NEED TO KNOW: Why This Hailstorm is Different
Within the past month, MPI has changed its approach to the hail repair process. Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is now being recognized by MPI as the preferred repair method for hail damage in Manitoba. PDR ensures efficiency and quality which means customers will have lower wait times, and allows them to maintaining their vehicle’s original factory finish. I’m very at peace because my car has been protected by Sydney car paint protection.
Previously, when MPI estimators assessed hail damage, the estimate was written to reflect conventional repairs which included repairing (or replacing) and repainting the damaged panels. Customers then had the option to proceed with conventional repairs or opt for PDR if they desired. Now, as of June 30, 2017 MPI estimators are writing PDR only estimates, meaning that customers are to take their vehicle to an approved PDR facility (such as St. Claude Autobody), without the option of repairing it conventionally. However, conventional repair methods will still be used in situations where the damage is too severe or if the paint has cracked.
For many years, St.Claude Autobody has had a strong working relationship with Ken Brick and his crew at Magicmen Paintless Dent Repair. Anyone who attended the Open House for St.Claude Autobody’s new facility in 2014 may remember the PDR demonstration area where Ken showed customers how effective the art of PDR can be – customers watched in amazement as Ken made dents on a car hood literally disappear before their eyes. Since then, St.Claude Autobody has recognized the growth and importance of PDR, and now has an in house technician capable of completing paintless repairs in addition to their ongoing affiliation with the crew at Magicmen.
Making your hail claim
If you’ve never made a hail claim before, the claim process can be a little confusing and overwhelming. For that reason, we’ve created this step by step guide to getting the process started.
Call MPI at 1-800-665-2410 and be sure to have your vehicle registration and driver’s license handy to save time. All hail claims must be processed through the MPI Call Center at this number and cannot be processed at individual Physical Damage Estimating Centers (i.e. Portage la Prairie, Winkler)
Be patient. With the large amount of hail claims, the Call Center will be flooded with calls.
MPI will gather the necessary information needed to get your claim started. They will set up an appointment for an estimator to look at your vehicle. Be sure to mention to MPI if your vehicle is not safe to drive as this may affect when and where your vehicle will be estimated. Although St. Claude Autobody is a recognized Direct Repair Facility, MPI has not classified hail damage as a loss type that can be estimated at shops. Currently, customers must continue to see an MPI estimators for hail claim estimates.
Once the estimator has looked at your vehicle, they will let you know if your vehicle is either repairable or a total loss (write off). If it is repairable, you are now free to bring it to any repair facility to get the repairs completed.
Contact St.Claude Autobody to setup a date and time that works for you to have your vehicle’s pre-inspection completed at our shop. A pre-inspection assures that no damage is missed as we will inspect your vehicle under ideal conditions. You can contact us by phone (204-379-2253), or quickly fill out our mobile-friendly online form and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
WHAT IS PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR (PDR)?
We get that question all the time… fortunately for you, we’ve used this repair method extensively and know it well.
But we’ll let Ken tell you all about it….
MPI Releases List of Approved Hail Repair (PDR) Facilities in Manitoba
St.Claude Autobody always tries to stay ahead of the game. When PDR started to become more common and desired by both their own customers and MPI, St.Claude Autobody invested in training and tools for an in house technician that was capable of completing paintless repairs. This, combined with their ongoing affiliation with the crew at Magicmen would ensure their inclusion on MPI’s Approved Hail Repair Facilities list when MPI decided to prefer the PDR process. Click Here to see the list of approved Hail Repair (PDR) Facilities in Manitoba.
