Hailstorms can cause extensive damage to your car, from minor dents to cracked windows. Acting promptly and efficiently can save time and money while ensuring your vehicle is restored as soon as possible. Here’s what you should do immediately after discovering hail damage. For all you auto body needs contact Fairway Collision Center, located in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, serving the entire Twin Cities MN area.
1. Ensure Your Safety
- Check Your Surroundings: If the storm is ongoing, stay inside your vehicle or find shelter until it passes. Ensure you and your passengers are safe.
- Assess for Injuries: If there are any injuries, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Document the Damage
- Take Photographs: Capture clear pictures of the damage from different angles. These will be crucial for insurance claims.
- Note Details: Write down the date, time, and location of the hailstorm and any other relevant details about the incident.
3. Protect Your Vehicle from Further Damage
- Cover Broken Windows: Use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover any broken windows to prevent water from getting inside.
- Move to a Safer Spot: If safe to do so, drive your vehicle to a protected area to prevent additional damage from subsequent hailstorms.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
- Report the Damage: Notify your insurer immediately to begin the claims process.
- Provide Documentation: Share the photos and notes you took with your insurance company to support your claim.
5. Get a Damage Estimate
- Visit a Repair Shop: Take your vehicle to a trusted repair shop for a detailed estimate of the damages..
6. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
- Review Your Policy: Know what your insurance policy covers, including deductibles and potential premium increases.
- Discuss with Your Agent: Ask your agent about coverage specifics, and how hail damage may impact your premiums.
7. Schedule Repairs
- Choose a Repair Shop: Pick a repair shop based on the estimates and your confidence in their quality of work.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule a time for your repairs and confirm all details with the shop.
8. Keep Receipts and Documentation
- Save All Receipts: Keep documentation of any repair work and temporary protective measures you took.
- Track Communication: Record all interactions with the insurance company and the repair shop.
9. Consider Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
- Learn About PDR: PDR is a cost-effective and less invasive way to fix minor dents caused by hail.
- Ask Your Repair Shop: See if the repair shop offers PDR and if it’s suitable for the type of damage on your vehicle.
10. Check for Additional Damage
- Inspect Thoroughly: After repairs, inspect your vehicle to ensure no damage was overlooked.
- Test Drive: Take your vehicle for a drive to ensure everything is functioning properly post-repair.
13. Explore Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
- Evaluate Your Coverage: If your current policy doesn’t include hail damage, consider upgrading to comprehensive coverage.
- Consult Your Insurance Agent: Discuss coverage options to ensure you have the best policy for your needs.
14. Understand the Repair Process
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the repair shop about their process and how long repairs will take.
- Stay Updated: Keep in contact with the repair shop for updates on the progress of your repairs.
15. Review Post-Repair Work
- Final Inspection: After repairs are completed, carefully inspect your vehicle to ensure all damages are addressed.
- Confirm Insurance Coverage: Ensure your insurance claim was processed correctly, and that all costs were covered as per your policy.
By following these steps after a hailstorm, you can minimize stress, save on repair costs, and ensure your car is returned to its pre-damage condition efficiently. If you’re in Minnesota and need assistance after hail damage, contact Fairway Collision Center located in Vadnais Heights Minnesota, fix it right the first time!
