How does the "Pay no deductible" adverticements work, regarding no paint dent repair? (insurance, vehicle)

[TheViking85]

I suffered some hail damage in a short (but obviously effective) hail/rain storm yesterday. Researching some dent repair locations, a few of them advertise that they'll pay your deductible up to $500.

Is this a scam or a "read the fine print" type of situation?

I'd love to have it repaired, as I don't plan on owning the vehicle forever, but I'm not so keen on paying the $500 deductible, and frankly, I'm not sure how much this will run either, there's 12-14 dents, mainly on the roof, hood and trunk lid and at least one on one of the front quarter panels. None of them are extremely severe though.

So what would it cost (ballpark)? So close to $500 that one might as well just not claim it? Or is it so labor intensive that it gets into the thousands? I can't really imagine that a company would pay your $500 deductible if the whole repair job adds up to $750.

[M3 Mitch]

I have never done this particular type of repair, although in general the way insurance works in America, you are probably better off not filing a claim, since filing a claim will nix your "claim free" discount at least.

It could be that your insurance company waives the deductable if you go with a paintless repair, similar to how they will waive the deductible if you get a windshiled repaired rather than replace it.

Suggest you call your insurance agent and check if this is true. Beyond that I think the paintless dent guys would be glad to give you a bid.

BTW "quarter panel" refers to the rear wheel arch tin, part of the body proper, the front are "fenders" and still bolt on and off most cars although a few are welded into place. If there is a car out there with a quarter panel on the front, I have never heard of it.

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by M3 Mitch

I have never done this particular type of repair, although in general the way insurance works in America, you are probably better off not filing a claim, since filing a claim will nix your "claim free" discount at least.

It could be that your insurance company waives the deductable if you go with a paintless repair, similar to how they will waive the deductible if you get a windshiled repaired rather than replace it.

Suggest you call your insurance agent and check if this is true. Beyond that I think the paintless dent guys would be glad to give you a bid.

BTW "quarter panel" refers to the rear wheel arch tin, part of the body proper, the front are "fenders" and still bolt on and off most cars although a few are welded into place. If there is a car out there with a quarter panel on the front, I have never heard of it.

Blame translation problems, for some reason I didn't remember the word fenders, lol.

I believe this is covered on the comprehensive "act of God" part of the insurance, essentially anything that can't be blamed on anyone in particular, like hail, is considered an "act of god" and will not affect your insurance pay, nor no claim bonus.

Besides, I got USAA, and they're pretty bitchin' about these things.

I'll just give them a call I guess, I thought it worked the the way around, get a claim then file, which is relatively normal practice in Norway for minor things like this and windscreens etc (where the company replacing it are the ones who actually file for you).

Appreciate the info.