Hail Damage in Ontario: What to Do After a Storm

It happened fast. You heard it on the roof, looked outside, and your car was covered in dents. Hail season in Ontario runs May through August — and when a storm hits, knowing what to do next saves you money and headaches.

Hail damage across the hood and roof, restored to factory condition with PDR. No repainting. No filler.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

Before you move the car or clean it, photograph everything. Walk around the full vehicle — roof, hood, trunk, all four doors, the pillars. Take photos in good light from multiple angles. These photos are your evidence for the insurance claim.

Also document where the car was parked and the date and time of the storm. Most insurance companies accept Environment Canada weather records as corroborating evidence.

Step 2: Call Your Insurance Company

Hail damage is covered under comprehensive insurance in Ontario — not collision. If you have comprehensive coverage, file the claim. Key things to know:

• Hail is classified as an "act of God" event — typically does not affect your premium
• Your deductible applies (usually $500–$1,000)
• The insurer will send an adjuster or ask for photos and a repair estimate
• You can choose your own repair shop — you're not required to use the insurer's preferred shop

Step 3: Get a PDR Assessment — Before a Body Shop Quote

Most hail damage in Ontario — where the dents are shallow and the paint is intact — is perfectly suited for paintless dent repair. This is important because:

• PDR restores factory finish with no repainting — your car's value is fully preserved
• PDR is significantly cheaper than body shop alternatives
• Insurance companies often prefer PDR because it costs less and produces better results
• No repainted panels means no impact on CarFax or resale value

Tyler working on hail-damaged panels in Ontario. Each dent is individually accessed and restored — no shortcuts.

PDR vs Body Shop for Hail Damage

This is the most important decision you'll make after a hail storm. Here's the honest comparison:

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

• Full-vehicle hail restoration: $800–$3,000 depending on severity
• Original factory paint preserved throughout
• No CarFax implications
• Mobile — Tyler comes to you in Ontario
• Timeline: 1–3 days for most jobs

Body Shop

• Full-vehicle hail restoration: $3,000–$8,000+
• Panels sanded, filled, and repainted
• Repainted panels can flag on CarFax
• Car needs to be dropped off for days to weeks
• Repainted colour rarely matches factory perfectly

When Is Hail Damage Too Severe for PDR?

PDR has limits. A good technician will tell you honestly when a dent can't be fixed without paint work:

• Paint cracking or chipping at the dent's edge
• Extremely large individual dents (golf ball size or larger) with significant metal stretch
• Damage near panel edges where tool access is impossible

Tyler assesses every dent during the inspection and advises honestly. If PDR can't fix it to factory standard, he'll tell you — and he won't charge you for a repair he can't guarantee.

Hail Season in Ontario — When to Expect Storms

Ontario hail season runs May through August, with peak activity in June and July. The regions most affected include:

• Durham Region (Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville)
• Northumberland County (Cobourg, Port Hope)
• Peterborough County and the Kawarthas
• Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe

If you're in these areas and hail is forecast, parking in a garage is the best protection. If that's not possible, a thick moving blanket or car cover provides some impact reduction.

Frequently Asked Questions