PDR Process

    Call Hail Depot for Free Hail Damage Inspection

    Hail Depot Team
    May 31, 2018
    4 min read
    Call Hail Depot for Free Hail Damage Inspection
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    Next, schedule your free hail damage inspection appointment with Hail Depot or a paintless dent repair shop near you. If you have your estimate from your insurance adjuster, bring it to your inspection. This professional assessment is a critical step in the hail repair process and costs you nothing – but provides invaluable information about your vehicle's damage.

    Why Professional Inspection Matters

    Even if you've already filed an insurance claim and received an adjuster's estimate, a professional PDR inspection offers significant advantages:

    • Hidden damage identification: Experienced technicians spot dents invisible to untrained eyes
    • Accurate repair estimates: Know the true cost and timeline before committing
    • Supplement claim support: Documentation if your adjuster's estimate is incomplete
    • Repair method recommendations: Learn if PDR can restore your vehicle or if traditional bodywork is needed
    • Insurance coordination: Many shops work directly with insurers to streamline the process

    What Happens During a Free Inspection

    Visual Damage Assessment

    A comprehensive professional inspection includes:

    • Panel-by-panel evaluation: Every surface checked for hail damage
    • Dent counting: Precise count of all dents on each panel
    • Size assessment: Measurement of dent depth and diameter
    • Paint inspection: Check for chipped or cracked paint
    • Glass damage: Windshield and window inspection for cracks or chips
    • Trim and molding check: Assessment of non-metal components

    Lighting Techniques for Detection

    Professional technicians use specialized techniques to reveal damage:

    • Reflective lighting to highlight subtle body line distortions
    • Different angles to catch dents that appear flat from some viewpoints
    • Controlled lighting environment for accurate assessment
    • Multiple inspection passes to ensure nothing is missed

    Documentation and Estimates

    After the physical inspection, you'll receive:

    • Written damage report: Detailed list of all identified damage
    • Repair estimate: Cost breakdown for fixing all damage
    • Timeline projection: How long repairs will take
    • Photo documentation: Images showing damage for your records
    • Insurance paperwork: Documents to submit to your insurance company

    Mobile vs. Shop Inspections

    Mobile On-Site Inspection

    Many PDR companies in Oklahoma, including Hail Depot, offer mobile inspections:

    • Your location: We come to your home, workplace, or preferred location
    • Convenience: No need to drive anywhere or take time off
    • Real-world lighting: Outdoor inspection often reveals damage better than shop lighting
    • Same-day service: Many appointments available quickly
    • Safe and secure: Your vehicle never leaves your sight

    In-Shop Inspection

    Traditional shop inspections also have advantages:

    • Controlled environment: Consistent lighting for thorough assessment
    • Specialized equipment: Access to all inspection tools
    • Immediate consultation: Discuss options with multiple technicians
    • Facility tour: See where repairs will be performed

    Comparing Inspections to Insurance Estimates

    Why Estimates May Differ

    Don't be surprised if a PDR shop's estimate differs from your adjuster's:

    • Time constraints: Adjusters often work quickly with high claim volumes
    • Experience level: Not all adjusters are hail damage specialists
    • Lighting conditions: Adjusters may assess damage in poor lighting
    • Coverage assumptions: Adjusters may miss damage or use different pricing
    • Initial vs. final estimates: More damage often discovered during actual repairs

    What to Do If Estimates Differ

    If the PDR shop finds significantly more damage:

    • Request the shop document all damage with photos
    • Ask the shop to contact your insurance company directly
    • File a supplement claim for additional damage
    • Request a re-inspection from your insurance adjuster
    • Get second opinions from other shops if needed

    What to Bring to Your Inspection

    Essential Documents

    • Insurance adjuster's estimate (if you already have one)
    • Insurance policy information
    • Photos you've taken of the damage
    • Vehicle registration
    • Your claim number (if you've already filed)

    Helpful Information

    • Date and location of the hail storm
    • Any previous damage or repairs
    • Your timeline and scheduling needs
    • Questions about the PDR process
    • Insurance coverage questions

    Questions to Ask During Your Inspection

    About the Damage

    • How many dents were found?
    • Which panels are damaged?
    • Is all damage repairable with PDR?
    • Are there any paint chips or cracks?
    • Is there hidden damage behind panels?

