Hailstorms can cause some significant damage to your vehicle in a very short period. When it happens, it can catch you off-guard. So what do you do after your car has been pelted by hail? Here is our step-by-step guide to help you.
Document the Damage
The first action you should take if your car has been hit is to document the damage. Pull out your smartphone or your digital camera and take several photos or videos from various angles. Try to take up-close shots of the dents in your car as well as panoramic shots of the entire vehicle. The reason you want to document the damage is for insurance purposes.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
At this point, you’ll want to make a claim as soon as possible. If you prefer, we can make the claim for you when you bring the car into our service center. If you make the claim yourself, then specifically ask for Minnetonka Collision Center to work on your car. Don’t worry, we’ll be on the provider’s preferred list. We work with all major insurance companies.
Wash Your Car
If your car is dirty, then it’s a good idea to wash it. This way the dents created by the hail are clear. When the appraiser comes to look at your car, he/she can have a clear view of what happened. If your car is dirty, it will only work against you, as the appraiser may not be convinced that the damage was from hail. Take it by the carwash and get it cleaned as soon as possible.
Get an Estimate for Your Repair
Once your insurance provider gives you the green light to come to Minnetonka, then you need to get an estimate to determine how much it’s going to cost for a full hail storm repair. The estimate may include the following:
● Pulling the dents out of the car and smoothing out the surface
● In severe cases, it may be more cost effective for us to replace a part such as a hood or a side fender.
● Painting over the damaged areas and restoring the car to looking like new once again.
Once we get an estimate, then we can documentation directly to your insurance provider.
Schedule a Repair with Minnetonka Collision Center
Once the estimate is given and the repair is cleared, then we can go to work to restore you care back to new. Our technicians have the certification and experience necessary to fully repair your car. When the dents are taken out and the paint job is done, your car will look new once again. You’ll never know that there was any damage.
Minnetonka Will Take Care of Your Car
Minnetonka Collision Center has established a solid reputation as a car repair company you can trust. We provide a wide range of service that includes dent removal, hail repair, fender repair, and paint matching. No matter how damaged your car is from hail, we can repair it. Call us today at 763-230-7805 to schedule a free estimate or a hail damage repair. We service all personal and commercial vehicles in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.
