Getting caught in a severe Brisbane hail storm can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Once the noise stops and the ice melts, you're often left looking at a vehicle covered in hundreds of tiny dents. Take a deep breath — here's a step-by-step guide on what to do next.
Step 1 — Ensure your safety first
If you're driving when the hail starts, safely pull over under an overpass or a sturdy service-station canopy if possible. If you're caught in the open, pull over, stay in your car, and keep away from the windows. Never get out to cover your car during a hail storm — hailstones can cause serious injury.
Step 2 — Document the damage thoroughly
Once the storm has completely passed and it's safe to go outside, inspect your car properly:
- Take wide photos of the entire car to show its overall condition.
- Take close-up photos of each damaged panel — bonnet, roof, boot and doors.
- Pro tip: if the dents are hard to see on camera, park in the shade or a garage and use the reflection of a straight line — a building edge or a fluorescent light — across the paint to highlight every dimple.
Step 3 — Contact your insurance provider
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. Hail storms usually affect entire suburbs at once, meaning thousands of other drivers will be calling at exactly the same time — getting your claim in early puts you nearer the front of the queue. Make sure you get your specific claim number.
Step 4 — Choose your own repairer
Many drivers don't realise they have the right to choose their own repairer. You don't have to use the large, often backlogged repair centre your insurer suggests — those centres can take weeks or even months to get your car back on the road.
By choosing an independent, local specialist like OzDentPro on the Brisbane Southside, you get personalised service, faster turnaround, and high-quality paintless dent removal. We can often work directly with your insurer to make the process as seamless as possible.