    About the Repair Process

    • How long will repairs take?
    • Will I have access to a rental car?
    • Do you offer mobile repair service?
    • Can you work directly with my insurance?
    • What is your shop's warranty policy?
    • When can you start repairs?

    About Costs and Insurance

    • What is the total repair estimate?
    • How does this compare to the adjuster's estimate?
    • Will you handle insurance billing directly?
    • What is my out-of-pocket cost?
    • Do you accept assignment of claim payment?
    • What payment methods do you accept?

    Choosing the Right PDR Shop in Oklahoma

    What to Look For

    When scheduling your free inspection, consider these factors:

    • Experience: Years in business and hail repair specialization
    • Certifications: Industry certifications and training
    • Insurance relationships: Works with major insurance companies
    • Reviews: Positive customer feedback and testimonials
    • Local presence: Established in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, or your area
    • Mobile service: Offers convenient on-site inspections and repairs
    • Warranty: Guarantees their work

    Red Flags to Avoid

    • Shops that charge for inspections (most reputable shops offer free assessments)
    • High-pressure sales tactics or same-day commitment demands
    • Shops unwilling to work with your insurance company
    • No physical location or established business presence
    • Overly low estimates that seem too good to be true
    • No written warranty or guarantee

    After Your Inspection: Next Steps

    Review and Compare

    Take time to evaluate your inspection results:

    • Review the written estimate carefully
    • Compare with insurance adjuster's assessment
    • Get second opinions if you have concerns
    • Ask friends or family for shop recommendations
    • Read online reviews of shops you're considering

    Schedule Your Repairs

    Once you've chosen a shop:

    • Book your repair appointment promptly
    • Discuss rental car needs if applicable
    • Confirm insurance billing arrangements
    • Understand the timeline and process
    • Get confirmation of your appointment in writing

    Why Hail Depot for Your Inspection

    Our Commitment to You

    Hail Depot offers comprehensive free inspections throughout Oklahoma:

    • Truly free: No hidden fees, no obligation
    • 20+ years experience: Deep expertise in hail damage assessment
    • Mobile service: We come to you anywhere in Tulsa, OKC, and beyond
    • Insurance experts: Work directly with all major insurance companies
    • Detailed documentation: Comprehensive reports with photos
    • Same-day estimates: Fast turnaround on inspection results
    • No pressure: Take time to make your decision

    Service Areas

    We provide free mobile inspections throughout:

    • Tulsa and surrounding areas
    • Oklahoma City metro
    • Sand Springs and Mannford
    • Cleveland, OK
    • And many other Oklahoma communities

    Scheduling Your Free Inspection

    How to Book

    Getting your free inspection is simple:

    • Call us: Quick phone booking with available time slots
    • Online scheduling: Book through our website anytime
    • Text message: Send photos and schedule via text
    • Email: Reach out with your availability

    Typical Timeline

    • Scheduling: Same-day or next-day appointments often available
    • Inspection duration: 30-45 minutes for thorough assessment
    • Estimate delivery: Immediate verbal estimate, written within 24 hours
    • Follow-up: We'll answer any questions after you've reviewed

    Don't Wait – Schedule Today

    The sooner you get a professional inspection, the sooner you can:

    • File or supplement your insurance claim accurately
    • Schedule repairs before shop calendars fill up
    • Prevent additional damage from weather exposure
    • Stop worrying about rust developing in paint chips
    • Get your vehicle back to perfect condition

    Remember, Oklahoma's hail season means repair shops get busy quickly after major storms. Don't delay – schedule your free inspection with Hail Depot today and take the first step toward restoring your vehicle.

    Need Hail Damage Repair?

    Schedule your FREE on-site inspection today and get back on the road fast.

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