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Hail Damage in Manitoba: What Drivers Need to Know After the Storm

Recent hail storms have left thousands of Manitoba drivers assessing damage to their vehicles, from small dents and chipped windshields to more significant body and glass repairs. According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), approximately 20,000 claims have been received since last week’s severe weather event, putting 2026 on pace to exceed the highest number of claims received from a single weather event in Manitoba.

While some damage is easy to spot, many drivers may be unsure whether a few dents or a small windshield chip are worth addressing. The reality is that hail damage can affect more than just a vehicle’s appearance, potentially impacting its condition, value, and future repair costs.

Why Even Small Hail Damage Matters

After a storm, many drivers assume that small dents are simply cosmetic. While some hail damage may be minor, dents, chipped paint, and damaged glass can impact your vehicle’s condition over time. Small windshield chips can spread into larger cracks, and paint damage can leave metal exposed to the elements resulting in early development of rust.

Having the damage assessed early can help identify issues before they become more significant concerns.

Could Hail Damage Affect Your Lease Return?

If you’re currently leasing your vehicle, hail damage is worth addressing sooner rather than later.

“repairing hail damage early can help avoid unexpected costs later.”

At the end of a lease, vehicles are inspected for excess wear and damage. Depending on the severity of the hail damage, repairs may be required before the
vehicle can be returned.

Many drivers don’t think about lease-end inspections immediately after a storm, but repairing hail damage early can help avoid unexpected costs later.

Could Hail Damage Affect Your Trade-In Value?

Visible hail damage can influence how a vehicle is evaluated during a trade-in appraisal.

While every vehicle is assessed individually, dents, damaged panels, and broken glass can affect the overall condition of the vehicle and may require reconditioning before resale.

For drivers considering an upgrade in the coming years, repairing hail damage may help preserve the vehicle’s value and appearance.

What About Windshield and Glass Damage?

Many drivers focus on dents after a hail storm, but vehicle glass should also be inspected carefully.

Even a small chip can spread into a larger crack due to temperature changes, road vibrations, and everyday driving conditions. Windshields, rear windows, side windows, and sunroofs can all be affected by hail impacts.

Having glass damage assessed early can help determine whether repair or replacement is required and will prevent more extensive damage later.

MPI’s Direct Repair Program

For eligible hail-related dent and glass repairs, MPI’s Direct Repair program allows Manitoba drivers to start the repair process directly with participating repair facilities such as Birchwood.

If your vehicle has been damaged by hail, contacting Birchwood can be the first step in
getting your vehicle assessed and beginning
the repair process.

Why Booking Early Matters

Following a major hail event, repair demand increases significantly across Manitoba.

Waiting several weeks to start the process can limit appointment availability and increase repair timelines as more vehicles enter the queue.

Even if you’re still deciding whether to proceed with repairs, having the damage assessed early can help you better understand your options and avoid unnecessary delays.

Why Professional Repairs Matter

Not all hail repairs are the same. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs may involve:

• Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
• Windshield chip repair
• Glass replacement
• Conventional body repairs
• Panel repair or replacement

Birchwood operates Manitoba’s largest hail repair network, including three collision centres and dedicated hail repair facilities designed specifically for hail-related repairs.

In addition, Birchwood’s collision centres are OEM Certified, meaning repairs are completed according to manufacturer-approved repair procedures and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I Need to Contact MPI First?
A: Not always. Through MPI’s Direct Repair program, eligible dent and glass repairs can be started directly through participating repair facilities such as Birchwood.

Q: Can Small Hail Dents Be Repaired?
A: Yes. Many minor dents can be repaired using Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), which removes dents while preserving the vehicle’s original paint finish.

Q: Should I Wait to Have My Vehicle Assessed?
A: Early assessments can help identify repair options and secure appointment availability following major storms.

Birchwood Is Here to Help

With three collision centres, dedicated hail repair facilities, a specialized Hail Repair Hotline, and OEM Certified repair capabilities, Birchwood is equipped to help Manitoba drivers recover from severe hail events.

If your vehicle has been affected by hail, having the damage assessed early can help protect its condition, preserve its value, and ensure you’re prepared for whatever comes next.

Visit www.hailrepaircentre.ca to get started.