"Storm Chasers" look to cash in

WEST ALEXANDRIA, Ohio (WDTN) - "Good morning, Weber body and frame."

Phones have been ringing off the hook at Weber's Body and Frame in West Alexandria in Preble County.

"It's the most damage we've seen in this area in a long time from hail."

Tuesday's hail storms pounded plenty of cars around the Miami Valley. Weber employees say they have already seen a months worth of cars.

"At this point, probably about 25."

Dave Weber says he has seen everything from dents and dings to shattered glass. Now he issues a warning for anyone with hail damage. He says "Storm Chasers" are swooping into town looking to get their hands on whatever is broken.

"And unfortunately some of these people want to get these cars done quick, they drill holes in cars where there shouldn't be holes drilled causing corrosion later on when you go to trade your car in the car has diminished value."

Weber figures that will end up costing you more money!

"Plus the frustration of dealing with, trying to get someone to come out to make it right. and they'll have to go back through their insurance company, get someone to come in here and fix the car correctly."

James Lowman, who made a stop into the shop on Wednesday, isn't taking any chances.

"We had some damage on our vehicles yesterday due to that hail storm."

This is his first time in a body shop for hail damage and says he's trying to avoid storm chasers at all cost.

"It's just like people with hurricane damage on the coast you know there's people that comes in all over the country and try to take advantage of people."

Weber says if someone shows up at your door looking for work, make sure you ask them plenty of probing questions.

"Number one, are you a local company?" Number two, what kind of credentials do you have? How much time do you have in the business, how many people are working for you doing these repairs."

Remember, do your research by checking in with the better business bureau before you hire someone to fix your car or truck. Don't let someone rush you to make a quick decision.