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Paintless Dent & Auto Hail Repair: Austin

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Auto Hail Repair

Jul 20 2023

What happens if my insurance company totals my car from hail damage?

Your car was damaged in a hail storm, and you are afraid that the insurance company will call it a ‘total loss.’

This is a very common concern of owners with later-model cars, SUVs, and trucks. For example, we had a customer with a 2012 Ford Escape that had approximately 15-20 dents on the hood and about 28-30 on the roof. There was no paint chipping. The vehicle only had 125k miles on the engine and, outside of the hail damage, was in nearly perfect driving condition. The owner was concerned about filing a hail damage claim because they were afraid the insurance adjuster wouldn’t pay to get the dents repaired because the damage nearly exceeded the current value of the vehicle.

We love our vehicles, even if they are a few years old. It just seems like such a waste to scrap a perfectly functioning vehicle instead of getting it repaired. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t see it that way.

In this article, we will discuss the options you have if your insurance deems your car a ‘total loss,’ the steps you should take to protect your investment, how to file a hail damage claim, and more.

'total loss' insurance claim on auto hail damage oklahoma city

Insurance Company Definitions – Auto Hail Damage & Repair

What is a late-model vehicle?

LawInsider.com defines a ‘late model vehicle‘ as the current-year model of a vehicle and the five preceding model years, or any vehicle whose actual cash value is determined to have been at least $10,000 prior to being damaged.

What is a ‘Salvage Title?’

A vehicle receives a salvage title when an insurance company declares it a total loss, warning future buyers that there was a significant problem. Vehicles are usually marked a total loss when a vehicle is damaged so severely that, financially, it doesn’t make sense to repair.

What does ‘total loss’ mean?

Since hail typically hits the entire vehicle, the whole car is likely to be damaged, and such significant damage is challenging to repair. If your insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss, they will write you a check for your car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible, instead of estimating repair costs.

Number one reason why you should file a hail damage claim even if will be a ‘total loss.’

If you have been waiting to get your car inspected for hail damage because you are afraid it will be a “total loss,” now is the time to call your insurance company and file a claim…and this is the #1 reason why.

Let’s say you haven’t yet filed a claim, are out driving around, and get in a fender bender. What would be a typical quick and dirty claim with your insurance, no matter who was at fault, would turn into a completely totaled vehicle. No salvage title, no buy-back option, no reimbursement option….nothing.

Alternatively, if you had filed the hail damage claim – you would be afforded options.

What steps should I take if a hail storm has possibly totaled out my car?

  1. File a claim with your insurance company. If you live in the Oklahoma City area, follow the steps provided here. We have already repaired nearly 200 vehicles from the April 2023 storm and know the fastest and most efficient way to get it done. 1 out of every 4 of those vehicles were totaled out.
  2. Get an estimate for repairs. As you can probably imagine, Oklahoma City insurance companies are pretty backed up due to the multiple hail storm occurrences this year. More than likely, they will direct you to either a body shop or a paintless dent repair shop to get an estimate. Just beware of ‘steering.’ You can read more about it here but in short – you have the right to take your vehicle to any shop you choose for an estimate and repairs. To schedule an estimate with Superior Dent Solutions, you can choose your appointment date/time here.
  3. The hail damage estimate. If your assigned adjuster comes to you, they will inspect the vehicle and then send you the results of their findings usually by email. If they tell you that you should take your vehicle to a local OKC shop for an estimate, they will want a full inspection plus pictures of the damage if we suspect the vehicle is a ‘total loss.’

FAQ Total Loss Hail Claims

If I choose to just ‘do nothing’ and not file a hail damage claim with my insurance company and just drive my vehicle ‘as is?’

If you have a lien/loan through a bank on your vehicle that has not been satisfied, you are required by law to file an insurance claim. The biggest reason – if you don’t file a hail damage claim, have a ‘late model car,’ decide to take a chance and drive the vehicle anyway, get in an accident (even a small fender bender) – you will get ZERO for the vehicle damage IF the combined damage exceeds the current value of the vehicle.

What are my options if my insurance company ‘totals’ out my vehicle as a result of hail damage?

Salvage title buyback. You can either keep the vehicle by purchasing it as a ‘salvage title.’ The ‘salvage title’ value is basically the blue book value of the vehicle minus 40%. Using the example car above – if the 2012 Ford Escape has a Kelly Blue Book value of 9k, the buyback ‘salvage title’ would cost you $3,600.

Check for current value. If you decide to take the money for your vehicle, you should definitely do some research so you don’t get lowballed. First, do a local search on cars.com, Kelley Blue Book, or even Google for a vehicle that best matches the specs of your vehicle – including trim and pre-loss condition. Take screenshots of at least 3. Get the average of the 3 vehicles and provide this information to your insurance company.

What Oklahoma cities have the most ‘total loss’ hail claims from the 2023 hail storms?

Tuttle, Lawton, and parts of OKC are where we are seeing the most ‘totaled’ hail damage auto hail claims.

Superior Dent Solutions – Oklahoma City

If you have questions about auto hail damage claims and concerns about your car being a ‘total loss,’ the auto hail repair Oklahoma City experts have the answers. We can walk you through the process of filing your hail claim and dealing with your insurance so you receive the best possible outcome. Schedule online or call us at 405-415-6775.

Written by Carrie Atkins · Categorized: Auto Hail Repair

Jul 13 2023

Parking Lot Auto Hail Repair Warning

Deep discounts don’t equal quality auto hail repairs.

You’ve probably seen them, big tents set up in big box store parking lots with larger-than-life signs offering auto hail repair on the cheap. In the paintless dent repair industry, there is a category of dent repair technicians referred to as ‘hail chasers.’ They set up quickly, offer insane incentives, and then pack up shop and scurry out of town as soon as the next big hail storm hits in another city. It’s literally almost like when the circus comes to town.

Paintless dent repair is a price and time-sensitive business and lots of hustling goes on after hailstorms between ‘hail chasers’ looking to repair as many vehicles as they can in a short period of time. Sometimes the quality of hail repairs is good but oftentimes, it’s a crap shoot.


Auto Hail Repair Pop-Up Tent - Oklahoma City

‘After’ Photos of Auto Hail Repair in Tent

This is what auto hail repair looks like without the correct lighting or facility.

For instance, here is a customer vehicle we got in the shop that was damaged in a hail storm. They went in for repairs but ended up with more damage than they started with.

‘Over-pushing’ a dent is a prime example of an inexperienced paintless dent repair technician. Instead of massaging or ‘finessing’ the hail damage dent to the point where the metal returns to its original form, the technician puts too much pressure on the metal and pushes it past its natural state. This can cause paint damage, bubbling, and dimpling. In some cases, the entire panel needs to be replaced.

If you see one of these ‘pop-ups,’ take caution when considering this as an option for auto hail repair on your vehicle. Even if you are offered some crazy ‘cash-back’ offer, remember that ‘too good to be true’ usually means that it is.


Find a Reputable Paintless Dent Repair Shop in Oklahoma City

  1. Easy to contact. Their phone number should be on the Internet/Google. If no one answers, someone should call you back within a couple of hours. This is a good indicator of the PDR shop’s customer service & communication.
  2. Free estimate. Most paintless dent repair shops will offer to inspect your vehicle’s damage and provide you with an estimated repair cost.
  3. Clear of clutter & tidy. Just like what my grandfather used to say about buying a used car goes the same for any vehicle repair or body shop. If the inside is a mess, you can expect the maintenance of the engine to be worse. A presentable and polite person should greet you, ask you what you need help with, collect your contact information, and provide you with the information you need.
  4. Customer reviews. With the internet, social media, and Google – finding ‘real’ reviews is fairly easy. As a business owner, I know how difficult it is to get a negative review removed (in our case, it was a competitor leaving false reviews) and it’s all out there to see…the good and the not so good. If you DO run across a less than 5-star review, take this as an opportunity to see how the PDR shop handles criticism or customer service.

