Total Loss Claims After Hail Damage

Expert Guidance from Dents By Hand

What Is a Total Loss Claim?

Severe hail damage can sometimes push repair costs beyond a vehicle’s value, leading insurance companies to declare it a “total loss.” This threshold varies by insurer, typically ranging from 50% to 70% of the vehicle’s ACV, Actual Cash Value. When this happens, you’ll face a critical decision about how to proceed. Understanding your options—and their implications—is key to making an informed choice.

Volvo XC90 that is missing the back glass and has blue tape and black plastic covering to give it some rain protection. The right side of the vehicle is circled up with green circles and pink marks to indicate where hail dents are. The vehicle is inside our light tunnel.

Your Two Options in a Total Loss Claim

Insurance companies generally offer two paths when your vehicle is deemed a total loss:

Surrender the Vehicle: The insurer buys your vehicle, offering a payout based on its market value. They then send it to a salvage auction to offset their costs. This option typically provides the highest payout and spares you the hassle of selling a damaged vehicle yourself. However, you may need to arrange for a replacement vehicle.
Retain the Vehicle: You keep the vehicle and receive a reduced payout, but the insurer will likely drop your comprehensive coverage. The settlement often falls short of repair costs, making this a viable choice only if the vehicle is mechanically sound and you’re willing to live with the damage or fund repairs out-of-pocket.

Volvo with broken back glass being loaded onto a flatbed trailer to be towed away. The insurance had determined it to be a total loss.

The Role of Gap Insurance

If you owe more on your car loan than the vehicle’s current value, a total loss can leave you in a financial bind. Gap insurance bridges this gap by covering the difference between your loan balance and the insurance payout. This coverage is especially valuable for newer vehicles or those with high loan amounts, protecting you from out-of-pocket expenses if your car is totaled or stolen. For more details on gap insurance, visit the Insurance Information Institute.

How Dents By Hand Can Help

At Dents By Hand, we have extensive experience guiding clients through total loss claims, ensuring you understand your options and maximize your outcome. Here’s how we assist:

Expert Guidance: We walk you through the pros and cons of surrendering or retaining your vehicle, helping you make a decision that aligns with your needs.
Storm Solution: We offer a tailored solution for every client’s situation, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Detailed Documentation: For surrendered vehicles, we provide comprehensive damage assessments and photo documentation, which the insurance company will compensate us for our work, in addition to storage or other fees while the vehicle is in our care.
Non-Repair Fee: If you choose to retain the vehicle and pick it up promptly, we charge a $275 Non-Repair Photo Documentation fee. This covers our thorough assessment and ensures you have a professional record of the damage for insurance or future reference.
Seamless Process: Whether you surrender or retain, we handle the paperwork and coordination with your insurer, reducing stress and saving you time.

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Facing a Total Loss Claim? We’re Here to Help

Navigating a total loss claim after hail damage can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Trust Dents By Hand to provide expert advice, detailed documentation, and a smooth process. Contact us today to discuss your claim and explore your options.

Dents By Hand