One of the least enjoyable parts of the warm weather is the thunderstorms that come out of nowhere. Even worse are the storms that include damaging hail. We’ve already seen hail the size of golf balls this year in the Selinsgrove-area, and have helped many vehicle owners with insurance claims, estimates, and repairs caused by these falling pieces of ice.
While we hope we’ve seen the worst of the storms for a while, it’s always good to know what to do in case you find your vehicle with hail damage. You can’t choose whether or not your vehicle is damaged by hail. However, you do have the choice of where to have your vehicle repaired, which is why you should contact Dave Aucker at Becker Body Shop to make your experience as smooth as possible!
Keep reading for tips on taking your vehicle from damaged to brand-new looking.
Making a plan after hail damage
After a hailstorm has passed through the area, it’s a good idea to promptly check whether or not your vehicle has damage. If your vehicle made it through the storm unharmed, congratulations! If your vehicle did endure some damage, there are steps you can take now that will potentially save you from complicated and costly repairs in the future.
If your car was affected by the hail, you should:
- Evaluate the damage thoroughly: Do your best to inspect the vehicle for any damage, including commonly-affected areas like the windshield, roof, and side panels. Upon finding damage, some drivers decide the impact is minor enough that they will not have it repaired – though we do not recommend this. Small chips in your windshield can slowly grow worse from daily wear-and-tear and result in a repair process that’s much more expensive and time-consuming than having your vehicle fixed right after the storm. In fact, Pennsylvania laws prohibit driving with cracks or chips that interfere with the driver’s vision on any area of the windshield, side windows, or rear window.
- Consider contacting your insurance company: If you expect the cost of the damages to exceed your insurance deductible, contact your insurance agent to let them know you will be having your vehicle reviewed. Predicting exactly how much your repairs will cost can be difficult, though we have suggestions in the next section to make this process easier.
- Bring your vehicle to Becker body Shop for an estimate: While your insurance company might make suggestions on where to have your vehicle repaired, you have the final decision on where to go. In many states including Pennsylvania, you have the legal right to choose your repair shop (Act of 1972, PL 1713, No. 367). We recommend a body shop that guarantees their repairs for the lifetime of your vehicle, as our team at Becker Body Shop does. When you have your vehicle inspected by Dave, you are guaranteed a fair estimate that includes all the repairs you need, and nothing you don’t.
Anticipating costs of repair
Hail damage varies greatly based on the intensity of the storm and whether or not your vehicle was under any type of shelter. We’ve seen many vehicles make it through a hailstorm with just a few dents and scratches, while others haven’t been as fortunate. Oversized hail can cause shattered windshields and severe body panel damage that requires more significant repairs.
You’ll want to check with your insurance company on what you’ll pay out-of-pocket for the repairs. Your policy should clearly state the deductible. This ranges based on your insurer and your specific insurance plan. Your type of vehicle is also a factor in the cost of repairs.
Some drivers prefer to get estimates from multiple body shops. If you’re comparing prices from several repair centers, make sure each estimate includes original equipment manufacturer parts. Quality body shops like Becker Body Shop work exclusively with OEM parts to provide the highest-quality repairs.
Getting back on the road
While your vehicle is going through repairs, top repairers like Becker Body Shop make sure you can still get to work, school, and beyond. We offer complimentary loaner cars to every customer as part of our guarantee. Don’t waste time negotiating with your insurance company or spending money on costly car rentals. Let our experts give you the best service. Contact Dave at (570) 743-5882 to get started!
