I’VE GOT HAIL DAMAGE WHAT DO I DO NOW?

I’ve Got Hail Damage – What Do I Do Now?
Dealing with hail damage can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time. At Dent Masters we’ve guided more than 10,000 satisfied customers through this process since 1990, and we’re here to help you, too. This guide outlines the immediate steps to take after a hailstorm and explains why proper repairs protect your vehicle and your insurance coverage.

Immediate Steps to Take After Hail Damage

The following checklist provides a clear, sequential plan. Completing these tasks ensures your claim is processed quickly and your vehicle is restored properly.

1. Inspect your vehicle. Check if any glass is broken, water is leaking inside or the vehicle is unsafe to drive.

2. Locate your insurance card. It’s often in the glove box. Find the claims department’s 800‑number; do not call your agent (agents handle policy questions, not claims).

3. Report the claim immediately. Call the claims number on your card. The insurer will either send an adjuster to you or schedule an inspection at their facility, a local body shop or a temporary inspection tent.

4. Ask about rental coverage. Determine whether your policy includes a rental car and the daily allowance.

5. Skip estimates before the inspection. The adjuster will not use third‑party estimates. Focus on getting an accurate inspection rather than collecting multiple quotes.

6. Wash your vehicle before the inspection. A clean car makes it easier for the adjuster to see the hail damage.

7. Attend the inspection and collect paperwork. After the adjuster evaluates the damage, they’ll provide paperwork outlining the initial estimate. Save this for your records.

8. Obtain a rental reservation number. If you have rental coverage, ask the adjuster to reserve a rental car for you so the agency can retrieve the reservation when needed.

9. Avoid insurer‑direct repair shops. Insurance‑contracted body shops work for the insurer, not you. They may be required to collect your deductible and can receive kickbacks for referrals. Dent Masters works exclusively for you.

10. Schedule your repair promptly. Don’t postpone repairs in hopes of another hailstorm. Combining damage from multiple storms increases the chance that your vehicle will be totaled, and unrepaired damage restricts future coverage.

11. Bring your car to Dent Masters. Once the paperwork is complete and a rental reservation is secured, drop off your vehicle at Dent Masters. We’ll handle the entire repair process and transport you to the rental agency if needed.

Why Adjuster Estimates Are Often Low

Insurance adjusters usually spend only 15–30 minutes per vehicle after a major hailstorm. Most of the time they perform a quick assessment outdoors and write a preliminary estimate, which is typically lower than the actual repair cost. Once your car arrives at our shop, we:

• Wash and clean the vehicle thoroughly.

• Bring it indoors and inspect it under special lighting.

• Spend 5–7 hours circling each dent to ensure nothing is missed.

This detailed assessment allows us to submit a supplement to the insurer for the true cost of repairs. Don’t waste time gathering multiple estimates—adjusters will only use their initial evaluation until your car actually reaches the repair shop to be repaired.

Understanding Insurance Payouts and Unrepaired Damage

Insurers intentionally undervalue some hail damage estimates because they know a percentage of customers will take the check and skip repairs. This practice saves them money but puts you at risk. If you keep the payout and leave the damage unrepaired:

• You remain restricted by an unrepaired damage clause, meaning future claims for those panels will be denied.

• You continue paying full‑coverage premiums without being fully covered.

• The vehicle’s value drops, affecting you and any lien holder.

Insurers are happy to pay whatever it costs to repair the damage; they simply want to verify that the work is completed. Proper repairs protect your coverage and maintain the value of your vehicle.

Need Help? We’re Here for You

Dent Masters will guide you through every step—from inspecting damage to final delivery. If you have questions at any point, contact us for advice. We’ve seen every kind of hail damage claim imaginable and will make your experience as simple and stress‑free as possible.