A sudden hailstorm can cause significant damage to the exterior of a vehicle. Fortunately, if you carry comprehensive insurance, the policy will cover the costs of hail repair. However, to make sure you don’t run into any problems, you have to approach the claims process properly. Many car owners unknowingly make mistakes that leave them with additional out-of-pocket expenses or cause delays in getting their car fixed. Here are a few errors to steer clear of when filing a claim. 

What to Avoid When Filing an Auto Hail Damage Claim 

1. Waiting Too Long to Contact the Insurance Company  

It’s best to contact your insurer as soon as you realize the vehicle has experienced hail damage. Some providers place a time limit on how long you have to file a claim after the loss occurred, which can be as short as six months or up to a year. If you miss this deadline, they can refuse to cover the repairs. Additionally, the longer you wait to get the car fixed, the worse the damage can get, which the provider may deem your fault. 

2. Neglecting to Document the Damage 

One of the most crucial steps you can take following a hailstorm is to document the damage to the vehicle. Take photos and videos of the dents from every angle. This will serve as evidence for the insurance company should a dispute arise over the claim. It’s also wise to write down the details of the event, including the date and time it took place, where the car was parked, and the location of the bodywork damage. 

3. Not Researching Hail Repair Shops 

Once the claim is accepted, your insurer will likely provide a list of preferred hail repair shops. Don’t simply choose the first name they suggest. Instead, do your research and select a reputable company to work on the car. An experienced repair shop will go over the vehicle carefully with the adjuster to ensure all the damage is accounted for and an accurate value is assigned to the claim. 

Knowing how to correctly file an insurance claim for hail damage will help prevent the unnecessary stress of being denied coverage and ensure your vehicle is restored to its original condition. If you need reliable hail repair after a recent storm, contact the professionals at Hail Repair Pro Colorado. Based in Brighton, the BBB®-certified company offers more than a decade of experience removing unsightly dents caused by hail, and they take extra precautions to maintain each car’s original factory paint job. They will also help prepare all the necessary claim forms you must turn into your insurer. Call (720) 818-6300 to request a quote, or visit them online to schedule hail repair.