Expert: Michael Kakuk - 5/9/2010

Question
Hi Mike. I have a 2008 volvo XC90 SUV which has extensive hail damage on all panels. The roof is peppered with many hundreds of dents from golf ball size hailstones. The insurance company thinks it should be repairable but I am unsure whether roof damage this bad will be easily repaired without loss of structural integrity or damaging the components in the car. I have had many friends whose cars have been written off by their insurance companies for similar damage.hope you can help with your learned opinion

Regards

Cathryn from Australia

Answer
CATHRYN... 08 VOLVO ACTUAL CASH VALUE IS GREATER THAN TH ESTIMATED COSTS TO REPAIR.

THAT'S WHY YOUR FRIENDS VEHICLES ARE GETTING TOTALED BECAUSE THE DAMAGES ARE 70% OR GREATER BASED ON THE ACV OF THE VEHICLE.

MOST SHOPS USE A PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR COMPANY TO COME OUT GET ALL THE DENTS THAT THEY CAN AND THEN HAVE THE BODY SHOP REPAIR WHAT THEY CAN'T.

IF THE ROOF OF YOUR CAR HAS THAT MANY DENTS THE CORRECT WAY TO REPAIR WOULD BE TO REPLACE THE ROOF.
AS LONG AS THE REPAIR SHOP FOLLOWS VOLVO'S GUIDELINES THERE SHOULD NOT BE A CONCERN ABOUT STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY.


MAKE SURE YOU TAKE IT TO A REPUTABLE SHOP AND HAVE THEM EXPLAIN WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO TO REPAIR YOUR VEHICLE.

BOTH FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS WILL HAVE TO BE REMOVED AND REINSTALLED...NOT A BIG DEAL.

WE DO IT ALL THE TIME. AND DON'T HAVE ANY ISSUES.


THANKS

MIKE