You step outside after a storm and spot tiny dents scattered across the hood, roof, and sides of your vehicle. Your car now looks like a golf ball.
Hail damage can be frustrating to deal with, especially when you’re not sure how long repairs will take. The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends.
At Craftsman Collision, we’ve been repairing hail damage across Western Canada for more than 40 years. From small dings to full panel replacements, we’ve seen it all!
Here’s what you need to know about the hail damage repair timeline.
What Affects the Time It Takes to Repair Hail Damage?
The time it takes to fix hail damage isn’t one-size-fits-all, and several factors can affect the timeline:
Type of Damage
The number and size of dents matter. More dents mean more time in the shop. Larger or deeper dents take more effort to repair than small surface dings.
Location of the Damage
Some areas of the vehicle are easier to access than others. Hoods and roofs tend to be straightforward, but dents near windows, edges, or structural pillars can be more challenging to reach and repair.
Type of Repair Method
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is typically faster than traditional methods because it doesn’t involve sanding, filling, or painting. If the paint is damaged, traditional repairs can extend the timeline.
Vehicle Material
Aluminium panels are harder to work with and take longer to reshape than traditional steel. The type of metal on your vehicle can impact the overall repair time.
Insurance Claims
The time it takes for your insurance company to review and approve a claim can delay the process. Scheduling inspections, sending photos, and waiting for adjusters can all add days to your timeline.
Repair Shop Workload
During hail season, auto body shops get busy quickly. High demand can lead to waitlists or longer repair timelines, especially if the storm affected a large area.
Pro tip: Spring and summer hailstorms create a rush. Booking early helps you beat the seasonal backlog.
Paintless Dent Repair vs. Traditional Repair Timelines
Two main methods are used to fix hail damage, and they come with different timelines:
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
- Ideal for small to medium-sized dents with no paint damage.
- Typically takes 1–3 days.
- Lower cost, less invasive, and keeps your factory paint intact.
Traditional Dent Repair
- Needed when the paint is damaged or panels need replacement.
- Typically takes 5–10 days or more, depending on the availability of parts and the time required for repainting.
| Repair Type | Avg. Time | Best For | Notes |
| Paintless Dent Repair | 1–3 days | Minor hail dents, no paint damage | Faster, keeps factory finish |
| Traditional Repair | 5–10 days | Deep dents, scratched paint | Involves sanding & painting |
Insurance Involvement Can Add Time
Filing a claim can add a few days, or even weeks, to your timeline. Here’s why:
- You’ll need to schedule an inspection or submit photos.
- Insurers may send an adjuster to approve the estimate.
- Some plans require multiple quotes.
Craftsman Collision is a Direct Repair Program (DRP) partner for many insurers, including ICBC. That means we can streamline the approval process and often start your repairs sooner.
Tip: Start the claim as soon as possible after the storm. The faster it’s filed, the sooner we can begin.
Can Repaired Hail Damage Devalue a Car?
No, not if it’s repaired properly. High-quality repairs, especially those that use PDR, typically leave no visible trace of the damage and have no impact on the vehicle’s resale value.
However, if the damage is left unrepaired:
- It can reduce the value of your car.
- It might show up on a vehicle history report (e.g. CARFAX Canada).
To protect your vehicle’s value, always choose a certified repair shop with experience in hail damage.
Tips to Speed Up Hail Damage Repair
Want to get your vehicle back faster? Here’s how:
- Book an appointment right away before shops fill up.
- Choose a DRP-certified shop like Craftsman Collision.
- Ask about rental cars or courtesy vehicles.
- Keep your insurer informed and respond quickly to requests.
The sooner we start, the sooner you’re back on the road.
Why Choose Craftsman Collision for Hail Repairs
When you bring your car to us, you’re in good hands:
- Over 40 years of experience in hail and auto body repair.
- Certified by ICBC and other insurers—streamlined claims and repairs.
- Multiple locations across Western Canada for convenience.
- Highly trained technicians and the latest repair technology.
- We stand behind our work with a warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
Explore all our services and certifications.
When Should You Book Your Repair?
The best time to book your repair is right after the storm.
The longer you wait, the more likely it is that local shops will be overwhelmed with appointments. At Craftsman Collision, we provide fast, free estimates and can help you plan the repair process around your schedule.
Ready to Fix That Hail Damage?
Use our booking tool to find a location near you.
