early 30's crisis

My poor little zoom has some dents thanks to an awful hailstorm last August, when she was only 2 months in my life.

I was at work, it was pouring rain. Then I heard was this horrible roaring noise that was just deafening. I ran to the front door, and just about freaked when I saw the water rushing through the lot, and ohh.. the hail.

I was lucky, I parked on high ground in the lot, but the hail was huge. Some of them were over an inch across. We were all crowded up front watching, and someone said "OMG, I hope our cars are okay". All we could do was watch them bounce off (the cars and the cement) and hope for the best. I even debated running out there and covering it with my body (LOL) but when I went out I was hit in the head with a few and they really really hurt

After it was over and I was out shovelling hail (I kid you not) I waded over to my car and inspected it. It appeared fine, and I was very relieved.

After getting home safe into my garage, all the beaded water had rushed off in my commute, and what did I see...?

Looks like Mother Nature went after my hood with a ballpene hammer. There are 10 large dings in the hood, 2 soft ones in the roof. So, call the insurance company tomorrow, not a huge deal.

It is almost March people. And I still have these dings. The few shops that will even look at it want to keep it for 2 weeks to fix, due to business levels and lack of staff (and I backed out the door due to all the 18year old techs standing there drooling over her). The other ones that I would leave it with, say they wont do it until the insurance company looks at it first (as dings rarely show well in pictures.. which is true.. I tried countless times). They wont even give me an estimate until the insurance looks at it. The insurance says there is no need, just get the estimate.

Calls to my broker are useless. None of them are helpful, they have no idea. That is if someone answers the phone.
Calls to head office are not returned. Front desk forwards me to voice mail and no one calls me back.

I have been with this insurance company since 1999. I have never made a claim ever in my life, home, car or otherwise, and I certainly didnt think an 'act of God' would be something so huge I couldnt get some customer service here.. makes me wonder what will happen if I get in a serious accident? "We're sorry you're in traction, bring it to us in our office in Timbuktu and we will look at it when we have time.."

Help? What to do... I want this taken care of before the year is up, or I am SOL...
There was one other car that sustained damage as well (a Saab) and hers is fixed and done.... I guess I need to yell more

Sorry.. I'm done now.

YT1300

Write to your broker, and the head office. Claims for hailstone damage are not uncommon, so I don't think they would think the claim is ludicrous. Mazda dealerships can be of help in terms of getting an idea of how much something would cost.

However...

If you can't take a picture of the dents, or the dents don't show well in regular pictures, that's relatively good news. Most places can take that out easily with minor dent removal techniques, from what I've seen. Pics would be helpful, however.

early 30's crisis

I emailed and called again.
The last time I was at the dealer they recommended the Dent Clinic, but again.. they wanted to keep it for alot longer than I was willing to let it go for (very long story there)..
Thanks for being the only person to have something to say i know it wasnt the best place to post it. But I appreciate the response.

Someday soon she'll be mint again!

Paddyz

PM me offline, I work in the Collision Repair Industry and might be able to offer some help.

early 30's crisis

I finally got a call from the adjuster... whoo hoo!!

BTW.. thanks Paddyz, I appreciate the offer to help.

cloud7

when was this hail storm? It must be a few months ago right? because we haven't got any hail here in Calgary for a few months.

1stgen8

iTrader: (1)

If the dents are not to deep most of them may come out during the summer when the sun heats up the metal then as it cools down they sometimes come out. You can also use dry ice and a damp rag to remove them or just go with paintless dent repair. Either way it should be covered by your insurance as long as you have the appropriate coverage.

early 30's crisis

Yeah it was late last August.. didnt happen here, I was South of the city and no one could believe it, since the city had nothing other than a little rain.

Been chasing this claim this long... sigh!

jstkilntim

I have seen the dry ice trick here , but has anyone actually had the cojones to try it? I want to, but scared to be the guinea pig

TurboEight

iTrader: (1)

i would.....if i really had one..and i have access to dry ice.