Learn More Info About Hail Damage & Paintless Dent Repair

Auto Insurance Claims Resources

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 01:33:00 GMT

Auto Insurance Claims Resources

Insurance Claims Websites

Here are the links to the most popular insurance companies to file a hail claim. If your insurance is not listed, we work with all insurances so contact us to assist with your claim.

AAA

Click Here to File Your AAA Claim

ALLSTATE

Click Here to file your Allstate Claim

FARMERS

Click Here to file your Farmer's Claim

GEICO

Click Here to file your Geico Claim

LIBERTY MUTUAL

Click Here to file your Liberty Mutual Claim

NATIONWIDE

Click Here to file your Nationwide Claim

PROGRESSIVE

Click Here to file your Progressive Claim

ROOT

Click Here to file your Root Claim

STATE FARM

Click Here to File Your State Farm Claim

TEXAS FARM BUREAU

Click Here to file your Farm Bureau Claim

TRAVELERS

Click Here to file your Travelers Claim

USAA

Click Here to file your USAA Claim

How Are Hail Storms Formed?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 23:31:05 GMT

When a thunderstorm has an updraft of water droplets, they can be lifted into freezing air temperatures, especially with stronger winds. Once this point is reached, the droplets freeze on contact and become pellets. These pellets will circulate within the cloud and continue to collect more cold-water droplets causing the ice pellets to grow larger. They will continue to go through this cycle until they become too heavy for the updraft to hold them, and then fall to the ground as hail stones. The strength of the updraft will determine the number of times the pellet cycles which will control the final size of the hailstone. When you are able to see hail falling in paths, it is known as a hail swath. There have been swaths know to be several acres up to over 100 miles long.

Here are some cool hail facts:

If it hails during a rain storm, it can cause the sky to turn green since hailstones reflect the entire spectrum of sunlight. \

It’s hard to measure how fast hail falls from the cloud. National Severe Storms Laboratory says a 2 ¾ inch baseball-sized hailstone can get up to 100mph.

Hail typically falls in 5-10 minutes because of its fast movement and short bursts of energy. Sometimes it can last 30 minutes to 1 hour.

If you break open a hailstone, you can usually see the layers to show how many times the pellet circulated before getting heavy and falling.

Can My Car Be Totaled By Hail?

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:58:20 GMT

Auto Insurance varies by company and state on the guidelines to declare a vehicle total loss. Most insurance companies will evaluate the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle at the time of loss to determine if the repairs exceed a certain percentage of that value. When your insurance adjuster inspects your vehicle, they will deduct any unrelated prior damage (UPD) or previous hail damage not repaired. Most customers assume their insurance cannot detect any past hail storm damage, but this usually isn’t the case. Each storm has specific details that will produce a certain size and depth of the dents. If you received a check for prior hail damage repairs without repairing, your insurance will most likely deny your new or any additional claims. This is why it is not recommended on keeping any funds for repairs your insurance sends you. Other factors that will impact the total loss evaluation include the vehicle’s age, pre-loss condition, and local market conditions for value and possible settlement amount.

If your vehicle’s repair costs exceed the value, then it is not worth repairing and is declared a total loss. If your vehicle does get declared a total loss from hail damage, you need to follow the right steps to get paid out from your insurance. Before you contact your insurance, be sure to document all hail damage with detailed photos and possibly even a video. Your insurance will then send out an adjuster to inspect the damage to determine what the ACV amount is. Your insurance will then give you options on whether or not you want to keep the vehicle. If you decide to allow insurance to take the vehicle, they will send you a check for the ACV prior to the hail damage, but will subtract your deductible amount. If you decide to keep your vehicle, insurance will allow you to purchase it from them at salvage value. This means your vehicle will obtain a salvaged title, and will significantly impact insurance options as well as the value. Keep in mind that if you have a car loan, your lender may have a say in whether you can keep the car.

Best Tips on How to Prevent Hail Damage on a Car

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:26:52 GMT

Best Tips on How to Prevent Hail Damage on Car

Monitor Weather Forecasts Regularly

Regularly monitor weather forecasts to help you anticipate hail storms and take preventive measures
Weather apps can provide hail forecasts and alerts prior to severe weather
Local news broadcasts also provide weather forecasting to viewers on updates on warnings about hail prior to storms.

