Living and working around Tiverton for the best part of 40 years, I’ve seen my fair share of Devon weather. When those Atlantic gales roll over the Exe Valley, they don’t just rattle the windows; they wreak havoc on our cars. Whether it’s a stray branch falling in Bampton or a rogue wheelie bin doing a dance across a driveway in Cullompton, storm damage is a headache no one needs.
Common Types of Storm Damage We See in Mid Devon
After a heavy night of wind and rain, I often get calls from folks who’ve woken up to find their pride and joy looking a bit worse for wear. Usually, it falls into three categories: falling debris, flying objects, or the classic 'hedge-slap' from narrow lanes littered with storm-blown twigs.
Falling Branches and Twigs
In our neck of the woods, we’re surrounded by beautiful old trees. Unfortunately, they don't always play nice in a force eight gale. A falling branch can leave nasty, deep gouges in your paintwork or sharp dents in the roof and bonnet. If the paint isn't cracked, I can often use dent removal techniques to massage the metal back into shape without needing a full respray, saving you a fortune on insurance excesses.
Flying Debris and 'Runaway' Objects
I’ve seen everything from roof tiles to empty recycling boxes cause damage. These usually result in localized impact marks or car scratch repair jobs. Because I’m mobile, I can come to your home or workplace to assess the damage, meaning you don't have to drive around with a damaged vehicle while waiting for a body shop to find a slot in three weeks' time.
The DentDash Approach: No Stress, No Mess
One thing I’ve learned over four decades is that people want their cars fixed quickly and properly, especially when the damage wasn't even their fault. My setup at DentDash is designed to take the sting out of the situation. I provide a 'collect and return' service if the job requires a bit more shelter, or I can work right on your driveway if the weather permits.
Because I don't have the massive overheads of a traditional town-centre garage, my prices are typically 40-60% cheaper than a main dealer body shop. For a standard storm-related scratch or small dent, you’re looking at anywhere between £80 and £250, rather than losing your car for a week and paying a £500 insurance excess.
Don't Let Rust Take Hold
The biggest mistake I see folks make after a storm is leaving a deep scratch 'until the spring.' In Devon, our air is damp, and if a branch has scratched through the clear coat and primer down to the bare metal, it won't take long for rust to start bubbling. A quick paint correction or localized repair now prevents a much more expensive structural problem later on.
If your car has taken a knock during the recent wild weather, don't fret. Send me a few photos on WhatsApp and I’ll give you an honest appraisal of what needs doing. I’ve spent 40 years making metal look like new again, and I’m happy to help my neighbours across Mid Devon get back on the road with a smile.
Need a hand with storm damage? Message me on WhatsApp at wa.me/447572114436 or give me a ring on 07572 114436. I’m out and about Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, covering Tiverton and the surrounding 25-mile radius.