5 Tips for Choosing Auto Hail Repair Services in Denver, CO

Hail causes more than $15 billion in damage every year. This includes homes, businesses, crops, personal property, and vehicles.

If your car has been damaged by hail, you may be wondering how to find a repair shop. There are hundreds to choose from in the Denver area alone. It can be difficult to know where to start.

The good news is that, once you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you will have the assurance that you have found the best shop available. Below are five tips for choosing auto hail repair services in Denver, CO. Keep reading to find out more.

1. Read Online Reviews

The first (and easiest) thing to do when investigating auto hail repair shops is to look online. Most reputable companies will post reviews on their site.

In general, these are reliable and a good place to start. Even if the company has weeded out negative reviews, it will give you an idea of what satisfied customers think.

You might also dig a little deeper for completely unbiased or unfiltered reviews. Look at forums like Google, Yelp, or Facebook to see what experiences former customers have had.

If you have zeroed in on a company, you can go one step further. Take a look at the Better Business Bureau and do not be afraid to ask the shop directly about licenses and certifications.

While you are at it, ask about what background they have with the particular type of damage on your vehicle. Knowledge and training are important, but so is real-world experience.

You want a shop that has a proven record of tackling complex or extensive dent repairs. You also want the assurance that they not only know the basics but have the experience necessary to tackle any unforeseen issues that may arise.

2. Find Out What Repair Techniques They Offer

Another way to learn about a shop's experience is to ask what types of repair methods they employ. When it comes to dent repair, there are two main types: traditional and paintless dent repair.

Traditional dent repair involves using filler to smooth over the dented surface. Once it dries, technicians will sand, prime, and repaint the metal.

This method is more labor-intensive, slower, and expensive than alternative techniques. However, it can be useful in certain circumstances.

These include when a dent is exceedingly deep, sharp, creased, or near the edge of a panel. Traditional methods are also useful when hail has also damaged the paint.

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is the main alternative to traditional restoration methods. It uses special equipment and tools to gradually massage the metal back into place. This helps restore the original condition to the car's surface.

For this reason, PDR helps better retain the value of your vehicle. As mentioned, it is also faster and cheaper than traditional methods, since it needs fewer supplies and is less labor-intensive. It is also more environmentally friendly.

Ideally, you want a shop that offers both methods. This means they can use PDR in circumstances that permit it, saving you time and money. They also can fall back on traditional repair methods if PDR is not feasible.

3. Ask About Mobile Service

Another thing to look for in a dent repair company is the availability of mobile services. This is especially important if you have a busy schedule or, for whatever reason, want to avoid the time and hassle of scheduling in-person repair.

Mobile dent repair is usually only achievable if PDR is the preferred restoration technique. Since this method does not require sanding or painting equipment, or a space in which to do it, it can be performed almost anywhere. Most shops only request a covered space out of the direct sun or any precipitation to work.

4. Get a Free Estimate

Another thing to look for in an auto hail repair shop is the availability of a free quote. Most reputable companies will be happy to take a look at your car and give you a free estimate for repairs. This can be especially useful if you want to get an idea of the cost or timeline associated with the repair.

It also can help you compare estimates. If you get several quotes and one is much higher or lower than the others, it gives you time to investigate why. It also helps ensure that you are comparing apples to apples when looking at quotes, determining if each company is providing comparable services.

5. Ask if They Will Work With Your Insurance Company

A final thing to look for when searching for auto hail damage repair is to see if they have experience working with car insurance companies. This can go a long way toward alleviating the time and hassle of having to go back and forth with your insurance adjuster--it lets the shop handle negotiations.

This is especially important because assessors often do preliminary appraisals that miss things. Thorough repair shops may uncover additional damage or have different ideas about the best way to do the repair. For this reason, it is not uncommon for hail repairs to cost much more than the original insurance quote.

Experienced repair companies are used to dealing with insurance companies. They can correspond with your insurance carrier, explaining what is needed and how much it will cost. This will ensure coverage for what is needed without you having to lift a finger.

Find Auto Hail Repair Services Near You

Now that you understand how to evaluate auto hail repair services in the Denver area, you can find the best shop near you. With a little time and diligence, you can identify a prominent repair company that will guarantee quality repairs and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible.

Express Auto Hail Repair provides fast and convenient dent repair that we back up with a lifetime warranty. We offer PDR and mobile repair service, and will work with your insurance company to ensure coverage. Reach out to us for a free estimate or to schedule hail damage repair.

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