If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, taking the right steps early can help simplify the repair process and reduce delays. After a hail storm, it’s important to assess the damage, document what you see, and connect with a repair facility as soon as possible.
At Birchwood, our team can help guide you through the next steps, from assessing the damage to scheduling repairs and handling the claims process where applicable.
What Should You Do After Hail Damage?
- Assess your vehicle for hail damage.
- Document the damage with photos.
- Contact a repair facility and book early.
- Have your vehicle assessed.
- Confirm your repair appointment.
Step 1: Assess Your Vehicle for Hail Damage
Once it is safe to go outside, inspect your vehicle for signs of hail damage.
Areas that are commonly affected include:
- Roof
- Hood
- Trunk lid
- Doors and side panels
- Windshield
- Side windows
- Mirrors
- Headlights and taillights
Some hail damage can be difficult to see at first. Small dents often become more visible when viewed at an angle or under bright lighting.
If possible, move your vehicle into a garage or shaded area and inspect it carefully.
Step 2: Document the Damage
Before beginning repairs, take photos of the damage.
Photographs can help support your MPI claim and provide a record of your vehicle’s condition following the storm.
Consider taking:
- Wide photos of the entire vehicle
- Close-up photos of dents
- Photos of glass damage
- Photos from multiple angles
- Photos showing the date if possible
The more documentation you have, the easier it may be to explain the damage during the claims process.
Step 3: Contact a Repair Facility Early
After a major hail storm, repair demand can increase quickly across Manitoba.
Connecting with a repair facility early can help you understand the repair process, have your damage assessed, and secure your place in line before repair schedules become busier.
At Birchwood, customers can:
- Contact the Hail Repair Hotline
- Ask questions about the repair process
- Request an appointment online
- Learn about repair options
- Receive guidance on next steps
Booking early can help reduce overall repair delays following significant hail events.
Step 4: Have Your Vehicle Assessed
Once you’ve connected with a repair facility, the next step is to have your vehicle assessed.
During the assessment, a technician will inspect the damage and determine the most appropriate repair method based on the condition of the vehicle.
This may include:
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
- Glass repair or replacement
- Conventional body repairs
- Panel repair or replacement
Your repair team can also explain any documentation or claim requirements related to your repair.
Step 5: Confirm Your Repair Appointment
Once your assessment is complete, your repair facility can schedule your repair appointment and discuss what to expect throughout the repair process.
At Birchwood, this allows us to:
- Confirm your repair appointment
- Review repair requirements
- Discuss repair timelines
- Answer any remaining questions
- Help prepare your vehicle for repair
Securing your appointment early can help reduce delays following major hail events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Contact a Repair Facility After Discovering Hail Damage?
Yes. Contacting a repair facility early can help you understand the repair process, have your vehicle assessed, and secure your place in line following a major hail event.
How Do I Start the Hail Repair Process?
Start by documenting the damage and contacting a repair facility. They can help explain the next steps and schedule an assessment of your vehicle.
How Long Do Hail Repairs Take?
Repair timelines vary based on the severity of the damage, repair method, and repair demand following a storm.
Can Small Hail Dents Be Repaired?
In many cases, yes. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is often used to repair minor hail dents without repainting the vehicle.
Can Hail Damage Affect Vehicle Value?
Yes. Unrepaired hail damage can impact vehicle appearance and may affect resale or trade-in value.
Birchwood Is Here to Help
If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, taking the right steps early can help make the repair process smoother. Start by assessing and documenting the damage, then contact a repair facility to begin the repair process and secure your place in line.
If you have questions at any point, Birchwood’s hail repair team is here to help. From assessing the damage to explaining repair options and scheduling repairs, our team can help guide you through the process from start to finish.