discount-hail-repair

PDR Vs Traditional Hail Damage Repair Methods for Denver, CO Drivers

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:05:40 GMT

Colorado hailstorms don’t mess around. And after one hits, most vehicle owners end up hearing a mix of opinions about what should happen next.

“Should I do PDR?”

“Do I need a new hood?”

“Is it better to repaint it?”

It sounds like you’re supposed to choose.

You’re not.

You’re Not Choosing the Repair Method — You’re Choosing the Shop

One of the biggest misunderstandings in hail repair is this idea that the customer decides between PDR and traditional body repair.

That’s not how it works.

Insurance companies write the estimate based on what’s most cost-effective and appropriate for the damage. The shop then determines the correct repair approach based on the condition of the vehicle.

The customer’s job isn’t to pick the method.

It’s to pick the shop.

Because the shop is the one making the decisions that actually impact:

How your vehicle is repaired
Whether original parts and paint are preserved
How your claim is handled from start to finish

And not all shops approach that the same way.

What Paintless Dent Repair Is — and Why It Matters

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) restores damaged panels without repainting them.

Instead of grinding down the surface and covering damage, the metal is carefully worked back into its original shape from behind the panel.

If your paint isn’t broken, this matters.

Because your factory paint is the most consistent, durable finish your vehicle will ever have. Once it’s repainted, you’re no longer dealing with original — you’re dealing with a version of it.

Traditional Repair Has Its Place — But It’s Not the Default

Traditional repair typically follows one of two paths:

Sand, fill, and repaint the existing panel
Replace the panel, then paint to match

And sometimes, one of these is necessary.

If the paint is broken, the metal is too far gone, or the damage can’t be corrected through PDR, traditional repair is the right move.

But a lot of hail damage doesn’t fall into that category — and still ends up there anyway.

That’s where experience and decision-making at the shop level matter.

New Doesn’t Always Mean Better

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is this:

“If I replace the panel, that has to be better than repairing it.”

It sounds logical. It’s not always true.

A factory-installed panel with original paint is the best version your vehicle will ever have. Once that panel is replaced or repainted, you’re no longer working with that original standard.

Even high-quality refinishing comes with tradeoffs:

Color can be extremely close — but not identical in all lighting
Factory paint is more durable than aftermarket paint
Repairs can be reported on vehicle history tools like Carfax

And once that happens, it can affect resale value — even if the work looks good.

PDR Isn’t Just the “Cheaper Option”

PDR is often viewed as the cheaper alternative to traditional repair — and in some cases, it is.

But hail damage rarely shows up as just a few dents.

When a panel has 100, 200, or even 300 dents, the time and precision required to repair it can bring the cost much closer to replacement.

And beyond cost, there’s a practical limit.

At a certain point, the density of the damage — and the strain it puts on the technician — can make repair the less effective option, even if the paint is intact.

That’s why the right approach isn’t about choosing the cheapest method.

It’s about knowing when each method actually makes sense.

Why PDR Is the Standard for Hail Damage

Most hail damage — especially in Colorado — is:

Shallow
Widespread
Paint-safe

That’s exactly what PDR is designed for.

This isn’t the “budget option.”

It’s the correct method for this type of damage.

That’s why most insurance companies already account for PDR in hail claims.

The real variable isn’t the method — it’s the quality of the shop performing it.

What Actually Determines a Good Repair

Most people focus on:

Cost
Turnaround time
Convenience

But those don’t determine whether your vehicle is restored properly.

What actually matters:

Whether your original paint is preserved
Whether the metal is fully corrected — not just improved
Whether the repair is done to a high standard — not just made to look good when you pick it up

That comes down to execution — not marketing.

Insurance and Timing: What Actually Slows Things Down

Insurance companies understand hail damage and PDR — that part isn’t the issue.

Where things get frustrating is timing.

Approvals can take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks , depending on:

The insurance carrier
Time of year (especially during peak hail season)
Claim volume during catastrophe events

And here’s the part most people don’t realize:

A storm in another part of the country can affect your timeline.

