Why We Don't Write Final Hail Estimates in the Parking Lot

Every hailstorm brings a rush of insurance claims, and one of the most common questions we hear is:

"Can you just write me an estimate while I'm here?"

The short answer is: We can provide a preliminary estimate, but a truly accurate hail estimate requires much more than a quick walk-around.

Hail Damage Is Often Invisible

Many hail dents simply can't be seen in normal daylight. Depending on the angle of the sun, cloud cover, or even the color of your vehicle, dozens of dents may be completely hidden.

That's why professional hail inspections are performed using specialized lighting and reflection boards designed specifically to reveal subtle dents across the vehicle.

Mapping Every Dent

Rather than simply counting visible dents, we "map" the damage panel by panel.

This process allows us to determine:

• Total dent count

• Dent sizes

• Damage locations

• Whether Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is possible

• Whether conventional body repair is necessary

Insurance Estimates Are Often Preliminary

It's common for an insurance company's initial estimate to change after a thorough in-shop inspection.

That's not because anyone made a mistake—it's because many dents simply aren't visible until the vehicle is inspected under controlled lighting.

Accuracy Saves Time

A detailed inspection upfront helps:

• Reduce repair delays

• Minimize unexpected supplements

• Ensure all damage is documented

• Produce a more accurate repair plan

At Solon Collision, every hail-damaged vehicle receives a thorough inspection before final repairs begin. While preliminary estimates have their place, our goal is to identify the complete scope of damage so repairs can be completed correctly the first time.