
Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center News Blog

If your car is insured and the hail damage is moderate or severe, yes—it's usually worth fixing. Repairs through your comprehensive insurance policy typically mean you'll only pay your deductible, which is often around $250–$750 depending on your plan. On the flip side, if you're uninsured, or driving an older vehicle with minor cosmetic dents, it may not be financially necessary to fix the damage right away. To help you make a smart decision, here’s a quick decision tree to guide you through the most common situations: Why It Usually Makes Financial Sense to Repair Hail Damage If your vehicle is covered by a comprehensive insurance policy, fixing hail damage is almost always the smart financial move. Hail repair is one of the most commonly covered claims in Colorado, and most policies only require you to pay a deductible ranging from $250 to $750. The rest? That’s picked up by your insurance company. Hail is Covered Under Comprehensive Insurance Unlike collisions, hail damage falls under “acts of nature”, which means it’s handled through comprehensive, not liability, coverage. If your car is insured and you've filed a hail claim before, you already know the drill: pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest. Tip: Even if your deductible is $500 or more, you may not have to pay it out of pocket. Ask your repair shop if they offer deductible assistance. Unrepaired Damage Hurts Resale and Trade-In Value Hail dents might not seem like a big deal, but they absolutely lower the value of your vehicle. Most dealerships will deduct $1,000–$3,000 from a trade-in offer if they see visible hail damage, and sometimes even more for SUVs and trucks with large surface areas. Even if you plan to keep the car for now, those dents don’t disappear. Down the road, you’ll still be facing resale penalties or repainting costs. Besides, any rust that forms around the damage will cost far more to fix than a quick PDR (paintless dent repair) job would today. When skipping hail repairs might make sense Repairing hail damage is a smart move in most situations, especially if your car is insured and the damage is noticeable. But there are some cases where you might reasonably decide to hold off. Let’s walk through the most common ones. ● You’re driving an older vehicle - If your car is already ten to fifteen years old and has other cosmetic issues or mechanical wear, hail damage might not change its value all that much. ● You don’t have comprehensive insurance - Without the right coverage, you’re responsible for the full cost of repair. At that point, it’s worth weighing the repair cost against the vehicle’s actual value. ● The damage is minor and purely cosmetic - A few shallow dents with no paint damage won’t affect performance. While they might slightly reduce resale value, they may not be worth fixing on a vehicle you plan to keep for a while. ● You’re planning to donate, scrap, or retire the car - If your vehicle’s nearing the end of its useful life, it may not make financial sense to put money into repairs, even if the damage is noticeable. For many people, this ties into whether they have a comprehensive policy

After a collision or even a small fender bender, car frame damage might not be immediately obvious. In fact, some drivers may continue driving without realizing their vehicle’s structural integrity has been compromised. Even when the damage appears minor, ignoring it can lead to serious safety risks and costlier repairs. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car frame repair in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four important reasons to fix car frame damage as soon as possible. Hidden Safety Risks The most important reason to address frame damage promptly is to help ensure your safety. A damaged frame can weaken your car’s ability to absorb impact in the event of another collision. This increases the risk of injury to the driver and passengers, even in accidents that would otherwise be considered minor. A strong, intact frame helps keep the vehicle's structure stable and plays a key role in protecting everyone inside. Worsening Alignment and Handling Issues Even slight frame damage can affect your vehicle’s alignment. If the frame is misaligned, you may notice the car pulling to one side or uneven tire wear. These issues not only make driving more difficult but can also lead to faster wear on your tires and suspension system. Fixing the frame can help restore proper alignment, making your vehicle safer and more comfortable to drive. Long-Term Structural Weakness Ignoring frame damage allows minor issues to develop into more serious structural problems over time. Cracks can spread, rust can form, and stress can build up in key areas of the frame. As the integrity of the frame continues to deteriorate, repairs become more expensive and complicated. Prompt repairs help stop the damage from spreading and preserve your vehicle’s long-term structural strength. Reduced Resale Value If you plan to sell or trade in your car, unresolved frame damage can significantly reduce its value. Buyers and dealerships will often run a vehicle history report or perform an inspection that reveals past damage. A car with frame issues is less desirable and may be more difficult to sell. Fixing the damage now can help retain your vehicle’s resale value and market appeal in the future. Automotive Frame Repair in Pueblo, CO For collision repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our nearby body shop, we can expertly fix your vehicle’s collision damage. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