Superior Dent Solutions

Schedule FREE Auto Hail Damage Inspection

Superior Dent Solutions has been repairing auto hail damage for over 25 years. We are located in Edmond, OK, and service cities within 30 minutes of our shop location at 13841 N Lincoln Blvd, Edmond, OK 73013. Schedule your free hail damage inspection today for a high-quality repair. All repairs come with a lifetime warranty.

Get Started. Where would you like to have your vehicle inspected?

My Location
Superior Dent Shop

Written by Carrie Atkins · Categorized: Auto Hail Repair

Jun 24 2023

Veterans for Life Fundraiser

All July, For Every Auto Hail Repair, We Donate $100 to Scholarship Fund to Pay for Local Out-Patient Treatment for our veterans and first responders struggling with PTS & substance use disorder. 

Brian started β€œVeterans 4 Life USA,” a charity that connects Veterans and First Responders with resources, including treatment, therapeutic events, equine therapy, retreats, job training and placement, and spouse support groups.

β€œVeterans for Life is really about community and families that really support our Veterans and First Responders both with the problems they’ve got… from start to finish, the process is hopefully, really a good, strong kind of a dramatic change in the individual from the assessment all the way through to employment, and a whole total life change… relatability is what it’s all about,” said Paul.

Schedule Hail Damage Inspection

A QUICK INSPECTION TO LOOK OVER THE HAIL DAMAGE ON YOUR VEHICLE.

We will answer any questions you may have regarding repairs and working with your insurance. We will discuss deductible and loaner vehicle assistance.

Written by Carrie Atkins · Categorized: Auto Hail Repair, Fundraisers & Community Support ATX

Jun 16 2023

Veterans For Life USA – Warrior Challenge 2023

VETERANS FOR LIFE USA

WARRIOR CHALLENGE

The 4th annual Warrior Challenge!! Powerful speakers! Exciting raffle with a chance to win a $3,600 rifle and other great items!! Awesome vendors!! Awards presentations! Great food! Volleyball tournament! Outstanding obstacle course! Cornhole! Kayaking! Swimming! Camaraderie and fellowship with great friends and family!

BONUS: Schedule a complete auto hail repair with Superior Dent Solutions at the event, you get $100 cash – We donate $100 to Veterans for Life USA!


June 17, 2023, 12pm-5pm

Briscoe Family Farm

9900 SW 89th St., Mustang, OK 73063

Can’t make it to the event?

Mention this offer or use coupon code β€˜warrier2023’

SCHEDULE ESTIMATE

Written by Carrie Atkins · Categorized: Auto Hail Repair, Fundraisers & Community Support ATX

Jun 09 2023

OKC – Another Hail Storm, More Auto Hail Damage

Multiple Auto Hail Claims & How to Handle Them

With yet another round of hail storms on the Oklahoma City weather horizon, so does the chance of additional damage to your already damaged car and roof.

As my grandfather always used to say, “You’d best be on your way, you want to get ahead of the weather.” In OKC, this rings so true on so many levels but sometimes you can’t always predict exactly when the weather will strike. In today’s article, we will talk about being preemptive but also discuss what to do if you couldn’t get ahead of the weather…once, twice, or even multiple times.

April 19, 2023 Oklahoma City, OK Hail Storm
April 19, 2023 OKC Hail Storm
June 10, 2023 Possible Oklahoma City, OK Hail Storm
June 10, 2023 OKC Potential Hail Storm

Oklahoma City – Damaging Winds, Hail, & Possible Tornado Threat

Prepare & Be Aware.

KOCO OKLAHOMA CITY 5 Meteorologist Jonathan Conder says,

“There’s a low chance of damaging winds Friday night, but those storms will snowball into a bigger risk Saturday morning across southeastern Oklahoma with new storms Saturday afternoon. The damaging winds Friday could be 60-70 mph, and there’s a risk for small hail and a low tornado threat.”

Although you’d much rather be reading the “Boy rescues baby deer who fell into backyard swimming pool” article that popped up in the “additional news” column, you know that protecting your personal property from additional wind & hail damage is more important. Just in case you missed it, you can see the video here. πŸ™‚

Prepare.

Do a quick mental scan of your plans for the next couple of days or check your calendar for any immediate obligations that might involve being exposed to the elements if severe weather arises. Considered rearranging your plans.

Now is the perfect time to make sure your garage is clear and you can pull your vehicles inside. Do a quick scan of your yard. Are there any loose limbs that could be taken down? Are the trashcans secured and not in a position to be blown around the yard?

Be aware.

Watch the weather. Turn on the weather channel or your local news station.

What Do I Do If My Car Was Damaged By Hail?

You did everything you could but unfortunately, the weather won. It’s OK, it happens. When you live smack dab in the middle of Hail Alley, which Oklahoma City most certainly is, hail happens.

Now, we are in a “choose your own adventure” fork in the road. This is either your FIRST round of auto hail damage in OKC or your second encounter due to the April 19, 2023 severe hail storm.

No Prior Hail Damage Claim.

If this is your first Oklahoma City auto hail damage occurrence, visit our article Filing Auto Hail Claim in OKC – Step by Step. We’ve already repaired multiple cars with auto hail damage from the April 19th storm that hit parts of OKC, Yukon, Edmond, and other surrounding cities. We’ve handled hail claims from almost every major insurance company out there and have become familiar with the variances in how they handle hail damage claims.

Multiple Auto Hail Damage Claims.

If you already have hail damage on your vehicle from the first round of OKC hail storms, you probably have some questions about what to do next. These are the biggies.

Can you claim hail damage twice In Oklahoma City?

Yes, of course, you can. As long as it isn’t from the same hail storm, that is what car insurance is for but here in lies another “choose your own adventure.” You have filed a claim for the first storm and already had your hail damage repaired OR you filed a claim but haven’t had the damage repaired yet.

Either way, yes and yes. Here’s how you go about it.

Filed First Claim > Hail Damage Repaired > Need to File Another Claim

All you need to do is call your insurance provider again and file another claim.

Filed First Claim > Hail Damage NOT Repaired > Need to File Another Claim

If you have filed the first claim, your adjuster already has documented how much damage occured from the first storm. They will go through the claims process again and send out an adjuster. The adjuster will access the damage in it’s entirety. They will then take the information from the first storm and subtract that from the total damage from both storms. It is a good idea to get the damaged assessed by Superior Dent Solultions to make sure all of the damage was documented. If any damage was missed, we will request a supplement from your insurance company to cover the cost to repair all of the damage.

What if I didn’t file an auto hail damage claim from the first storm and now I have additional damage from the second storm?

This is totally OK. You will call your insurance company and tell them that you need to file 2 auto hail claims on your vehicle. If you need any assistance, we are happy to help you. You will need to provide them with some basic information about your policy. Then, they will ask you to provide the dates of the 2 different storm occurances.

You will be assigned an adjuster that will contact you, usually by email, to schedule a time to come out to inspect and estimate the cost to repair the damage. Once the total amount is determained, they will associate a “cost to repair” to each storm occurance. They do that by looking at the historical data from the first storm and getting an average “cost to repair” and subtracting that average from the total.

Regardless, all of the damage will be repaired.

Will I have to pay two deductibles?

Technically, yes. For each singular claim, you will be required to pay a deductible. At Superior Dent Solutions, we take care of the cost of both deductibles.

Written by Carrie Atkins · Categorized: Auto Hail Repair

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