If a major fire, flood, or hurricane hits elsewhere, insurance companies often reallocate their catastrophe (CAT) teams to those areas. That can slow down approvals — even if your hailstorm happened weeks or months earlier.

That delay isn’t specific to your vehicle or your claim. It’s a result of how insurance companies manage large-scale events.

What Happens After Approval

Once a claim is approved, the actual repair process is usually much faster.

In most cases:

PDR repairs take 3–7 days , depending on severity

Even with insurance delays, that’s still significantly less time than traditional body repair, which can take much longer due to:

Panel replacement
Paint work and curing time
Additional labor steps

And it’s important to understand:

�� The insurance approval timeline is the same either way

Whether the vehicle is repaired with PDR or traditional methods, you’re still waiting on that initial approval.

Choosing the Right Shop for Hail Damage

When it comes to hail repair, the most important decision you’ll make isn’t the method.

It’s the shop.

And in most cases, repair facilities fall into two general categories:

1. Bodywork-First Shops

These shops specialize in traditional body repair — sanding, filling, repainting, and panel replacement.

Most will have a PDR technician on-site or available, but PDR typically isn’t their primary focus.

Because of that:

The volume of PDR work may be lower
Technicians may only repair what the shop routes to them
There’s less opportunity to refine high-level PDR skill over time

To be clear — there are plenty of strong body shops that take a thoughtful approach and use PDR where it makes sense.

But there are also cases where:

Panels are replaced that could have been repaired
Repainting is used more often than necessary

Not out of bad intent — but because that’s the core of how those shops operate.

These shops are also handling collision work alongside hail claims, which means your vehicle may be in line with a broader range of repairs.

2. PDR-First Shops

PDR-first shops specialize in paintless dent repair — it’s the primary service, not an add-on.

That usually means:

Higher volume of hail damage repair
More refined PDR skill and consistency
A stronger focus on preserving original panels and paint

Many of these shops either:

Have an in-house paint/body department
Or work with trusted partners when traditional repair is necessary

In areas like Colorado, where hail damage is frequent, this type of shop often has a deeper level of experience with this specific kind of repair.

The Difference Comes Down to Approach

A PDR-first shop will typically:

Repair what can be repaired
Replace only what actually needs to be replaced

A bodywork-first shop may:

Lean more toward replacement and refinishing
Use PDR more selectively

Neither approach is automatically right or wrong.

It depends on the damage — and more importantly, the judgment of the shop.

What to Watch For

Not all shops — in either category — operate at the same level.

With PDR-first shops, potential concerns can include:

Inexperienced or inconsistent technicians
Temporary or “storm-chasing” operations
Shops that try to push PDR beyond where it makes sense

With bodywork-first shops, concerns can include:

Over-reliance on replacement and repainting
Less emphasis on preserving original panels

A Good Shop Knows When to Do Both

The best outcome doesn’t come from forcing one method.

It comes from using the right combination of methods based on the vehicle.

A reputable shop will:

Use PDR where it makes sense
Use traditional repair where it’s necessary
Be upfront when one approach is clearly better than the other

In some cases, a vehicle may be better suited for mostly traditional repair — and a good shop will say that.

Because the goal isn’t to push a method.

It’s to get the repair right.

What Your Decision Really Comes Down To

You’re not choosing between PDR and traditional repair.

You’re choosing:
�� Who you trust to make that call correctly

Because once that decision is made — especially when it involves repainting or replacing panels — it can’t be undone.

The Goal Isn’t “New” — It’s “Correct”

After hail damage, most people think the goal is to make the vehicle “like new.”

That’s not the right benchmark.

The goal is to make it right .

“New” can mean replaced, repainted, and reported
“Correct” means restored as close to original as possible — without unnecessary replacement or alteration

Those are not the same outcome.

Work With a Shop That Understands the Difference

At Elevate Hail & Dent Repair, we focus specifically on hail damage and advanced PDR.

We don’t ask customers to guess what method they need.
We assess the damage, work with insurance, and determine the correct approach based on what’s best for the customer and the vehicle .

