Hail damage

RMPM01

Seasoned Expediter
A few days ago, we had a hail storm. I didn't think my van had gotten any damage, but later, when standing in a different light, I could see some ( 8-10 ) dents the size of a dime. Should I submit this to my insurance, or should I let it go?
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
A few days ago, we had a hail storm. I didn't think my van had gotten any damage, but later, when standing in a different light, I could see some ( 8-10 ) dents the size of a dime. Should I submit this to my insurance, or should I let it go?

is the paint surface cracked around the dents?....the van might need a whole new paint job....at least an appraisel might be in order
 

highway star

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
How old is the van? If it has a lot of life left, I'd want it to be right. If it was my '99 E350 with 993K miles, I'd just leave the battle scars.
 

scottm4211

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
As far as resale goes original paint is worth more, even with a few tiny dings. Might be a moot point if you're putting 500k miles on it. But then again a poorly prepped paint job will not last either.
There's also the issue of an insurance claim and whether it'll affect your rates.
Personally I'd live with it.
Edit: If they can do the paintless thing then sure.
 
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RMPM01

Seasoned Expediter
How old is the van? If it has a lot of life left, I'd want it to be right. If it was my '99 E350 with 993K miles, I'd just leave the battle scars.

Its 2010.

I will probably keep it till it stops running on me.
P.S. I love that van.

Insurance wont go up since its a weather related accident, so I was told.
 

twentyhigh

Seasoned Expediter
I had hail damage to my personal truck last year. Insurance did not go up and thet removed dents with dry ice.
 

purgoose10

Veteran Expediter
My insurance carrier does not raise rates on a comp claim. I think that's industry wide but not sure. I would surely call them and get the facts after all thats what you pay them for. As far as value on the vehicle if you repaint it, really doesn't make any difference since your mileage will put you past the year and value. Another words if you have 500k on the vehicle the value is maxed.
 

scottm4211

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
My insurance carrier does not raise rates on a comp claim. I think that's industry wide but not sure. I would surely call them and get the facts after all thats what you pay them for. As far as value on the vehicle if you repaint it, really doesn't make any difference since your mileage will put you past the year and value. Another words if you have 500k on the vehicle the value is maxed.

That's what I said (about the high mileage value). But shoddy workmanship if it were re painted should be put into the equation. I'd rather have a few tiny dings than a rust bucket.
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
A claim against your comprehensive coverage shouldn't have an effect on your premiums. If you're like me and I know I am, I'd submit the claim, forgo the repair and keep the cash.

I did this a year ago on a 2001 Ranger. The $2800 for the hail damage more than made up for any dings that reduced the sale price.
 

RMPM01

Seasoned Expediter
Right, nothing to lose by calling, I'll do that.

I have maybe a dozen dents on a hood, the way my van was parked under a tree roof was saved.
 

purgoose10

Veteran Expediter
A claim against your comprehensive coverage shouldn't have an effect on your premiums. If you're like me and I know I am, I'd submit the claim, forgo the repair and keep the cash.

I did this a year ago on a 2001 Ranger. The $2800 for the hail damage more than made up for any dings that reduced the sale price.

You got $2800 for damage on a Ranger?? WoW. I think I would frame the check. LOL!
 

Moot

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
You got $2800 for damage on a Ranger?? WoW. I think I would frame the check. LOL!
Had it been $28, I may have framed it. $2800 was worth a trip to the bank to cash. The dings weren't really that noticeable, but both A pillars had dents which I believe drove up the price.
 

beachbum

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
To OP, if you seen 8 to 10 dings from the hail you missed most of them, the only people that can tell how many dents over the whole vehicle is a hail damage expert. Brother who does hail damage repair says take it to insurance company adjuster first.

Did you check the top of the van the back doors the hood and side panels, there are more then likely a hundred or more dents you missed.



Since the biggest is dime size it didn't crack the paint.
 
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BobWolf

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
If all arround its a good van and it is a keeper.
Get some written line item quotes, DONT GO WITH THE CHEAPEST unless you know the shop dose quality work. A re paint is just as good if not better if done properly. Ask what products they will use
brand names, and types, on the written quote contact the body shop suply houses and ask how they rate.
Do the homework on the shops check with the better business beuro, get references, also Ripoffreort.com. Local insurance agents may be able to give feedback, ask friends and family members who they have actualy had work done by.Find out if the shop are is part of an auto body association most states have them they often have standards to join such as training, workmanship, and adresssing warranyee and rework issues. If you have exposed primer or sheet metal Krylon to the rescue if it is not severe more than 1/4 inch deep or structural you have time. Also depending on the year and milage the insurance company may total a perfectly good van. Even if you buy it back you may have issues registering and insuring it.
you mentioned the A pillar how deep?
 

pearlpro

Expert Expediter
I just got my car back from the body shop about a month ago, after being rear ended while home for a week, the day of that HUGE HAILSTORM I was cleaning my garage, and I had a ton of stuff in the way, when I started seeing those reports of the Baseball size hail just across the river, I threw that stuff back in the garage and stuffed my car as far in as possible, in about 20 mins my yard had golfball size hail covering the grass, It hailed so much after the storm we had this weird Ice Fog all over, My car had just been completly repainted entirely....My 89 astro van took a beating !!!
 
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