Hailstorms can show up fast and leave behind a mess of dents on your vehicle in just minutes.
If you’ve been hit by one, you might be wondering: can you repair hail damage on a car? The answer is yes, and in most cases, it’s recommended.
At Craftsman Collision, we’ve been helping Canadian drivers repair hail damage for more than 40 years.
From paintless dent repair (PDR) to full panel refinishing, we know how to restore your car to pre-storm condition, and help you work through your insurance claim, too. Here’s what to know.
Yes, You Can Repair Hail Damage on a Car
The good news? Auto hail damage repair is usually very doable, especially if you bring your vehicle in promptly after the storm.
There are two main repair methods:
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
A fast and non-invasive process that uses specialized tools to gently massage out dents from behind the panel. This method keeps your original paint intact and works best for small-to-midsize dents where the paint isn’t cracked or chipped.
Traditional Dent Repair
Used when damage is more severe, involves filling, sanding, and repainting to restore the panel.
Addressing hail damage quickly can help you avoid rust, especially on areas like the roof and hood where metal is more exposed.
Does repaired hail damage devalue a car?
No. Professionally repaired hail damage typically does not devalue your vehicle, especially when it’s done using PDR and comes with proper documentation.
Got caught in a storm? Book a free hail damage assessment at your nearest Craftsman shop.
How Auto Body Shops Repair Hail Damage
At Craftsman Collision, we use different techniques depending on how deep the dents are and whether your paint is still intact.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
This is the most efficient and cost-effective solution for hail dent removal. Using small metal rods and LED lighting, our technicians access the backside of panels and apply slow, even pressure to reshape the metal without harming the paint. It’s quick, clean, and leaves no sign of damage behind.
When PDR Isn’t Enough
If the hail has chipped or cracked the paint, or left deeper dents, traditional body repair is required. This might involve:
- Filling and sanding the damaged area
- Repainting and clear-coating
- Blending the repair with the rest of the panel
How to remove dents from a car?
While some DIY kits exist, hail damage typically requires professional tools and techniques like PDR or panel refinishing to achieve a smooth, lasting result.
When Is It Worth Fixing Hail Damage?
Not every dent is worth repairing, but many are. Here’s when we recommend it:
✅ You lease your vehicle or plan to sell it soon
✅ The dents are visible, especially on the hood, roof, or doors
✅ Your insurance covers it, meaning little to no cost to you
When might it not be worth it?
- The vehicle has high mileage and is already heavily depreciated
- The dents are extremely minor and purely cosmetic
Can you write off a car for hail damage?
Yes. If the cost to repair the hail damage is greater than the value of the car, your insurance provider may declare it a total loss—even if the car still drives fine.
Wondering if it’s worth fixing? Ask a Craftsman Collision estimator today.
What to Expect After a Hail Storm in Canada
Hail damage is common across Canada, especially in hail-prone areas like Calgary, Red Deer, Saskatoon, and parts of Manitoba.
Common Damage Areas:
- Roof
- Hood
- Trunk
- Upper door panels
- Side mirrors
What to Do:
- File a claim with your insurance provider (usually under comprehensive coverage)
- Visit a repair shop for a damage assessment
- Approve the repairs based on the estimate and your coverage
- Repairs usually take 2–5 days, depending on severity and method (PDR is quicker)
Will the sun pop out hail dents?
No. While heat might make small dents slightly less visible, sunlight alone won’t repair hail damage. You’ll need professional tools and expertise for a full fix.
Insurance and Hail Repair
Most comprehensive insurance plans in Canada cover hail damage, but it’s important to act quickly.
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible after a storm
- You’ll likely be given a claim number to provide at the repair shop
- Craftsman Collision is ICBC-accredited and works with most other major insurers across Western Canada
- We offer direct billing, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs (aside from any deductible)
Need help navigating your insurance claim? Talk to a Craftsman Collision team member today.
Why Trust Craftsman with Your Hail Repairs?
With over 40 years of experience, we’ve seen every kind of hailstorm damage, and we’ve repaired thousands of vehicles back to pre-damage condition.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Expert PDR technicians trained in hail-specific repairs
- ICBC-certified and trusted by insurers across Western Canada
- Locations across Alberta, BC, and beyond, including in hail-prone cities like Calgary
- A customer-first process: free estimates, easy bookings, and a repair guarantee
- Industry-leading certifications and a reputation for quality
Hail happens. Let us help you bounce back.
