hail-damage-repair-erie-pa
We work on whatever you drive
We're a Chevy dealership, so people assume we only touch GM vehicles. That's not how our body shop works. We repair Toyotas, Hondas, Fords, Subarus, Jeeps, Hyundais, Kias, Nissans, Rams, Volkswagens, and pretty much anything else that gets dropped off. Same technicians, same equipment, same paint booth.
What a dealership shop actually gets you is a parts department on site and access to factory repair procedures. So when a hail claim turns up a cracked windshield or a damaged sunroof, we're not sitting around waiting on a supplier to figure it out.
A lot of hail damage can be fixed without repainting
Hail usually leaves shallow dents while the paint stays intact. When that's the case, we can use paintless dent repair, which means working the metal back into shape from behind the panel. It's quicker, it costs less, and since we never touch the finish, your factory paint stays original. That's worth something when you go to sell or trade the vehicle.
Some damage needs more than that. You're looking at conventional body and paint work if:
- The paint is cracked or chipped where the hail hit
- The dent sits on a panel edge or over a brace, where there's no way to reach it from behind
- Your windshield or another piece of glass is cracked
- Mirrors, trim, moldings, or light housings took damage
- The dent is deep enough that the metal has stretched
We'll tell you straight which of those you're dealing with when we write the estimate. If paintless repair will handle it, that's what we'll do.
We'll deal with your insurance company
Hail falls under the comprehensive part of most auto policies, the same coverage that handles theft or a branch coming down on your car. Comprehensive claims usually get treated differently than at fault collision claims, though it varies by carrier, so check with your agent about your policy.
Two things worth knowing before you call:
You pick the shop. Your insurer might recommend somewhere. In Pennsylvania, that's a recommendation and not a requirement. Where your vehicle gets repaired is your call.
Ask about OEM parts. If anything needs replacing, ask your adjuster whether your policy covers original equipment parts or aftermarket. Some policies specify OEM and some only cover parts of “like kind and quality.” It's a two-minute phone call and it's better to know up front.
Bring us your claim number and we'll take it from there, including photo documentation and any supplements the adjuster missed.
How it works
Come in for a free estimate. Book online or call 814-878-4299. Bring your insurance information if you've already filed a claim.
We document the damage. Every panel gets photographed and sent to your insurer. If the adjuster's first estimate missed something, we file the supplement and handle that conversation.
We do the repair. Paintless dent repair where we can, full body and paint where we can't.
You pick it up. Washed, inspected, and covered by our workmanship warranty.
Don't put this off too long
Every shop in Erie County fills up at the same time after a storm. Getting on the schedule now means a shorter wait, and it gets the damage documented before winter salt and moisture find any spots where the paint got broken.
If you're not sure the damage is bad enough to bother with, bring it by anyway. The estimate costs nothing and you're not committing to anything.
Hail Damage Repair FAQ
Yes. Our body shop repairs all makes and models, domestic and import.
It comes down to how many dents there are, how deep they are, and which panels got hit. Paintless dent repair runs quite a bit less than conventional body and paint work. Every estimate is free and in writing, so you'll know before you agree to anything.
Hail claims go through comprehensive coverage, which most carriers treat differently than an at fault accident. It does depend on your carrier and your policy, so ask your agent.
Light paintless work can sometimes be done in a few days. If panels need replacing or painting, it takes longer.
We'd recommend one, especially right now. Walk ins are welcome when we've got the capacity.
1925 State Street in Erie. The body shop is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Dave Hallman Chevrolet Body Shop
1925 State Street, Erie, PA 16501
Body Shop: 814-878-4299
Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM