Frequently Asked Questions about Paintless Dent Repair
What are my repair options?
You have two options to consider for your vehicle: Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and Conventional Body Repair. PDR techniques are quicker and generally less costly, making them an ideal choice for hail damage repair. If you have comprehensive coverage with your insurance, then your insurance company will typically cover the repair costs, and in most cases, your rates should not increase. PDR is the preferred method for many insurance claims, as companies often favor this approach for repairing damage.
Conventional Body Repair:
Conventional body repair methods were not designed for hail damage repair; they focus primarily on fixing collision damage. This type of repair often involves sanding the factory finish, using bondo or other body fillers, and employing reciprocating saws to cut off body panels, along with aftermarket paints. Unfortunately, these methods do not fully restore a vehicle’s lost equity from hail damage, as they are invasive and leave the vehicle in a 'Frankenstein' state, characterized by uneven bondo-filled panels and mismatched aftermarket paint. Moreover, the process can result in lengthy delays, keeping a vehicle in the shop for three to six weeks, complicating insurance claims for those affected.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR):
Unlike conventional body repair, PDR (paintless dent repair) is the preferred method for hail damage repair among all insurance companies. This process is much less invasive than traditional bodywork and doesn’t require sanding, bondo, or other body fillers, nor does it use aftermarket paint. Because PDR techniques are noninvasive, they have been proven to completely restore a vehicle’s lost equity due to hail damage. The best part? PDR repairs typically take only 7 to 10 days, which is 1/3 to 1/6 the time required for conventional repairs, making it a great option for insurance claims.
Can filing an insurance claim for hail damage repair raise my rates? Absolutely not. Many of our clients hesitate to get hail damage on their vehicles repaired because they fear their insurance rates will increase. Damage caused by “Acts of God,” such as hail, wind, tornadoes, and other natural disasters, is covered by your comprehensive insurance. Since no one can predict when these events will happen, insurance companies will not hold these claims against your insurance record. How long will it take to fix my vehicle? Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) techniques, depending on the severity of the hail damage, can typically be completed in 7-10 days. Regardless of how long your repairs take and while your car is in our shop, we will ensure you have a rental car so you can continue your daily activities as usual! What if I do not have rental coverage on my policy? Most insurance companies will cover rental expenses incurred while your hail damage repair is in progress. Each provider has different policies, so we can contact your insurance company to check if you have rental coverage. If your insurance company does not cover the rental and your vehicle needs to stay at our shop for repairs, Ultimate Hail & Dent Co. will cover the rental costs for you, bringing a rental car right to your door! Are all PDR technicians the same? No, they are not. PDR is a skill that requires practice and patience. Generally, anyone with less than 2 years of experience is considered an apprentice. It is not an easy trade to master, and mistakes can be costly. All of our technicians are reputable and bring decades of experience in PDR techniques.
Silver Chevrolet SUV with Ultimate Hail & Dent Co. branding and cracked glass graphic.