Attention Hail Damage Victims!!

There’s nothing pleasant about having your vehicle damaged in a hailstorm. The process of getting it repaired can be even more unpleasant. Dealing with your insurance company and running around town getting estimates takes up a lot of time & it can be confusing. Hopefully the following information will answer some of the questions you might have and help you save a great deal of time.

Your first move should be to contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Many people are hesitant to file a claim for fear of their insurance premiums being raised. Your insurance rates cannot be raised unless you have three occurrences within a 12 month period. But hail damage is covered under your comprehensive coverage and is considered an act of nature. Filing a hail claim will never cause your premiums to go up, regardless of what anyone tells you.

When your insurance company inspects your vehicle’s hail damage, most often they will give you a list of several body shops they recommend you go to for repairs. These shops have agreements with the insurance companies commonly called Direct Repair Programs. The body shops depend on the insurance companies to direct work to them & usually agree to give them discounts on parts and labor. Some may be good shops, but the bottom line is they are under pressure to keep repair costs down to remain in good standing with the insurance companies they are aligned with. Be aware that the bonus programs money that insurance companies have gotten in trouble for came from WHERE? You guessed it! At Allstar we perceive YOU as the customer, not the insurance company.

Some insurance companies want you to believe that if you pick a repairer that charges prices higher than a prevailing competitive price, you will be expected to pay the difference. At Allstar, we work directly with your insurance company to get an agreed upon price so that this scare tactic doesn’t work. Remember, you have the right to choose where YOU want your vehicle repaired at.

Pertaining to hail damage, please follow these steps:

 

1. Report your claim to your insurance company’s 800 #. This is the fastest track to getting your claims process started. Write down your claim number. All paperwork pertaining to your claim will be organized under your claim number. If you have more than one vehicle, each vehicle will have a separate claim number. 2. Your insurance company will make you an appointment for an appraisal with their “Storm Troopers”, appraisers specializing in storm claims. When you go to this appointment, make sure your car is as clean as possible so that all damage can be visible & assessed. Don’t be alarmed if you are given a low estimate. The Storm Troopers are trained to write appraisals for minimal repairs. Many times, these appraisals will be for the cheapest type of repair possible such as paintless dent repair (PDR). Once further evaluated, PDR may not be the best way to repair your vehicle as some panels may not be able to be repaired by this method. Remember, insurance company appraisers are trained in this manner. They have supervisors that inspect their files & will reprimand them for not writing appraisals under the lower cost scenario.

3. Once you receive your written appraisal for your car, whether you choose Allstar or another shop, bring that estimate into the shop along with your vehicle. We will then view your appraisal & inspect your vehicle.

4. At this time, the process of repairs should be to start with signing a work order for supplemental repairs & parts for your vehicle being ordered.

5. If your vehicle is still drivable, an appointment can be set for re-inspection by your insurance company.

 

Why Bring Your Car To Allstar? 

1. At Allstar, our Mission Statement is to be able to handle your repairs promptly & efficiently to restore your car to pre-loss condition. 2. When your car is in our shop, we notify you on every Monday, Wednesday & Friday by phone call, email or text (your preference) on the status of your repairs being made. 

3. We work for YOU! You are our customer! 

4. Allstar’s owner & President has been in the body shop business for over 30 years. Allstar is the oldest constantly owned body shop collision center in West Texas. 

5. You have a choice with your vehicle: If you have a vehicle that is 2-3 years old & has paint deterioration, we can incorporate a production paint job into your repairs at little or no cost to you. For more information, ask our quality estimating staff. 

6. We provide you with a written warranty on all repairs done at Allstar. 

7. We have the friendliest staff in West Texas who will assist you with any questions you may have & provide you with information to make your repair process as easy as possible. Our quality staff will provide you with top-notch quality service.

 

Allstar Express Rent-A-Car

If you need a replacement vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired, Allstar Express Rent-A-Car, located inside Allstar Refinishing & Collision, can get your back on the road quickly & efficiently. We provide replacement vehicles that will fit all of our customers’ needs at little or no cost, depending on your rental vehicle coverage.