If you have recently sustained hail damage on your vehicle, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Dealing with auto hail damage can be tricky, and you may not know whether you should leave it alone, take it in for repairs, or attempt to fix it yourself.
Although hail damage may seem simple, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up making a lot of mistakes. Keep reading to learn four common mistakes people make when dealing with hail damage on their cars, and how you can avoid these mistakes.
#1. Ignoring the Damage
Because hail damage often seems cosmetic and shallow, many car owners ignore it entirely. They decide there’s no real danger in keeping the dents, and the money they would spend on repairs is better spent somewhere else.
However, this is one of the worst things you can do. Although the hail may not have caused any visible damage, there could be hidden damage that you’re not aware of that can compromise your car’s functioning. Untreated dents can also lead to rust and corrosion in the long term, which can cause even more problems further down the line.
#2. Using a D.I.Y Solution
When your car has small, uncomplicated-looking dents, it may be tempting to try to repair them yourself. There are a lot of car hail damage repair kits on the market that claim to be able to fix your car at home. Although these products may work for certain types of dents, they’re not always effective, and they can often do more harm than good.
If you use one of these kits, you run the risk of making the damage worse, or even causing new damage. The dents caused by hail damage can be deceptively complex to fix, which is why car hail damage is best left to the professionals.
#3. Procrastinating on Repairs
Since there are usually multiple hail storms in a season, it may seem logical to wait until the end of the season to get repairs. There’s no use getting your car repaired just to have it sustain more damage a few months later, right?
Well, although it may seem counterintuitive, it’s actually best to get repairs immediately. Waiting until the season is over to get repairs can increase the damage done by dents, such as rust, corrosion, and resulting water damage. It can also be an insurance issue if you try to file two separate events under one claim.
#4. Relying on Insurance
Although car insurance can be a lifesaver, it’s not always the best solution for hail damage. Many car insurance policies have high deductibles for hail damage, which means you may have to pay a significant amount of money out of pocket before your insurance will even kick in. And, if you don’t have comprehensive coverage, your repairs probably won’t get covered at all.
There’s also the issue that car insurance companies will often recommend you go to a repair shop that doesn’t have the skills necessary to handle hail damage. It’s important to shop around independently of your insurance to find a reputable paintless dent repair technician.
Usually, they will be able to negotiate with your insurance to get a good rate. And, if you have to pay a portion out of pocket, you’ll be pleased to know the repairs are pretty affordable. For a better idea of how much car hail damage repair might cost, try this tool to calculate the car hail damage repair cost.
Conclusion
Dealing with car hail damage can be inconvenient, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to repair your car properly. Ignoring the damage, using a DIY solution, procrastinating on repairs, and relying on insurance are all common mistakes people make when faced with hail damage. However, by avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that your car is repaired properly and avoid further damage down the line.