With hail season here I think it is time to discuss estimating hail damage, if you take it to your insurance company or a body shop makes little difference as an adjuster will have to look at any major damage. I prefer the independent body shop as they are less likely to cut corners. Many manufactures body shops are very competitive compared to their service departments. Maintain a take charge attitude without being pushy. Remember you pay the premium and there are a lot of players in the insurance game that want your business.Bring in a clean car as it is easier to inspect and dents will be more visible.Do the inspection indoors under fluorescent lights that run from the left to the right, many dents do not show up in the sun.The estimator should be familiar with the limits of paint less dent repair. Previously repaired panels, dents close to a seam or the edge will require body repair and paint.If you think the damage is close to the value of your vehicle determine a value (Kelly Blue Book) and be ready to decide if you want to keep the vehicle or let the insurance take it. Normally they will let you keep the vehicle and pay 70 to 80% of the estimate they are usually fair as to the true retail value of the vehicle if you want to let them have it.Inspect your vehicle before paying or signing over the insurance check most body shops are easy to work with as they want to get along with the insurance companies but there is always one bad apple. Many of these hints also apply to a damaged vehicle beware of cheap aftermarket replacement parts many of these are of inferior quality.