact, the shop will:
– Schedule an evaluation appointment
– Explain their repair process
– Discuss timeline expectations
– Help coordinate with your insurance company
Transportation During Repairs
Before leaving your vehicle for repairs, you’ll need alternative transportation. If your insurance policy includes rental car coverage, the body shop can help coordinate this service. Even if you don’t have rental coverage through your insurance, many body shops maintain relationships with rental companies and can assist in arranging a temporary vehicle.
The Detailed Repair Process
Initial Assessment and Estimation
When your vehicle arrives at the shop, technicians perform a thorough examination to create a detailed repair plan. This estimate is more comprehensive than the initial evaluation and includes:
– A precise count of dents and their locations
– Assessment of paint damage
– Identification of parts requiring replacement
– Documentation of any additional damage discovered
Insurance Approval and Parts Ordering
Once the detailed estimate is complete, the shop works with your insurance company to obtain repair authorization. After approval, they order any necessary replacement parts, such as:
– Belt moldings
– Drip moldings
– Emblems
– Other trim pieces affected by hail
The Repair Phase
The actual repair process involves several specialized steps:
1. Vehicle Preparation
– Removing the headliner
– Detaching the hood and deck lid
– Preparing surfaces for repair
2. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
– Skilled technicians use specialized tools to carefully massage dents out of the metal
– This preserves your vehicle’s original paint whenever possible
– Multiple passes ensure optimal results
3. Additional Body Work and Painting
If hail damage penetrated the paint surface, additional steps include:
– Traditional body repair techniques
– Professional painting to match your vehicle’s original color
– Clear coat application for lasting protection
4. Parts Replacement and Reassembly
– Installation of new moldings and trim pieces
– Reassembly of removed components
– Quality checks at each step
Final Steps and Vehicle Return
Quality Control
Before returning your vehicle, the shop performs:
– A detailed inspection of all repairs
– Thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior
– Final documentation of completed work
Vehicle Pickup
When repairs are complete, you have flexible options for retrieving your vehicle:
– Meet at the rental car facility to return your rental and pick up your repaired vehicle
– Drop off your rental at the body shop, where the rental company will retrieve it
– Schedule a convenient pickup time that works with your schedule
After the Repair
Your restored vehicle should look as good as, if not better than, it did before the hail damage. Most reputable shops provide a warranty on their work and encourage you to inspect the vehicle thoroughly before accepting the repairs.
Tips for a Smooth Repair Process
– Keep all documentation related to the damage and repairs
– Maintain open communication with both the shop and your insurance company
– Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the repair process
– Take time to thoroughly inspect your vehicle upon completion
– Understand your repair warranty coverage
Remember, professional hail damage repair requires patience and expertise. While the process may seem lengthy, proper repairs ensure your vehicle’s appearance and value are restored to pre-damage condition.