In the wake of a severe hailstorm that swept through parts of East Texas on Feb. 11, auto body shops are inundated with vehicles bearing the brunt of the weather's fury. The storm pelted cars with hailstones ranging from the size of dimes to golf balls, leaving many with substantial damage, reported Red River Radio.
The owner of H&S Paint and Body Shop in Kilgore, TX, told KTRE-TV in Lufkin his shop saw a significant surge in business following the storm, anticipating the arrival of more car owners seeking repairs in the days ahead. The damage incurred by some vehicles is estimated between $12,000 to $15,000.
According to the shop owner, many individuals are likely contacting their insurance providers to arrange the necessary paperwork before heading to auto body shops for repairs. However, the process is not without its challenges. The recent hailstorm has compounded existing difficulties stemming from a previous weather event, leading to a backlog of repair work.
The auto repair industry is currently grappling with a shortage of parts, exacerbated by strikes and supply chain issues among car manufacturers. Additionally, the availability of used parts, a common recourse for repairs, has been affected due to hail damage. This situation has resulted in extended repair times, with an estimated turnaround of three weeks for vehicles that do not require replacement parts.
