It happens to most car owners at some point – they walk out to their car to find it with a fresh dent in one of the doors or side body panels. Although you can continue to drive the car in this state, chances are you want to fix it so your car looks its best. Fortunately, you don't always need an extensive repair. Paintless dent removal (PDR) is an option for some types of dents. The following guide can help you decide if it is the right choice in your case.

Is the paint damaged?

PDR naturally won't be used to fix the paint. It is best suited for dents that have no paint damage. You can still opt to have the dent pulled out using PDR techniques, but you will still need to have the paint touched up so that rust and corrosion doesn't make the damage worse.

What types of dents can't be repaired?

It's not possible to pull out a dent if creasing has occurred. If the metal has actually creased or even broken through, then the only way to properly fix it is to have the panel replaced. Even if the dent is pulled out using PDR techniques, the crease line will still be visible.

Can only body panels be repaired?

PDR techniques can be used on uncreased damage to any metal part of the car's body. This means door panels, body panels, fenders, and metal bumpers. PDR can even pull out uncreased dents from hail that occur on the hood, roof, or trunk of the car.

How long does it take?

The techniques used for PDR are relatively quick. Generally, the body panel is left in place and the entire process takes less than an hour to pull out the dents. Occasionally, a panel may need to be removed to properly pop out the dent, but you will still usually get your car back the same day that you brought it in. The main exception is if you need touch up work on the paint – then you may need to leave the car overnight so the paint can cure.

Will insurance cover PDR?

Often insurance will cover PDR. Some shops will deal with your insurance company directly for payment, while other insurance agents will simply issue you a check to cover costs, and then you can take the car to the shop of your choice for the repair method of your choosing.

For more help, contact a paintless dent repair shop in your area, such as Coats Auto Body and Paint.