Insurance Checklist

No. You’re not required to do a virtual estimate, and you don’t have to use the shop your insurance company recommends.

You have the legal right to choose your own repair facility. Virtual estimates often miss damage, and “preferred” shops usually benefit the insurer—not the customer. Choose a trusted shop that works for you.

No—you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Insurance companies may steer you toward a shop they have a financial agreement with, but you're not obligated to go there.

Choosing a specialized hail repair facility—like ours—means your vehicle will be handled by experts who focus on preserving your original panels, factory paint, and overall value. We use advanced techniques like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) to fix dents without compromising your vehicle’s finish.

Trusting a dedicated hail repair specialist ensures your car gets the proper care it deserves.

Yes! We handle the entire process for you. All you need to do is make a claim with your insurance company. Hail damage is covered under a comprehensive claim, which is different from an accident. These claims typically come with a deductible—usually $250, $500, or $1,000—and that’s the only amount you’ll ever be responsible for.

In most cases, a comprehensive claim does not raise your insurance rates. If rates go up, it’s usually due to the overall risk in your area—not because you filed a claim.

Once you have a claim number, give it to us and we’ll write a proper estimate, work directly with the insurance company, and schedule your repair. The insurance company will send you a check—just bring that and your deductible when you pick up your fully repaired vehicle.

And if they ask you to do a virtual estimate or send photos? Tell them HM Dent Works is handling it. We’ll take care of the photos, documents, and communication.

Don’t let the process stress you out. We’ve got over 25 years of experience handling hail claims—and we’ll make sure it’s done right.

This is a common question! Yes, your deductible has already been subtracted from the insurance check—but that doesn’t mean it’s already paid.

Here’s how it works:

Let’s say your total repair cost is $1,000, and your deductible is $250. The insurance company will send you a check for $750, and you’ll pay the remaining $250 to the repair shop when the work is done.

So even though it feels like it was “taken out,” you’re still responsible for paying that amount when you pick up your car. You’re only ever responsible for your deductible—never more.

Here is another example! 

Our estimates are comprehensive and accurate, reflecting the true cost of professional repairs. Insurance companies often lowball the initial estimate, hoping you’ll take the check and skip the repairs.

Once your vehicle is with us, we file a supplement to document the full extent of the damage and ensure you get what you’re owed.

The cost of hail repair can vary depending on how many dents you have, their size, and which parts of the vehicle are affected. But if you have comprehensive coverage, the good news is that you only pay your deductible—insurance covers the rest.

Also, hail damage is considered a comprehensive claim, not a collision or at-fault claim. That means in most cases, it will not raise your insurance rates. If rates do go up, it’s usually due to widespread storm activity in your area, not because you filed a claim.

As always, it’s smart to check with your insurance provider for the details of your specific policy—but in general, comprehensive coverage is there to protect you from things exactly like hail.

If your insurance check includes both your name and your lienholder (such as a bank or finance company), do not deposit it or attempt to send it off for endorsement. This process can take weeks or even months and delay your repair.

Call your insurance company and ask them to reissue the check to you and the repair facility—this is the fastest and cleanest way to move forward with repairs.

Great example here!

Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on your claim. It’s subtracted from the total approved repair amount, not from your check directly.

Example:

• Total repair cost: $1,500
• Deductible: $500
• Insurance pays: $1,000

You pay the remaining $500 to the repair shop when the work is complete.

Hold onto it. If it’s deposited directly into your account, set that money aside. You’ll need it to pay the shop at the time of repair, along with your deductible.

That check represents your insurance’s portion of the repair cost—it’s not “extra” money.

We’re happy to work with you on partial repairs. However, you’ll need to sign a release form acknowledging that you received full funds for the entire repair.

This protects everyone if your car is ever damaged again—so your insurance company can’t deny future claims based on unrepaired prior damage.