That doesn’t always mean pushing one method over another.

In some cases, a panel could be replaced — but a high-level repair may make more sense based on timing, insurance constraints, or the customer’s situation.

In others, replacement is the right call — and we’ll say that clearly.

Our approach is simple:

Preserve what should be preserved
Repair what can be repaired properly
Replace only when it truly improves the outcome

Because the goal isn’t just to follow a process.

It’s to make the right call for the entire situation — not just the panel.

Next Step

No pressure. No generic pitch.

Just a clear answer on the right way to fix your vehicle

Why You Should Repair the Hail Damage on Your Car Sooner Rather than Later

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:36:00 GMT

Repairing the hail damage on your car sooner rather than later can save you a lot of financial and logistical headaches

With hail damage, you risk losing thousands of dollars in value when you go to trade in or sell your vehicle. What’s more, waiting to repair the damage could mean even more costly repairs - that is, if your car isn’t rendered a total loss by insurance, and at times can allow insurance to deny payment altogether. Let's look into why that is.

When it comes to your vehicle, its value naturally depreciates over time. However, damage from hail can cause this decrease in value to happen even more quickly. In some cases, you may be looking at an estimated trade-in or resale loss anywhere between $3-7K on average, and the most severe damages can depreciate the vehicle's worth by over $15,000. On top of this financial hit, waiting too long to repair these dents could also cause your vehicle to become a total loss when filing an insurance claim!

It's important to note that there is typically a time limit on how long you typically have to file a claim with your insurance company - 1-3 years depending on your state and the underwriting of your policy. If you wait too long to file your claim or repair your vehicle once your claim is approved, it could lead to a coverage investigation which can extend the claim process by several weeks or even months, and if the statute of limitations in your insurance policy's underwriting has passed, it can render your claim status as denied altogether, leaving you to handle the repair bill out of pocket. Additionally, if your car gets hit by multiple hail storms before getting repaired, things get more complicated as well. Your insurer may charge you for additional deductibles and there are potential challenges with sourcing replacement panels and parts for repairs which can add extra expense and delay the process significantly.

Finally, it takes longer for technicians to perform repairs when more dents are present - particularly if paintwork or panel replacements must be done as well. Panel replacements typically have to be ordered and shipped from overseas, which can cause further delays.

At Elevate Hail & Dent Repair, we understand how important it is for auto owners to get their vehicles back into peak condition as quickly and effectively as possible. We offer fast and reliable service that gets your car back to pre-damage condition so you can have peace of mind! Stop hesitating - get a free estimate today and see just how much time and hassle you could save yourself in the long run!

5 Ways You Can Prepare Your Car for a Hailstorm

Tue, 02 May 2023 16:09:00 GMT

When it comes to hail damage , prevention is always better than cure. So here are five ways you can prepare your car for a hailstorm from our experts at Elevate Hail & Dent Repair.

1. Park in a garage or covered parking: If possible, park your vehicle in a place that's protected from hail, like a garage or covered parking lot. This will give you peace of mind during hail storms and could potentially save your car from major dents and dings. If it starts to hail while you are on the road, it's best to pull over safely on the side of the road and seek cover if possible, but not to stop under an overpass. Driving through a hail storm will cause more damage to your vehicle than parking, and will increase the chances of glass damage to the vehicle. Stopping right under an overpass will increase the chances of your vehicle being involved in an accident. Make sure that safety is top-of-mind when deciding where to pull over.

2. Verify comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy: Make sure that you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance policy, plus a reasonable deductible (preferably $500 or less) so that you're protected if there's any damage done to your car due to hail.

3. Close all windows and sunroofs: Before the storm hits, make sure all windows and sunroofs are closed tightly so no water and debris can enter the vehicle when it hails.

4. Use a hail protection cover for your car, and deploy this protection prior to the storm: When it comes to protecting your car from hail damage, investing in a good quality covering or shield is essential. It will provide an extra layer of protection and minimize any potential damage to the vehicle body & paint caused by large hailstones falling at high speed during inclement weather conditions. It is important to deploy your covering or shield prior to the storm, as attempting to do so during the storm may cause severe bodily harm.