Use Weather Apps

Utilizing phone apps for weather is e ssential to stay informed about hail storms,
Weather applications help by sending alerts for hail storms to give you advance notice

Watch the Local News

Local news channels helps to receive accurate weather reports during hail season.
Regularly monitoring weather forecasts helps you anticipate the possibility of hail storms, enabling you to take necessary preventive measures.
Utilizing weather apps provides real-time updates and alerts about potential hail storms, keeping you informed and prepared.
Subscribing to weather alert services ensures you receive timely notifications about incoming hail storms.

Follow Weather Alerts

Subscribing to weather alert services ensures you receive immediate notifications about potential hail storms.
These services provide real-time notifications about approaching hail threats.
Alerts include immediate notifications regarding impending hail storms.
Consider subscribing to these weather alerts to stay ahead of hail storm risks.

Seek Shelter for Your Car

Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to shield it from hail.
In urgent situations, use temporary shelters such as gas stations or underpasses.
Finding appropriate shelter is one of the most effective ways to protect your car from hail damage.

Park in a Garage

Parking in a garage is considered the safest option for protecting your vehicle against hail.
The best shelter for protecting a car from hail is parking in a garage.
The significance of utilizing a garage for hail protection is that it provides full protection from hail.
If you cannot cover your car with hail protection, finding an indoor garage is recommended.
The most budget-friendly way to protect your car from hail is to use a garage or public car shelter.
It is more economical to park in a garage than to repair hail damage.
The cost of parking in a garage during a hail storm typically ranges from $5 to $10.
In case of bad weather, you should take the car to a covered garage.

Utilize Covered Parking

The primary purpose of utilizing covered parking during a hailstorm is to provide temporary protection for your vehicle.
Effective alternatives to garages for parking during a hailstorm include gas stations, parking structures, and carports.

Temporary Shelters

In urgent situations, finding temporary shelters can provide immediate protection for your car from hail damage.
Even if parking indoors isn't an option, seeking temporary shelter at nearby facilities can provide protection.

Invest in Protective Car Covers

Hail-proof car covers are specifically designed to reduce the risk of hail damage on vehicles.
Car covers made from breathable fabric are recommended to protect the paint finish while ensuring proper ventilation.
Avoid car covers that utilize PVC or rigid panels as they can trap moisture and cause damage.
When a hailstorm is approaching, drape and secure the cover over the vehicle to provide immediate protection.
The hail protector car cover system can be quickly repacked for convenience after use.
While hail protection covers can significantly reduce damage, they may not completely prevent dents from very heavy hail.

Hail Proof Car Cover

Investing in high-quality hail proof car covers is essential for protecting your vehicle from hail damage.
There are several options for hail protection car covers, including expensive inflatable covers, multi-layer covers, and OEM covers for specific models.
Hail-proof car covers are made from durable and flexible materials that often feature extra padding or foam for enhanced protection.
Hail-proof covers are designed to distribute the force of impact, minimizing damage to the car's surface.

DIY Car Covers

Thick blankets can serve as makeshift covers during hail storms to protect your car.
Using thick comforters or blankets can create a protective barrier against hailstones if secured properly.
To ensure effective protection, secure blankets with bungee cords or similar fasteners.
Towels can also be used in the same role as blankets for additional protection against hail.

Custom Fitted Covers

Consider custom-fitted covers for better coverage and protection against heavy hail.
Custom-fitted covers provide tailored protection, ensuring complete coverage of the vehicle's surface.
These covers can effectively minimize the risk of hail damage by conforming perfectly to your car's shape.

Utilize Natural Barriers

Natural barriers, such as trees and buildings, can significantly minimize the impact of hail on vehicles.
Dense foliage from trees can help lessen the impact of hail on vehicles.
Natural elements like trees can absorb some hail impact, thus providing a buffer for parked vehicles.
Natural elements like trees can serve as barriers, diminishing the severity of hail impacts on vehicles.

