Collision Repair Near You in Thunder Bay — Copper Crescent, off Fort William Rd

This depends on your policy and fault determination. In Ontario, a not-at-fault accident generally does not increase your premiums, but this varies by insurer and your specific policy terms. We recommend speaking directly with your insurance broker before filing a claim for minor damage. For major collision damage, making a claim is almost always in your financial interest regardless of fault. We can help you understand what your repair estimate includes before you decide.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer — parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer to factory specification. Insurance policies in Ontario typically allow insurers to use “like kind and quality” parts, which can mean used or aftermarket alternatives. However, you can request OEM parts, particularly if your vehicle is newer or under manufacturer warranty. We will document your request and advocate with your insurer on your behalf. Vehicles under one year old are generally entitled to OEM parts as standard.

This is called a “supplement” and it happens regularly — especially when hidden damage is found during disassembly. We submit supplement requests directly to your insurer with photos and documentation explaining the additional work required. Insurers are legally obligated to cover all necessary repairs to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. You will never be asked to pay out of pocket for costs that are legitimately covered under your policy.

Yes. We repair all makes and models including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids. EV collision repair involves additional considerations — high-voltage system safety protocols, battery assessment for thermal damage, and a higher number of ADAS calibrations per repair compared to conventional vehicles. If you drive a Tesla, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, or any other EV, please mention this when you call so we can confirm the appropriate equipment and certifications for your specific vehicle.

Yes. Paintless dent repair is available at our Thunder Bay location and is often the fastest, most cost-effective solution for minor dents — no sanding, no filler, no repainting. PDR works best on dents where the paint surface is undamaged, such as parking lot door dings, minor hail damage, and small panel dents. Bring your vehicle in for a free assessment and we’ll confirm whether PDR is suitable for your specific damage or whether traditional repair is needed.

Yes. Hail damage is one of our most common services, especially following Northwestern Ontario winter seasons. Most hail damage can be repaired using paintless dent repair (PDR), which restores your vehicle without repainting — preserving the factory finish and protecting resale value. For more severe hail damage where the paint surface is cracked or broken, we also offer traditional panel repair and repainting. Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance — we can confirm this with your insurer before any work begins.

Yes. We offer windshield repair, full windshield replacement, side window repair, and rear window replacement for all vehicle makes and models. Glass work is often covered under your comprehensive insurance policy with no deductible depending on your coverage. Windshield replacement on modern vehicles also requires ADAS recalibration if a forward-facing camera is mounted to the glass — we include this as part of the replacement service.

Yes. Frame and unibody structural repair requires specialized equipment and certified technicians — our Thunder Bay facility is equipped for full structural realignment. Frame damage left uncorrected affects your vehicle’s handling, safety systems, and long-term structural integrity. We use computerized measuring systems to restore your vehicle to manufacturer specifications and document all measurements for your insurance file. Every structural repair is covered under our national lifetime warranty.

If your vehicle cannot be safely driven, do not attempt to drive it — structural or suspension damage that isn’t visible can cause loss of control. Call our towing line at 1-800-871-7612 and we will arrange transport directly to our Thunder Bay facility. While you wait, notify your insurance company of the accident and tell them you’ve chosen Simplicity Car Care Thunder Bay as your repair shop. Your insurer is legally required to honour your shop choice.

As soon as it is safe to do so — the sooner the better. Prompt repair prevents secondary damage: exposed metal rusts, compromised seals let in water, and damaged structural components can worsen under normal driving stress. You do not need to wait for your insurance company’s approval before bringing your vehicle in for an estimate. Walk in Monday to Friday, 8am–4:30pm, or call 807-343-2277 to let us know you’re coming. We’ll get the process started immediately.