Does Filing a Hail Damage Claim Affect Your Insurance Rates in Colorado? Here’s What You Need to Know
Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center • December 4, 2025
If your vehicle was recently hit by hail, you might be wondering whether using your insurance to repair the damage will cause your rates to go up. The good news for Colorado drivers is this: state law protects you from premium increases after a not-at-fault accident—hail damage included.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes C.R.S. 10-4-628, insurance companies cannot raise your rates just because you file a claim for hail damage or any other incident where you were not at fault. This protection helps ensure you can restore your vehicle without worrying about financial penalties later.
Your Discounts Are Protected, Too
Colorado goes a step further. The same law prevents insurers from removing valuable discounts—such as your safe-driver discount—because you filed a not-at-fault claim. That means a hailstorm won’t undo years of careful driving or cost you important savings on your policy.
When Rates Can Increase
While hail damage itself won’t push your premiums up, Colorado insurers can still change your rate based on other factors, such as:
- A history of multiple accidents or claims
- Traffic citations that indicate increased risk
- Multiple claims filed within a short period
- Rising risk in your geographic area, unrelated to your claim
- These adjustments aren’t tied to your hail damage claim—they’re part of broader insurer risk assessments.
What to Do if Your Rates Rise After a Hail Claim
- If your insurer raises your rates following a single, not-at-fault claim, you have options:
- Ask your insurer to correct it. It may violate C.R.S. 10-4-628.
- File a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance if the issue isn’t resolved.
In Colorado, you shouldn’t pay higher premiums or lose discounts just because you file a claim to fix hail damage. If your car was hit by a storm, you can feel confident using your coverage to restore it, exactly what it’s there for. To get started with hail dent repair in Colorado, please give Pro-Masters a call at the location nearest you!
Your car’s paint job isn’t just about looks—it also provides a vital layer of protection against rust, UV damage, and environmental wear. Over time, exposure to the elements can dull your vehicle’s shine and degrade its finish. Fortunately, keeping your paint looking fresh and glossy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple maintenance habits, you can help preserve your car’s appearance. Here are four simple ways to keep your car’s paint job in top condition. Wash Your Car Regularly Dirt, bird droppings, and road grime can quickly build up on your car’s surface, and if left too long, they can eat into the paint. Regular washing—about every other week—removes these harmful contaminants before they cause damage. Use a high-quality car wash soap and soft microfiber cloths instead of harsh brushes, which can scratch the paint. Apply Wax for Extra Protection Waxing your car adds a protective barrier that shields the paint from UV rays, moisture, and road debris. It also enhances the shine, giving your car that freshly polished look. For best results, wax your vehicle with a high-quality product about every two to three months. Park in the Shade Whenever Possible Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause your car’s paint to fade and oxidize over time. Parking in a garage or under a carport can make a big difference in preserving your paint’s color and gloss. If you don’t have covered parking, try to find a shaded spot, while avoiding trees where birds dropping or sap could be a problem. Remove Contaminants Quickly Things like tree sap, bird droppings, and bug splatter might seem harmless, but they’re actually highly acidic and can stain or etch your paint if not removed quickly. The faster you address these contaminants, the less chance they have to cause lasting marks. Auto Painting & Car Paint Repair in Pueblo & Colorado Springs For auto painting services in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center. Our experienced technicians can expertly handle your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
After a hailstorm, many drivers are tempted to put off fixing dents and dings—especially if the damage seems purely cosmetic. However, delaying hail damage repairs can lead to much bigger problems down the road. What starts as a few small dents can turn into corrosion and even a drop in your vehicle’s resale value. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert automotive hail damage repair in the greater Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas. Here’s a look at four issues that can develop if you wait too long to make repairs. Corrosion and Rust Formation Hail dents often crack or chip the paint, leaving the metal underneath exposed to moisture. Over time, this exposure can lead to rust, which eats away at the body panels and weakens the vehicle’s structure. Even a small area of rust can spread beneath the paint and become much more difficult and expensive to repair. Fixing hail damage early helps maintain the protective paint layer and prevents long-term corrosion problems. Reduced Vehicle Value When it comes time to trade in or sell your car, visible hail damage can significantly lower its resale value. Buyers and dealerships often view dents, dings, and cracked paint as signs of neglect or hidden structural problems. Even if the damage doesn’t affect performance, it will make your vehicle less appealing on the market. Professional hail repair, such as paintless dent removal, can restore your car’s appearance and protect its full value. Worsening Cosmetic Damage Dents and cracks can spread or worsen as the car endures daily use, vibration, and temperature changes. Paint damage may start small but can soon peel or bubble, making the vehicle look aged and poorly maintained. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to restore the car’s original finish without extensive—and expensive—bodywork. Higher Repair Costs Later On Minor hail damage can often be repaired quickly and affordably, especially with paintless dent removal techniques. However, once corrosion or paint deterioration set in, the repair process can become more complicated and costly. By addressing hail damage right away, you’ll save money and prevent minor issues from turning into bigger repairs. Automotive Hail Damage Repair in Colorado Springs & Pueblo, CO For car hail damage repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Your vehicle’s appearance says a lot about how well it’s cared for. Even minor cosmetic damage—like scratches, dents, or faded paint—can make an otherwise great car look neglected. While some wear and tear is inevitable over time, taking proactive steps can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle looking sharp and protecting its resale value. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car scratch and dent repair in the greater Pueblo and Colorado Springs areas. Here are four ways to reduce the risk of cosmetic damage to your vehicle. Park Carefully and Choose Spots Wisely One of the most common sources of dents and dings comes from parking lots. Shopping carts, swinging car doors, and tight spaces all increase the risk of accidental damage. Whenever possible, park farther from entrances where traffic is lighter, and choose end spots to give yourself more room. It’s generally best to avoid parking under trees where falling branches, sap, or bird droppings can damage the paint. A little extra effort in choosing where to park can help your vehicle stay dent-free and cleaner for longer. Wash and Wax Regularly Road grime, bird droppings, and UV rays all take a toll on your car’s exterior. Washing your vehicle regularly helps remove contaminants that can eat away at paint and cause rust. Follow up with a coat of high-quality wax every few months to create a protective barrier against environmental elements. Use a Car Cover or Garage When Possible Exposure to the elements is one of the leading causes of cosmetic wear. Sunlight can fade paint, rainwater can leave mineral deposits, and hail can cause serious dents. Parking in a garage or using a high-quality car cover provides protection from these hazards. Parking under cover can make a big difference in shielding your vehicle from UV rays, bird droppings, and other outdoor threats. Address Minor Damage Promptly Small scratches, chips, or dents might seem like no big deal, but if left untreated, they can worsen over time. Moisture can seep in and lead to rust or paint peeling, creating more costly repairs later on. Have minor cosmetic damage repaired as soon as possible to preserve your car’s appearance and prevent long-term deterioration. Auto Body Repair in Pueblo & Colorado Springs For auto body repair in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center . Our experienced technicians can expertly handle your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
When your vehicle suffers small dents or dings, you may assume that traditional bodywork is the only solution. However, paintless dent repair (PDR) offers a faster, more affordable, and less invasive alternative for fixing minor damage. This innovative method uses specialized tools to gently reshape the metal from behind the panel, restoring your vehicle’s smooth appearance without sanding, painting, or fillers. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert paintless dent repair in the greater Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CO areas. Here are four benefits of choosing PDR for small dent repair. Preserves the Original Paint Finish One of the biggest advantages of PDR is that it doesn’t disturb your car’s factory paint. Because the process works from behind the surface, no repainting or color matching is needed. This is important because factory paint is designed to provide long-term protection and a perfect finish. Keeping the original paint intact also helps maintain your car’s resale value and ensures a seamless look after the repair. Saves Time Compared to Traditional Repairs Traditional dent repair often involves sanding, filling, priming, and repainting, which can take days to complete. PDR, on the other hand, is much faster. Many small dents can often be repaired in just a few hours, allowing you to get back on the road in short order. For busy drivers, this time-saving benefit makes PDR an especially convenient option. More Affordable Than Conventional Bodywork Because PDR eliminates the need for paint, filler, and extended labor, it’s typically much more cost-effective than traditional body shop repairs. You pay only for the skilled technician’s time and tools, not for additional materials or paintwork. PDR often results in a lower bill without sacrificing quality. Environmentally Friendly Repair Method PDR is a green repair solution