Park Near Sturdy Structures

Choosing an appropriate parking location is crucial for protecting your car from hail damage.
Positioning your car next to solid buildings can shield it from hail's direct impact.
Parking adjacent to solid buildings can effectively shield vehicles from direct hail strikes.
Choosing to park in the vicinity of robust buildings can provide an effective shield against hail damage.
Utilizing sturdy structures as a parking strategy can significantly lower the risk of hail damage to your vehicle.

Use Tree Canopies Cautiously

Natural barriers like trees can help minimize hail impact on your car's surface.
Parking under trees can provide a level of protection from hail stones.
However, be aware that strong winds during storms can cause branches to fall, leading to potential damage.
It is important to use tree canopies cautiously, weighing the benefits of hail protection against the risk of falling debris.

Additional Preventive Measures

In emergency situations, using structures like underpasses or gas station canopies can offer urgent protection from hail.
Using moving blankets can provide an effective layer of protection against hail when placed over the car.
Cardboard boxes or foam padding can be placed over vulnerable areas for protection.
Floor mats or rugs can be used on car windows to mitigate hail damage.
Avoid using rocks to weigh down protective covers as they can cause scratches or dents if dislodged by wind.
Cardboard boxes can be secured on your car by threading ropes through the roof.
To secure cardboard during a hail storm, attach it with strings or bungee cords to door handles.
Use soil bags on fragile areas like the sunroof, windshield, and rear window for added protection.
Hail-proof car covers can reduce damage by distributing impact force across a wider area.
Car covers designed specifically for hail protection may prevent shattered windshields and hail dents.

Fold Side Mirrors

Folding in your side mirrors is essential for protecting them during hail storms.
Fold in the side mirrors to protect the glass and reduce the risk of minor hail damage.

Place Cardboard Boxes

Flattened cardboard boxes can be used to cover large areas of the car to shield it from hail impacts.

Avoid Using Rocks

Protecting your car from hail damage is crucial to maintain its value and appearance.
Finding appropriate shelter is one of the most effective ways to protect your car from hail damage.
Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to shield it from hail.
If a garage is not available, seek covered parking options like carports or public parking structures.
In urgent situations, use temporary shelters such as gas stations or underpasses.
Investing in protective car covers designed specifically for hail protection can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
Purchase high-quality hail proof car covers that are padded for extra protection.
Use thick blankets, comforters, or foam padding as makeshift covers; secure them with bungee cords.
Consider custom-fitted covers for better coverage and protection against heavy hail.
Leverage natural barriers like trees and buildings to minimize hail impact on your car's surface.
Park your car near sturdy buildings that can block hail stones.
While trees can offer some protection, be cautious of falling branches during storms.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive auto insurance is essential for providing a financial safety net against various types of damage.
It covers risks such as damage due to hail, theft, vandalism, and fire.
Comprehensive insurance policies specifically protect against hail damage for cars.
Full comprehensive auto insurance provides extensive coverage, ensuring peace of mind for car owners.
It is crucial to verify that your insurance policy includes coverage for hail damage.

Verify Coverage

It is vital to confirm with your insurance agent that your policy includes coverage for hail damage.
It's crucial to review your policy details with an insurance professional to confirm that hail damage is included.

File Claims Promptly

To facilitate repairs, it's important to submit your insurance claims as soon as hail damage is noticed.
Filing insurance claims quickly after hail damage can help reduce personal expenses and facilitate faster repairs.

Post-Hail Storm Actions

Assessing vehicle damage should begin with a thorough visual inspection to identify any dents or dings.
Hail damage can cause significant issues such as dented roofs, shattered windows, and potentially total the vehicle.
Hail damage significantly reduces your car's market value, which is critical to consider during repairs.
The costs of hail damage repair can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to thousands for severe damage.
Consider services that offer innovative paintless dent repair technology specifically for hail damage.
Promptly inform your insurance company about the hail damage to ensure coverage and expedite the claims process.
If your vehicle suffers hail damage, it is advisable to tow it to a professional collision center or auto body shop for inspection and repair.

