Do you live in a state where there’s constant threat of hail damage to your car? Lots of people lose money getting a car fixed due to hail. However, if you don’t act on it right away, you’ll end up wasting even more.
If you don’t know what to do, first read about what you shouldn’t do. Prevent losing big money by avoiding these five costly mistakes when dealing with auto hail damage.
1. Disregarding It and Taking No Action
Researchers have found in a recent study that repairs or maintenance are necessary for roughly 77% of cars.
When it comes to your car damaged by hail, you must not disregard it as some minor matter. However small the damage, repairing dents from hail must be your priority.
Even if it doesn’t bother you or if the damage is barely visible at first glance, your car can lose thousands of dollars in value if you leave it as is. A few hundred dollars in deductible can recover lost value amounting to thousands of dollars.
2. Postponing the Repair To a Later Date
Disregarding the need for repair is one thing, but another mistake commonly made by people is postponement. Some people might think that since hail season is not over yet, their car might still get additional damage. They’ll wait until after hail season before taking their car in for the necessary repairs.
It may sound logical, but the truth is you can get insurance fraud charges if you try to file a single claim for multiple occurrences of hail damage to your car.
If your damaged car acquires more damage from another hailstorm, your car’s brittle body will be more susceptible to considerable damage, and can even result in a totaled car.
By trying to save time and money, you’ll only end up losing more. Don’t leave yourself open to more potential disasters by avoiding this grave mistake.
3. Relying on the Insurance Company
Weather, such as hail, is one of the four main causes of car body damage, along with fender benders, high-speed collisions, and negligence. That’s why, in times of hailstorms and other natural calamities, insurance companies are swamped with claims.
While it’s necessary to file an insurance claim, you don’t have to completely rely on your insurance company to tell you what to do every step in fixing your car.
One example that you can avoid is trusting your insurance provider with the repair shop where you’ll be having your car fixed. Most of the time, their list of preferred shops work to the insurance company’s benefit and not yours. They are restricted by limiting parameters and will not find ways to make your life easier.
Simply put, you must find a reputable auto repair shop yourself. Don’t let your insurance company dictate it for you.
4. Not Filing an Insurance Claim
If you’re afraid to file an insurance claim for your damaged car because it will raise your insurance rate, then you’re making a big mistake.
Auto damage from hailstorms doesn’t fall under Collision coverage, rather, it’s under Comprehensive coverage. Being that it’s a “no-fault” claim, your premium will not increase just because of it.
People living in areas where hailstorms are a big part of their lives may be already paying higher premiums because of it. Therefore, if you’re one of them, you’re already paying for it. So why not take full advantage, especially if you really need it?
5. Settling for Cheap Services
While it may be tempting to go right away with the auto repair shop that offers the lowest price, you should think twice. When you settle for a cheap price, you’re more likely to receive the equivalent cheap service.
The most recommended process nowadays is the Paintless Dent Repair where there will be no painting, grinding, Bondo fillers, primers, and resins involved. Whenever possible, you must choose this option for an excellent restoration to your car that won’t fade or peel away in just a few years.
Repair Your Vehicle at a Reputable Shop
Understanding the reality of auto hail damage will help you in taking the first step to restoring your car to its former beauty. Avoid making these mistakes and choose one of the reputable shops for dent repair Chicago and most states offer.