Even minor paint damage on your car might seem like a purely cosmetic issue, but ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems. Taking care of paint issues right away is an important part of vehicle maintenance. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car paint repair in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why it’s worth addressing car paint damage as soon as it appears. Prevents Rust Formation Your car’s paint doesn’t just make it look good—it also serves as a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive elements. When that protective layer is compromised, bare metal becomes exposed to rain, salt, and humidity. Over time, this exposure leads to rust, which can spread beneath the surface and cause structural damage. Fixing chips and scratches early helps prevent rust from forming and spreading. Maintains Your Car’s Value Paint damage can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value. Potential buyers often view scratches, chips, and fading paint as signs of neglect, even if the car is mechanically sound. A well-maintained exterior creates a better first impression and helps preserve the market value of your car. Promptly repairing paint flaws keeps your vehicle looking newer for longer. Improves Vehicle Appearance Your car’s exterior is the first thing people notice. Paint damage detracts from its appearance, making even a newer vehicle look worn or uncared for. Whether you're meeting clients or just out running errands, a sleek-looking car helps you make a better impression. Touching up or repainting damaged areas restores your vehicle’s shine. Protects Against Environmental Damage Pollutants like bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt can eat away at unprotected surfaces, making existing paint damage worse. Once your car’s paint has been compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to these environmental threats. Repairing the damage quickly helps shield your vehicle from further harm. Auto Painting & Auto Paint Repair in Pueblo, CO For auto painting services in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our nearby body shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment !

Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your safety, your rights, and your finances. Remaining calm and handling the situation methodically will make the process easier. Here are five important things you should do following a car accident. Check for Injuries/Take Safety Precautions The first and most important step after an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. If the vehicles are in a dangerous location and can be safely moved, relocate them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. If the cars cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and stay in a safe area while waiting for help. Call the Police Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. Having a police report on file is important for insurance claims. When officers arrive, stick to the facts and let the authorities document the scene. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence in determining responsibility. Exchange Information You’ll want to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their contact information as well. It’s also helpful to note the make and model of the other vehicle, the location of the accident, and the time it occurred. This information will be important when filing your insurance claim. Document the Scene Use your phone to take clear photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This documentation helps support your version of events and can make the claims process smoother. Be thorough with your photos and take them from multiple angles. If you can, jot down notes about what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. Notify Your Insurance Company As soon as it’s safe to do so, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide all the information and documentation you’ve gathered, including the police report number if available. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, including how to get an estimate for repairs. But it’s important to remember that you’re the one who gets to decide where the repairs are done. Collision Repair in Pueblo, CO When you need collision repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!

When a hailstorm hits, it can leave your car covered in dents and dings that seem like they’ll require major bodywork to repair. However, in many cases, paintless dent repair—also known as PDR—offers an efficient, cost-effective solution. Especially for hail damage, PDR has become a preferred method among professionals and vehicle owners alike. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert PDR in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why paintless dent repair is a great option for fixing hail damage on your car. Preserves Your Car’s Original Paint One of the top advantages of paintless dent repair is that it keeps your car’s factory paint intact. Hail dents often don’t crack the paint, so PDR allows technicians to work the dent out from behind the panel without disturbing the finish. This helps maintain your vehicle’s original appearance. Preserving the factory paint also helps protect your vehicle from corrosion. Saves Time Compared to Traditional Repairs Conventional bodywork can take several days—or sometimes even weeks—especially if repainting or part replacement is involved. In contrast, paintless dent repair is much faster. Since it doesn’t require sanding, fillers, or paint, many hail dents can be repaired in just a few hours or within a day. This is especially beneficial if you rely on your car for daily transportation and need it back quickly after a storm. Costs Less Than Conventional Bodywork Paintless dent repair is typically less expensive than traditional repair methods. Without the need for costly materials like paint and fillers or labor-intensive processes, the overall cost of PDR is reduced. Insurance companies often prefer PDR for hail damage because of the lower expense, and many policies will cover the repair. If you’re paying out of pocket, PDR offers an affordable way to restore your car’s appearance without breaking the bank. Retains Vehicle Value Dents and dings, even if cosmetic, can reduce your car’s resale value. Paintless dent repair helps restore the exterior without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity or finish. Because the original paint is left untouched and no aftermarket parts are involved, the car retains its factory value. Paintless Dent Repair in Pueblo, CO For paintless dent repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our local body shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!