5. Stay inside if you don't have to drive: It's best not to drive when you know that there's going to be a hailstorm outside as there could be obstacles on the road such as fallen trees and branches due to strong winds associated with thunderstorms and hailstorms. Also, avoid going out after it has started to hail in order to cover your car or attempt to protect it; this could put you at risk since hailstorms can be unpredictable & dangerous. If you were planning on driving, it is safest to postpone in the event of a hail storm.

Protecting your car from hail damage doesn't have to be difficult - follow these simple steps and visit Elevate Hail & Dent Repair for reliable hail damage and paintless dent repair services !

A Beginner’s Guide to Paintless Dent Repair

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Paintless dent repair is a great way to restore your vehicle’s paint job without having to go through the hassle of panel replacement and repainting. This method can save you time, and restore equity back into your vehicle, but it isn’t always the right choice depending on the size, shape, or location of the dent. Here’s everything you need to know about paintless dent repair and how it works.

What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is an innovative technique used to fix dents on vehicles without needing to do any paint work. It uses specialized tools and techniques that gently massage, push, and pull the metal back into its original shape. This process preserves the original factory finish of your vehicle which, in turn, restores and preserves your vehicle's value. The process is incredibly effective for minor dents, but may not be suitable for larger or more severe damage.

How Does It Work?

The first step in PDR is assessing the damage and determining if this technique is suitable for repairing it. To ensure that no further damage is caused by attempting a PDR fix, an experienced technician will analyze the area of impact using special lighting techniques to make sure that all of the materials are still intact. If there are any signs of cracking or other damage due to age or wear and tear, then this technique may not be suitable for fixing the issue.

Next, special tools are used by technicians to manipulate and massage the metal back into its original shape from behind the paneling where possible. This is done with great precision so as not to cause any additional damage during the process.

Factors that affect dent repair are the number of dents, the severity of the damage, the material of the panel, the location of the damage, and paint quality.

Severity is measured by the size of the dent(s) as well as the depth. The larger or deeper the dent, the more malleability, or ability to move the dent, is lost in the metal. At times, a dent may be smaller, but extremely deep. This creates pressure on the metal and can also keep the dent from going back to its original shape or can cause the paint to damage when the metal is moved.

The material of the panel may create a difficult repair, as thinner aluminum panels will be softer, and overcorrect when moved too aggressively, while thicker high-strength steel panels will require more torque to move the metal at all.

The location of the damage may affect the difficulty of the dent repair as dents located on top of a brace, or at the edge of a panel may have obstructed access or no access at all. In the event the dent is not accessible, the technician will not be able to use their specialized tools to move the metal back into its original position.

Dents with damaged paint can prevent a dent from being repairable altogether, while panels that have dry paint, or aftermarket paint can make a dent more technical for repair as the chance for damage to the paint during the repair process increases.

The most ideal dents for paintless dent repair are smaller, shallower dents that are easily accessible using the technician’s specialized tools, and have the OEM or factory paint both intact, and in good condition. These factors should always be taken into consideration before attempting any type of PDR fixes on a vehicle as they could lead to potential problems down the line if these issues are not addressed ahead of time before starting repairs!

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is an innovative technique used for restoring minor damages on vehicles without needing repainting work done afterward. The process involves assessing damages, using special lighting techniques, and careful manipulation of metal back into its original form using specific tools. Thankfully, car owners do not have to know everything about their vehicle to know if paintless dent repair is right for their damage as a certified PDR technician is an expert in accessing your damage and verifying if PDR is the right option for you.

Need professional paintless dent repair services? Contact the professionals at Elevate Hail & Dent Repair today !

The Auto- Hail Repair Process - Part 1, The Customer's Easy 5 Step To Do List For Repair

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:35:00 GMT

You just got hail damage on your car, now what? Whether you've filed a claim before, or are a veteran hail victim, making sure you get the most out of your hail repair with the least amount of effort is our top priority. Here is a step by step guide to help you make an informed decision on your repair!

