7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Hail Damage to Your Vehicle

7 Costly Mistakes to Avoid After Hail Damage to Your Vehicle

June 27, 2024

If you live in a hail-prone state, you're likely familiar with vehicle hail damage. Between 2008 and 2014, insurance companies in the U.S. paid out over $5.37 billion in hail damage claims. If your vehicle has recently been hit by hail, it's crucial to avoid these common mistakes to save money and ensure your car is properly repaired.

Top Hailstorm-Prone Areas in the US

According to an April 2020 analysis, State Farm paid over $3.1 billion in hail claims in 2020. Texas experienced the highest loss, with $474.6 million in claims, followed by Illinois with $394.2 million, Minnesota with $259.2 million, and Missouri with $236.9 million. In 2020, there were 4,611 hail events across the US. The top five states by the number of major hail events were:

  • Texas: 601
  • South Dakota: 377
  • Kansas: 341
  • Oklahoma: 341
  • Nebraska: 313

Hailstorms can occur anywhere, so always be prepared.

7 Common Mistakes to Avoid After Hail Damage

1. Underestimating the Damage

Even minor hail damage can lead to long-term issues like rust if not addressed promptly. Don't ignore small dents; they can worsen over time.

2. DIY Repairs

Professional hail damage repair requires specialized tools and training. Attempting to fix it yourself can lead to more damage and additional costs.

3. Relying Solely on Your Insurance Company's Recommendation

While your insurer may suggest a repair shop, it's wise to get multiple quotes and choose a trusted repair service based on your own research.

4. Not Filing an Insurance Claim

Hail damage typically falls under comprehensive coverage, a "no-fault" claim, meaning your premiums shouldn't increase. File a claim to cover repair costs.

5. Delaying Repairs

Postponing your hail damage repair can weaken your car's body and exacerbate the damage from subsequent storms. File claims promptly to avoid complications.

6. Choosing the Cheapest Repair Option

The lowest bid isn't always the best. Quality repairs require fair pricing. Beware of cheap services that might do more harm than good.

7. Ignoring Legal Compliance

Driving with damage like a broken windshield or tail light can make you non-compliant with vehicle regulations, risking fines. Get necessary repairs done immediately.

Trust 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair

For reliable, high-quality repairs, turn to 48-Hour Auto Hail Repair. Our services include:

We handle your insurance claim, ensuring you pay nothing out of pocket with full coverage insurance. If you're among the first 200 customers after a storm, we'll cover your deductible fully.

How to Get Started

  1. Complete your FREE 3-Minute Estimate online.
  2. Book your free 1-Hour Custom Estimate.
  3. Bring your vehicle for repairs after we've processed your insurance claim.
  4. Drive away with your vehicle fully restored in just 48 hours.

We help busy people quickly repair their hail-damaged vehicles so they can feel confident in their cars again. Get started with a free 3-Minute Estimate online or book a 1-Hour Custom Estimate at our shop today.

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