because it doesn’t use harsh chemicals, solvents, or paints. There’s no waste from sanding dust or leftover materials, and no toxic fumes are released into the air. By choosing PDR, you’re helping reduce the environmental impact of auto repairs while still restoring your car’s appearance. Paintless Dent Repair in Colorado Springs & Pueblo, CO For expert dent repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Every time you get behind the wheel, you take on the responsibility of keeping yourself, your passengers, and others on the road safe. While some accidents are caused by factors outside of a driver’s control, many can be prevented with good habits and awareness. By staying focused and making smart choices, you can reduce your risk of collisions and help keep your driving experience safe and stress-free. But if you are involved in an accident, our team at Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center can expertly handle the collision repairs. Here’s a look at four basic tips for preventing car accidents. Stay Completely Focused on the Road Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents, particularly due to phone usage. But a variety of activities—including eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming—can take your attention away from the road. Keeping your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on driving is one of the most effective ways to prevent collisions. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Tailgating drastically increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Leaving enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you allows time to react if they brake suddenly. A general rule of thumb is to follow the “three-second rule,” and to adjust to longer distances for weather and road conditions. On wet or icy roads, it’s especially important to significantly increase that distance to give yourself extra time to stop safely. Always Obey Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions Speeding reduces the time you have to respond to unexpected hazards and makes accidents more severe when they occur. Following posted speed limits is important, but it’s also critical to adjust your speed based on road conditions. Rain, fog, snow, and heavy traffic require slower driving to maintain control and avoid dangerous situations. Stay Calm and Drive Defensively Aggressive driving—such as speeding, weaving through traffic, or road rage—puts everyone at risk. Defensive driving means anticipating potential hazards and leaving yourself an “out” in case something unexpected happens. Collision Repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CO For expert collision repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo , contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
Hailstorms can leave behind more than just minor dents and dings on your vehicle. Even if the damage looks cosmetic, postponing repairs can lead to larger and more expensive problems down the road. Acting quickly ensures your vehicle stays in good condition and saves you from future headaches. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert automotive hail damage repair in the greater Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CO areas. Here are five reasons why it's important to repair hail damage without delay. Prevents Rust and Corrosion Hail dents often cause small cracks in the paint, leaving the underlying metal exposed to moisture. Over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion, which weakens your car’s body. What starts as a small dent can eventually spread into a larger issue that requires costly bodywork. Prompt repair keeps your vehicle protected from long-term damage. Avoids Insurance Complications Insurance companies typically have deadlines for filing hail damage claims. By getting repairs done promptly, you ensure your insurance claim is processed smoothly and that the cost is handled before they argue that it has become your responsibility. Maintains Vehicle Appearance Your car is one of the first things people notice about you, and hail damage can make it look poorly maintained. Fixing the dents quickly restores your vehicle’s appearance and gives you peace of mind when driving it. Professional repair methods, such as paintless dent removal, can make your car look as good as new without extensive bodywork. Prevents Higher Repair Costs Later Delaying hail damage repairs often means the problem gets worse. Paint cracks can expand and rust can spread, turning a simple fix into a bigger repair job. Addressing the damage right away is more affordable and saves you from unnecessary expenses in the future. Protects Resale Value A car covered in hail dents instantly loses resale appeal. Potential buyers or dealerships see visible damage as a sign of neglect, even if the vehicle runs perfectly. Repairing hail damage right away helps preserve your vehicle’s appearance and enables you to maintain maximum resale value. Automotive Hail Damage Repair in Colorado Springs & Pueblo, CO For car hail damage repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Kansas weather is no joke — Wichita drivers know all too well that spring and summer hailstorms can leave vehicles covered in dents and dings overnight. Thankfully, Wichita is home to several highly rated auto hail and paintless dent repair (PDR) shops. To help you decide where to take your car, we compared local businesses using a mix of certifications, experience, insurance relationships, customer reputation, and time serving the community. How We Ranked These Shops Wichita vehicle owners care most about fast, affordable, insurance-friendly hail and dent repair. We scored businesses on the following criteria I-CAR Gold Certification & Technician Training – 30% Years Serving Wichita / Kansas Vehicle Owners – 25% Insurance Company Relationships – 20% Local Ownership & Community Ties – 15% Customer Reputation & Service Transparency – 10%