STEP 1: File Your Claim

Most likely, you've probably gotten this far. Some Insurance Providers allow you to start the claims process online, and some require their customers to call their claims department to get going. It doesn't matter HOW you get you get started, as long as you get a claim number for your repair. A few things to remember during this step of the process:

STEP 2: Have Your Car Appraised by an Insurance Adjuster

*If you take advantage of DHR's Claim Assistance Program you can skip this step, because we do it for you!*

Sometimes they will send an adjuster out to your home, but most likely, they will schedule an appointment for you to drive through a CAT tent, or tell you to go to a big name body shop for your initial estimate. If they request that you take your vehicle to a big name body shop for review, that DOES NOT mean that you have to repair your vehicle at that facility.

Keep in mind that this part of the process may take from 1-3 hours depending on how severe the damage is and how backed up the CAT tent or body shop is that day.

Once the adjuster has completed the initial estimate, they will provide a record of damages, and sometimes a check which automatically has the deductible subtracted from the total amount. For various reasons, this initial estimate is typically only 30% - 50% of the total cost of repair and your shop of choice will reach back out to your insurance provider to collect the remaining amount needed for repair after you've dropped off your car at their shop.

STEP 3: Choose Your Shop of Repair & Schedule a Time for your Car to be Dropped

*Once Again, If you take advantage of DHR's Claim Assistance Program you can skip this step, because you dropped it off in step 1!*

Whether it's Elevate Hail & Dent Repair, or one of the other guys, it's always best do some research before choosing a shop of repair. Here are some things to look for when trying to make a decision:

Once you think you have found your shop, make sure to call them to book an appointment. When you call it is important to ask them:

If the shop you call is booked out for more than a week, or if the average time it takes to repair a vehicle is longer than 10 days, it probably isn't the right shop for repair.

STEP 4: Drop Your Car Off at the Shop

*Once Again, If you take advantage of DHR's Claim Assistance Program you can skip this step, because you dropped it off in step 1!*

After this there shouldn't be anything else for you to do until your vehicle's repair is completed. A good repair shop may also be able to pick your car up from your home, work or car rental location to make things even easier for you!

If you want to learn what happens while you're car is in the shop, come back next month for part 2!

STEP 5: Pick Your Car Up

Once your repair is completed, it's time to pick up your car! Once again, a good repair shop may also be able to drop your car off at your home, work or car rental location to make things even easier for you!

Just make sure to bring any checks that the insurance may have given to you to pay for the repair.

It is also good practice to inspect your vehicle before signing any release forms, and to ensure that you have a copy of a receipt either in hard copy or digital form.

This way, if it hails on your vehicle in the future, you will have proof of your repair!

And that is it! That's all you need to do! Be sure to check back with us for our next blog post: The Auto Hail Repair Process - Part 2, Step by Step Procedure of How We Complete Your Repair!

Ready to book your appointment?

Schedule your No Obligation Consultation TODAY by calling: 1-844-766-4245 .

The Auto Hail Repair Process - Part 2, The 4 Step Process to Your Repair!

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:34:00 GMT

Ever wonder what happens after you drop your car off at a shop? Many of our customer's have plenty of questions about the repair process, so we've put together this simple step by step article of how we complete your repairs!

STEP 1: Vehicle Check-In

When you drop of your vehicle, or if your shop shuttles your vehicle to their shop, the first order of business is checking the vehicle in. Every shop is a little different, but most reputable shops will:

This portion of the process usually takes between 30 minutes to an 1.5 hours to complete, depending on the severity of the damage on the vehicle.

STEP 2: THE REAPPRAISAL

The reappraisal process is when the insurance company sends an appraiser out to re-review the vehicle for the additional documented damages sent in by the shop of repair.

Depending on the insurance company, and the amount of available adjusters vs the amount of claims being appraised at that time, will depend on how quickly the insurance company is able to come out. The average time for adjusters to complete this step is 3 business days. However, many times adjusters are able to come out within 24 hours, and other times it may take up to 7 business days.

