Regina, Saskatchewan — An Aug. 31 hailstorm that pummeled the Regina, Sask. area has resulted in 11,004 auto claims, according to Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI).
In the city of Regina alone, SGI received 8,390 auto claims. Thus far, total damages calculated will likely cost more than $90 million, says SGI.
Jonathan Bergen, the owner of Bergen’s Auto Body and Collision Centre, told the Regina Leader Post his business has been dealing not only with huge hail repair demand but also the global parts shortage.
“We’re doing our best, but we don’t make the parts,” said Bergen.
Bergen said his shop is dealing with a “huge amount” of claims, which his staff is working to get assessed. He’s still taking appointments but is currently scheduling assessments for hail damage in January at the moment.
According to Chuck Rust, owner of Chuck’s Collision in Assiniboia, Sask., Regina is typically not used to such severe hailstorms—prior to a July 2019 storm, the last severe hail seen in Regina was more than 25 years ago.
“Now we’ve had two significant storms in two years,” he said. “We’re not used to it, that’s for sure.”