Inspect Your Car

Look for dents and assess any broken windows across the entire vehicle after the storm.
Look for small circular or irregular depressions on the vehicle's surface, especially on panels and windows.
Look for visible signs such as dents on the body, shattered glass, or damaged areas around windows.
Look for dents and broken windows by checking every angle of your vehicle.

Document Damage

Capturing photographs of all visible hail damage is crucial for making an insurance claim.
Capture clear photographs of the damage, noting the size and location of each dent, for insurance purposes.
Capture multiple photographs of the hail damage from various angles for your insurance claim.
High-quality images of the damage from different angles provide support for your insurance claim.

Contact Repair Services

Ensure your car is financially protected by having comprehensive auto insurance.
Check with your insurance agent to confirm that your policy covers hail damage.
Steps to take after a storm passes to assess and address any potential damage.
Thoroughly inspect your car for any signs of hail damage, including dents and broken windows.
Take photos of all visible damage for insurance purposes.

Protect Your Investment: Repairing Hail Damage Explained

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:04:00 GMT

By: Abbey A.

What is the best option after hail hits -
Hail storms are known to leave vehicles in ruins; Folks leave work after a storm to find their vehicle covered in ugly dents, chipped/cracked paint, chipped/cracked/broken windshield, windows and mirrors, even water damage inside the vehicle due to broken glass components. Many families facing this situation, debate between repairing the damage or trading in their vehicle for something new. Repairing hail damage can offer significant benefits that will outweigh the costs and challenges around buying a new vehicle.

The Pros of Repairing Hail Damage

Restores Your to Pre-Loss Condition and Value
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is especially effective at restoring a flawless finish without altering the vehicle’s original paint and warranties. Hail damage can make your look unsightly, but repairing it will restore its original appearance, helping maintain its resale and trade-in value.

Prevents Further Damage
Hail dents can lead to chipped paint over time, exposing your vehicle to rust and corrosion. Repairing the damage promptly will protect your vehicle from further structural issues, allowing you to avoid costly repairs in the future.

No Out-of-Pocket Costs with Comprensive Insurance Coverage
Repairing through your comprehensive coverage, most hail repairs are fully coverered. We work with shops who cover up to $1,000 of your deductible. This means you pay no out of pocket cost! Many of our shops work with clients without rental coverage by providing a complimentary loaner or rental vehicle so getting to work and your loved ones to school and ball practice is nothing to worry about.

Quick and Non-Invasive Repairs
Our PDR processes restore your car’s condition efficiently without the need for repainting or lengthy repairs. The shops we work with use PDR techniques as the go-to because it is the best for your vehicle.

Guaranteed Quality with a Life-Time Warranty
Our shops provide a Life-Time Warranty on our PDR hail repairs, which gives our clients peace of mind and trust that your repairs will last.

 The Cons of Buying a New Car

High Initial Costs
Buying a new car is no small investment in our country's inflated economy. Trading in a hail-damaged vehicle will result in a significantly reduced offer due to visible cosmetic damage. If you are already paying for comprehensive coverage, repairing your hail-damaged vehicle is far more reasonable.

Insurance and Registration Fees and Vehicle Depreciation
New vehicles typically depreciate by 20-30% in the first year. Repairing your current vehicle allows you to preserve its value without experiencing steep depreciation of a new purchase. Purchasing a new vehicle is typically accompanied by increased insurance premiums and registration fees. Choosing to repair your existing vehicle, you will avoid these additional expenses.

Time and Effort
Searching for and financing a new vehicle can be time-consuming and extremely stressful. Repairing hail damage with us provides a simple and convenient solution.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Hail Damage Repaired on My Vehicle?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:54:54 GMT

