What is PDR?
PDR or Paintless Dent Repair is a method of removing minor dents and dings without removing any paint from the vehicle. This is done by very patiently massaging the dent out from the back of the panel using specialized tools.
What are the benefits of PDR?
The most important benefit is quality. This method is the closest you can get to the dent never happening in the first place. No grinding, Automotive fillers or primers are needed because your original factory paint is not disturbed. There are no problems with filler or paint shrinkage months after the repair as is typical with most body shop repairs.
Cost is also a major benefit of PDR. Repairs are typically between one-quarter to one-third the cost of conventional dent repair.
Time savings is yet another advantage. Many dents can be fixed in less than an hour. Hail damage is typically fixed in one day with PDR. A body shop may take 2-3 weeks for the same type of damage.
Environmental concerns are another benefit of PDR. Since this process keeps the original factory paint on your vehicle, there is no need for the paint, chemicals, or other toxins that are used extensively in body shops when repairing dents. PDR is 100% environmentally friendly.
Will my paint be damaged?
No. Today’s factory paints are very flexible and will not be damaged in any way by this process. PDR is the only way to repair a dent and still keep your factory paint.
Will my dents be 100% gone?
On minor dents, in most cases, yes. The deeper the dent, the more difficult it is to repair. Even on larger dents, most people are amazed at the results.
Will my dents come back?
Absolutely not. Once a dent has been removed properly with PDR, it never comes back.
Can any dent be fixed?
No. The most important factors in determining if a dent can be repaired by PDR are depth and location. Dents the size of a dinner plate or larger can be fixed successfully, as long as they are not too deep. On the other hand, some dents that are as small as a dime but very deep, cannot be fixed using PDR because the metal is too stretched. Cracked paint can also be an indication that a dent is too deep.
The most common dents fixed are the size of a golf ball and under. Most (about 95%) minor dents can be repaired. About 5% of minor dents can’t be fixed due to depth or location. Areas such as some quarter panel opening lips, some forward areas of heavily braced hoods, or the very edges of some panels are examples of bad locations.
Hail Storm FAQ
If your vehicle has been damaged by a hailstorm, there are several questions that probably come to mind.
- How do I file a claim?
- Does my policy cover this type of damage?
- Will this claim raise my rates?
- Where can I get my vehicle repaired?
- Do I have a choice as to who will repair my vehicle?
- What are the repair options available to me?
These questions are legitimate, and we will walk you through what you can expect from this process. It is important to know what your rights are as the insured and to know what to expect when you file your claim.
Hail damage is classified as a comprehensive claim, not a collision claim. If you have comprehensive coverage, you are covered. Whatever deductible level you have chosen on your policy for comprehensive coverage is the amount of the claim you will have to pay out of pocket. Your insurer pays the rest of the claim amount.
Generally speaking, hail damage is considered an act of God by most insurance companies and does not affect your future rates. However, if your vehicle gets hail-damaged repeatedly, these claims may affect your premiums later. Ask your insurance company for their policies regarding this.