Hailstorms can be dangerous, especially if you happen to be driving. Large, heavy hailstones not only make driving difficult, but they can also cause significant damage to vehicles by denting panels and breaking glass. Fortunately, the right auto body shop can make your vehicle look as good as new. Here are a few critical do’s and don’ts for repairing a vehicle damaged by hail. 

Do: 

File a claim with your insurance company.

Contact your insurance company as soon as your vehicle is damaged with hail. Your agent will discuss your coverage limits with you and set up an appointment to have the damage to your car evaluated. Many policies require that you report damage within one year, so don’t put off reporting the incident. 

Work with an experienced auto body shop. 

While most cities have several auto body shops to choose from, look for a business that has extensive experience repairing hail damage.

Make sure any shop you work with is licensed, bonded, and certified to do the work. You can also ask if they have before and after photos of previous repair jobs.

Don’t: 

Ignore damage. 

While the issues caused by hail damage may seem largely cosmetic, they can affect the safety and structural integrity of your car. Bent panels may not fare as well in future accidents, and cracked auto glass is more likely to shatter. Small dents can lead to widespread rust over time, so always seek out repairs as soon as possible. 

Let your insurance company pressure you. 

When you file an auto insurance claim, your agent may try to steer you toward certain repair professionals. They may mention that these options are “contracted,” but all this means is that the repairs may be less expensive for the insurance company. You are allowed to choose any auto body shop you would like, so don’t feel pressured by your insurance company.

If your car was damaged during a hailstorm, turn to Mark's Auto Body in Cincinnati, OH. Since 1985, these highly trained professionals have been helping people restore their vehicles while also offering convenient services like rental vehicles, free estimates, and expert color matching. Learn more about this auto body shop by visiting their website, or by giving them a call at (513) 731-4273.