International Auto Center Body Shop repairs hail damage on vehicles in Santa Clara. We survey the panels, count and map the dents, and write a free estimate. If you plan to file a comprehensive claim, we work with all insurance companies.
Hail in a mild climate
Hail is uncommon in the Santa Clara Valley, which is exactly why many local drivers are unprepared for it. Damage often comes from storms during trips, from vehicles bought in other states, or from the rare local storm. If your car looks like a golf ball, you are not alone, and the repair is easier to plan when you understand how it is assessed.
How we assess hail
We check the car in strong, angled light that makes every dimple visible. The dents are counted and mapped by panel, because price and repair method depend on how many there are, how deep, and where. Panels that are heavily damaged, creased or paint-cracked may be replaced instead of repaired.
We do not guess at totals over the phone. Send photos for a first look, then bring the car in for the survey.
Insurance and hail
Hail damage is normally handled under comprehensive coverage, not collision, and deductibles differ. Because hail typically damages many panels at once, the estimate can run well above your deductible. Photos taken soon after the storm help. We give you a written estimate for your insurer and work with all companies.
California's Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights also lets you get an independent estimate from a registered body shop even while a claim is open.
Why roofs and hoods take the beating
Horizontal panels face the hail directly, so roofs, hoods and trunk lids carry the most dents. Panels with body-line reinforcement are harder to repair than flat ones. A roof with a sunroof or roof rails adds access issues. We tell you at the estimate which panels are likely to be repair candidates and which to replace.
What to do right after a hailstorm
Photograph the car from several angles, including close-ups of dents. Keep records of the date and location. Check windows and the windshield for cracks. Then call us for a survey. Avoid cleaning the car aggressively before the inspection, because dirt can hide dents and complicate the photos.