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After a hail storm, there are many factors that can impact the timing of repair for your vehicle. The busiest time for dent repair shops and auto insurance companies is right after the hail storm. However, there are many reasons not to postpone repairs, although it can be a huge burden. Insurance companies have catastrophe teams (CAT) that assist by following these weather-related disasters since the demand for additional help is needed in that area. Their goal is to assist local claims adjusters with the volume. Also, mobile hail damage repair shops come to a storm area to assist with repairs since local shops get backed up. Usually, the longest part of auto hail repair is the insurance approval process. Since most adjusters evaluate the damage without washing or having the proper lighting with a dark setting, they do not see all of the dents. This means the insurance adjuster’s initial estimate approval will likely have overlooked damage. Once your selected repair shop takes possession of your vehicle, their estimator will usually discover any unnoticed damage. The shop will then prepare a supplement estimate and submit it to your insurance for approval. Each insurance company is different, so any disputes or concerns for additional damage may require their adjuster to do an on-site inspection to review with your shop. Once all repairs are approved by your insurance, the shop will order parts and begin repairs. Parts are occasionally are on backorder, so this delay puts repair time at the mercy of that part manufacturer. If your vehicle is all paintless dent repair, the turnaround is within a few days depending on the backlogged wait time. However, any vehicles needing paint (cracked or replaced parts) will have added time for body shop repairs. The body shop will need to disassemble, sand, prime, spray, apply clear coat, and reassemble any damaged areas. This process alone takes several days since the paint will also need to properly cure and harden before completion. Once your vehicle is complete, your shop will require any payments that your insurance sent you (even with lien holder) to release the vehicle. ontent of your post goes here.

5 Reasons You Should Choose A PDR Specialty Shop vs. a Traditional Body Shop

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:11:17 GMT

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There are things to know when choosing your auto hail repair shop. Paintless Dent Repair, aka PDR, is the most favored method to remove dents from a vehicle. There are 5 top reasons to choose a PDR specialty shop vs. a conventional auto body shop.

Body shop technicians specialize in replacement vs. restoring. This means they will typically use fillers, resins, primers, and other additives to cover dents. These can require sanding, grinding, and factory paint matching. Cosmetically it may appear as a professional paint job, but over the years it could fade, oxidize, or even begin peeling and no longer have the integrity of your factory paint.
PDR is a specialized skill that takes practice and experience to be the best. The best PDR technicians are expensive to staff, so most body shops hire contractors seasonally, or on an “as needed” basis. This means the quality of work can vary from each repaired vehicle. Successful PDR shops know to keep the best PDR techs with year-round employment and a competitive salary to maintain the production of quality work.
When doing PDR, there is a shorter process since you are not involving body shop paint. This eliminates additional wait time with the drying, curing, and hardening of paint after they finish repairs.
PDR is the most eco-friendly because no harsh chemicals or solvents are used that are harmful to our environment. Your carbon footprint will be reduced because we are not replacing any major parts that will cause waste or use resources.
Traditional body shops are usually 50%-80% more if an individual is paying out of pocket instead of using insurance. This is because it is less labor intensive and doesn’t require paintwork.

Keep in mind that even though PDR is the preferred method, not all dents qualify for this technique. Dents with compromised paint (cracked or deep scratched), or dents in body lines (sharp creases) cannot be properly repaired with PDR. Some dents might not be accessible from inside panels which disqualifies those for PDR as well.

Fundraising For Your Organization With Auto Hail Repair

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:19:28 GMT

Your fundraiser is a no brainer when your supporters get their vehicle's hail damage repaired with our program.

HOW IT WORKS:

Your supporters contact You've Been Through Hail directly and notify us of their participation in your program.
You've Been Through Hail schedules your supporter for an appointment to evaluate their vehicle hail damage , and documents their association with your organization.
Supporter has their vehicle evaluated at our selected shop under high spectrum lighting for 150+ photos and detailed estimate.
You've Been Through Hail will submit all detailed photos of damage and estimate directly to insurance. Unlike insurance partnered shops, we advocate on your supporter's behalf since we aren't required to repair by a contracted amount. We repair the damage the BEST way, not the most ECONOMICAL way.
After insurance approval, You've Been Through Hail will begin repairs. Thereafter, we complete the claim with $0 out of pocket for your supporters for deductibles $1,000 or less.
You've Been Through Hail donates $200 after insurance payment is received to your foundation/program for EACH repaired vehicle from your supporters. We will have a dedicated page for each organization so that you may track every vehicle, and earned donation from your supporters. Please contact us to get set up or for more information before the storm.