The most important thing to remember is that this is out of your shop's control, and that your vehicle's adjuster is doing the best that they can to get to your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Once the insurance company has reviewed the vehicle with the shop and approved the supplement amount. It is time to get to work!

STEP 3: REPAIRING THE VEHICLE

Once the adjuster has approved all supplements, It's time to get to work!

The shop starts by taking apart the vehicle so that they can access the dents from behind the panels. Then they begin to individually push each dent up from behind the panel until it is flat again. They do this on every panel until 100% of the dents are removed.

As much as a PDR shop loves to repair all customer cars with their skills, sometimes major body work cannot be avoided. If a vehicle needs any additional body/paint work, the shop will send the vehicle to the body shop once all PDR is complete.

Simultaneously, while the body of the car is being repaired, someone is calling to order all necessary parts needed to make the vehicle whole again. All new parts will be installed once all PDR, Paint, and bodywork are completed, which is the last step of the physical repair process.

In total, repair time on a vehicle varies. It can be as little as 2 days and as long as 2 weeks, depending on the severity of damage to the vehicle. Generally speaking a vehicle that only requires PDR will take much less time than a vehicle that requires additional paint/body work. The good news is, with a specialized PDR facility, your vehicle is less likely to fall victim to unnecessary body work.

STEP 4: CLEAN, Q.C., AND DELIVER!

Once the repair process is complete, a 5 Star facility will hand wash your vehicle and look it over to ensure that all repairs are completed with perfection.

Once this review is complete your shop will reach out to schedule a time for your vehicle to be returned. upon return it is important to inspect your vehicle and ensure that all repairs are done to your satisfaction.

This will also be the time to complete any payments necessary to close out the repair.

No reputable shop will require money upfront for repair, only once repairs are completed!

If your repair is paid for by your insurance company, than you will most likely owe $0, but may have to endorse the check made out by the insurance company.

And that's it! Your repair is COMPLETE! Always make sure you obtain an invoice marked PAID and you are good to go, back on the road!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE FEEDBACK!

Whether you decide to go to a big or small shop, feedback is always an important part of the repair process. Not only does it let a shop and it's employees know how they are doing, but it also helps (or warns) potential customers know what to expect with their repair too!3

Elevate Hail & Dent Repair always encourages our customers to provide feedback on their experience on any of our social platforms, because we believe public feedback holds shops accountable and keeps them transparent about the process.

Ready to start your repair at our Bedford or McKinney Shop?

Call 1-844-766-4245 or Book Online today!

How does Total Loss Work?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:32:00 GMT

Millions of people every year neglect filing a claim for their Auto-Hail Damage due to the fear that their vehicle might total. The whole process of totaling a vehicle is confusing and stressful, the best and most simple solution to finding out if your vehicle will be declared a total loss before filing an insurance claim is to take your car to a repair facility for a consultation. But for some customers, there is a need to know more. How does totaling a car for hail damage work? What should you do if you think your car is totaled from hail damage? Well, this is a question that we hear all the time, so let’s dive in.

What does Total Loss Mean?

When your vehicle is declared a “ Total Loss ,” the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the vehicle’s “ monetary worth ”.

Monetary Worth is not calculated by what you paid for the vehicle, but is based on the overall market value of the car in the area and your state's Total Loss Formula. These factors vary from state to state, and from car to car.

Total Loss Formulas

State Mandated Total loss formulas are what insurance uses to evaluate a vehicle’s total loss. Currently, most states assign a specific threshold percentage, varying from 50%-100%. total loss formula is evaluated based off of the Actual Cash Value (ACV) and includes the scrap or salvage value of the vehicle plus the cost of repair. If the scrap value and repair cost are lower than the ACV, the vehicle is deemed as repairable. In states with a threshold, vehicles are deemed at a total loss when the Salvage Value + Cost of repair reach the percentage of threshold. Confusing right? Let’s break it down.

1. Look up your state’s threshold here .

2. Calculate the market value for your vehicle on Kelly Blue Book’s website .

There you can plug in the general information for your vehicle to get both the wholesale (aka: trade in) value for your car, and the retail value. Take the average wholesale plus average retail price, divided by 2 is the general market value of our car.