Keeping your car’s exterior in pristine condition is one of the best ways to maintain its value and appearance. Scratches not only take away from the sleek look of your vehicle, but can also expose the paint to further damage from rust and corrosion. If your vehicle does get scratched, the repairs should be done promptly. Otherwise, you risk rust causing significant issues. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car scratch repair in the greater Pueblo, CO area. While some scratches may be out of your control, many can be prevented with proper care and awareness. By following a few practical steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of scratches and help keep your car looking like new. Wash Your Car the Right Way One of the most common causes of scratches comes from improper washing techniques. Using old sponges or dirty rags can leave fine scratches across your paint. To avoid this, wash your car by hand with a microfiber mitt and a two-bucket method—one bucket for soapy water and one for rinsing. This reduces the risk of dirt particles scratching the surface while cleaning. Be Careful Where You Park Parking location plays a big role in whether or not your car gets scratched. Crowded parking lots, tight spaces, or parking too close to shopping carts all increase the chances of accidental damage. Whenever possible, choose a spot farther away from heavy foot traffic or park in a spacious garage to minimize risks. Being mindful of where you leave your vehicle can go a long way toward preventing dings and scratches. Avoid Placing Items on the Car It may seem harmless to set a bag, box, or even your keys on the hood or roof for a moment, but this habit can lead to scratches and scuffs. Even small particles of dirt trapped underneath an item can leave noticeable marks when the object is moved. To prevent this, try to make it a rule never to place anything on your car’s surface, no matter how brief. Apply High-Quality Wax Adding a layer of protection to your vehicle’s paint can significantly reduce the risk of scratches. High-quality wax helps create a barrier that makes the paint more resistant to minor abrasions. Regular application of wax keeps your car looking polished while safeguarding against scratches. Car Scratch Repair in Pueblo, CO For expert auto body repair in Pueblo and Colorado Springs, visit our team at Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center . Our local body shop can restore your vehicle to pristine condition. Give us a call to schedule an appointment!
Even if your vehicle seems to have escaped a minor accident with only a few scratches or dents, there may be underlying damage you can’t see. The car’s frame plays a crucial role in its safety and performance, and even a low-speed collision can compromise its integrity. Having the frame inspected promptly after a minor accident can help you avoid more serious problems down the road. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car frame inspection and repair in Pueblo and Colorado Springs. Here are four important reasons to make that inspection a priority. Hidden Damage Can Affect Safety A car’s frame is designed to absorb impact and protect occupants during a crash. Even a small misalignment caused by a minor accident can weaken its ability to perform in future collisions. If the damage isn’t visible, you might not realize your car’s crash protection has been compromised. A professional inspection ensures that the structural integrity is intact and that your vehicle remains safe to drive. Small Alignment Issues Can Lead to Bigger Problems When a frame is slightly bent or twisted, it can throw off your vehicle’s alignment. This may cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and increased strain on suspension components. These issues might not appear immediately but can lead to costly repairs over time. An inspection can catch these problems early, allowing for corrections before they cause additional trouble. Preserve Vehicle Value If you ever decide to sell or trade in your car, a history of unaddressed frame damage can lower its value significantly. Buyers and dealerships are wary of vehicles with unresolved structural issues. By getting your car’s frame inspected and repaired after even a minor accident, you help maintain its resale value and promote a clean bill of health for potential buyers. Peace of Mind on the Road Driving a vehicle with potential frame damage can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure about its safety. A thorough frame inspection by a qualified technician can give you confidence that your car is structurally sound. Knowing your vehicle is safe and reliable allows you to focus on the road ahead without worrying about hidden damage from a past accident. Automotive Frame Repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, CO For expert collision repair in Colorado Springs and Pueblo , contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
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