3. Figure the salvage value is based off of a percentage of the market value.

This percentage may vary between vehicles, states and insurance providers. However, if you are looking for a rough estimate, salvage value is normally 25%-50% of the market value, so to calculate the salvage value, you would take the market value and multiply it by .25 for 25% or by .5 for 50%.

4. Access the cost of damage

Unfortunately, with hail, there is no set rate to repair a vehicle, as each vehicle’s damage is different, so you will have to take your car to a reputable hail repair shop to determine your car's risk for totaling. If the shop deems your vehicle is at high risk or total loss, don’t worry you still have options.

So my car is a total loss… now what?

Essentially, insurance provides two options when totaling out a vehicle: Total the car, or keep it, which you can learn more about in are next blog post . Whichever option best fits your needs will most likely depend on your personal situation, as well as your individual policy details. Elevate Hail & Dent Repair takes pride in explaining these options transparently and working with their customers to make sure they reach an informed and sound decision. To review the damages on your vehicle and assess your risk for total loss, call 1-844-766-4245 to book your appointment, today!

What are my options when my car totals for hail damage?

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 01:30:00 GMT

Your vehicle is declared a total loss. Now what? Well, if you have Comprehensive coverage on your car, insurance companies provide customers with two options: surrender the car, or buy it back. Both options will pay the insured based off of the actual cash value of the vehicle, minus the policy deductible, as well as any state taxes and fees. The difference in the two, is whether or not the insured will keep the vehicle, and the amount received.

I want to surrender my vehicle.

Surrendering your vehicle would mean that the asset is released to the insurance company in exchange for its Actual Cash Value, less the deductible and any applicable taxes and fees. Once the insurance company has been notified that you would like to release the car to them, you will be expected to retrieve any personal belongings as soon as possible. Following the retrieval of your belongings, the insurance company will retrieve the vehicle from the shop of repair, and mail a check out to you.

I want to keep my car.

If you want to keep your vehicle, insurance allows what they call a “buy back,” where the insured essentially buys the vehicle back from the insurance company at salvage cost.

The good news about hail damage is it does not impact the mechanical side of the vehicle. And in some states, like Texas and Colorado , a vehicle totaled via hail damage still maintains a clean title. You will however, not be able to reinstate comprehensive coverage on the totaled vehicle until a receipt of repair is provided to the insurance.

With this option, not only does the customer get to keep their car, but they may receive a check for the Actual Cash Value, less the deductible, any applicable taxes/fees, and the salvage price of the vehicle. You can learn how to calculate your salvage cost by reading our blog post on how Total Loss Works .

If you decide to keep your totaled vehicle, and wish to repair it, you can speak to your repair facility to see what the repair cost would be. Just remember, that the entire amount of the insurance check, and possibly then some, will need to go towards the repair.

If you decide to keep your totaled car and do not wish to repair it, make sure to at least repair any broken or cracked glass to avoid safety issues. You will also want to repair any cracked paint so that the vehicle does not procure rust – which can be detrimental to a vehicle.

I have a loan or lean.

If the insured owes money on the car, the insurance company will put the money towards the lean. Any amount left over from the check will go to the insured.

If the insured customer owes more than the car is “worth,” and has Gap Insurance , than the Gap Insurance will kick in to help cover the remaining balance on the vehicle.

If the insured owes more than the car’s worth but does NOT have gap insurance, the insured is responsible for making arrangements with the lean holder to pay off the remaining balance.

Totaling the car that you love can be stressful and frustrating, and the best option when totaling a car will always depend on your specific situation and needs. Here at Elevate Hail & Dent Repair, we provide a safe, transparent, and customer oriented environment where totaling your vehicle is our last resort. In the event there is no other option, it is our commitment that we advise the best course of action to fit your needs and lifestyle. If you’re worried about your vehicle totaling form hail damage, and are looking to take the next steps,

call 1-844-766-4245 today to book your free consultation.