Automotive Dent Repair for Vehicles with Collision Damage & Hail Damage
Our dent repair services are tailored to the needs of your car, truck, SUV, or van. We offer both paintless dent repair and more traditional methods of repairing dents.
Joe Hudson’s Collision Center has more than 200 locations across 18 states. You don’t have to travel far to have dents, dings, scratches, and other types of damage repaired by our expert technicians.
Our customers’ satisfaction is a top priority. All dent repairs are backed by a lifetime warranty. If you aren’t satisfied with the quality of our work, we will make it right without charging you a penny.
How Does Dent Repair Work?
When you bring in your vehicle or it is towed to one of our body shops, the first step is an assessment of the damage. Our technicians thoroughly inspect any dents and other damage, then provide you with a FREE upfront estimate.
Next, we identify the best option for repairing the dent. Several options may be available depending on the severity of the dent and where the damage is located.
We will also provide you with an expected timeline for the completion of repairs. This includes everything from the prep work to the detailing to quality checks. You will receive regular updates as we work so you know when you will be able to pick up your vehicle.
What Are My Options for Dent Repair?
No one wants to drive around town in a vehicle with a dent or a ding. At Joe Hudson’s Collision Center, we use industry-leading techniques to repair dents caused by:
- Hailstorms
- Minor Collisions
- Parking Lot Incidents
- Objects Falling on the Vehicle
- Road Debris
- Sports & Recreational Activities
- Vandalism
- And More
With extensive training and I-CAR Gold Class certification, technicians at JHCC have the expertise to handle dents of all shapes and sizes. Our proven repair process is designed with quality results and efficiency in mind. We make it our mission to repair dents quickly and effectively while keeping you apprised of our progress at all times.
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair (or PDR) is a highly effective option for repairing minor dents and dings on vehicle panels where the paint has not been damaged. The main benefit is that the dent can be repaired without affecting the vehicle’s paint job, saving you time and money.
For paintless dent repair to be an option, the paint must be intact. Situations where we might use PDR techniques include:
- Small dents caused by hail, minor collisions, and parking lot mishaps
- The dent is readily accessible by way of interior trim pieces, access panels, or existing openings (such as the door frame or trunk lid)
- Flexible panel materials
- PDR is more successful on metal panels that can be easily manipulated. It is less effective on panels made from inflexible materials like plastic or composite.
PDR is a faster and more cost-effective option than traditional bodywork methods, especially for minor dents. A professional assessment at your local Joe Hudson’s Collision Center can determine if paintless dent repair is an option based on the size, location, and severity of the dent.
Minor Dents or Dings?
Paintless Dent Repair Might Be an Option!
Auto Body Work
If the paint has been damaged, more traditional methods of dent repair will need to be employed. Traditional body work for dents typically involves sanding, repairing, priming, painting, and polishing the affected area.
At Joe Hudson’s Collision Center, our technicians have the experience and training to repair large dents and perform complex repairs. We also use sophisticated paint match technology to ensure that the repaired area looks just like the rest of the vehicle.
Need Your Vehicle Repaired?
JHCC Has You Covered!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dent Repair
How Do Mechanics Fix Dents?
Professional mechanics and auto body technicians use various techniques to fix dents. These include:
- Paintless Dent Repair: The backside of the dent is accessed using specialized tools and gently massaged and reshaped until the metal is back to its original form.
- Traditional Bodywork: Technicians sand, repair, prime, and paint the dented area to restore its original condition.
- Dent Pulling: For shallow dents, a dent puller, slide hammer, or suction cup may be used to help pull the dent out from the outside of the panel.
- Heating and Cooling Methods: Techniques involving heating and cooling may be used to help restore the metal to its original shape and size.
- Body Hammer and Dolly: A dolly is placed behind the dent to provide support, while the hammer is used to gently reshape the metal.
- Panel Replacement: If the dent is too severe or the damage is extensive, the affected panel may need to be replaced entirely. The mechanic or technician will remove the damaged panel, install a new one, and paint the new panel to match the current paint job.
A professional body shop will evaluate the damage to your vehicle and find the best solution for dent repair. In addition to experience and training, technicians and mechanics have access to tools that the average consumer does not. Professional dent repair generally leads to better results than DIY efforts.
Are Dents Worth Repairing?
The question of whether dent repair is “worth it” depends on the individual. Some people are more bothered by dents than others. But consider the following:
- Dents can seriously impact the resale value of your vehicle.
- Leaving dents unrepaired can lead to further issues such as rust or corrosion, especially if the paint has been damaged and the metal is exposed to the elements.
- Dents in certain areas of the vehicle, such as the hood or trunk, may compromise structural integrity or obstruct visibility. These are safety risks that warrant immediate repair.
Cost and insurance coverage are two additional considerations. If the cost of repairing the dent exceeds your deductible, it may be worth filing an insurance claim. JHCC is recognized as a trusted partner by multiple insurance carriers. This enables us to expedite claims and get dent repair underway ASAP.
How Much Do Dents Devalue a Car?
Any damage to a vehicle decreases its value. Dents can result in a depreciation of 5%–25%, depending on the location of the dent and how big it is.
DIY and substandard repair work can exacerbate the damage. It is always best to take your vehicle to a reputable facility—ideally one that specializes in your particular vehicle. Joe Hudson’s Collision Center has obtained OEM Certification from 20 different automakers.
Will Insurance Cover a Small Dent?
Insurance coverage for dent repair depends on several different factors. These include what caused the dent, your insurance coverage, and whether you have met your deductible.
Collision coverage should pay to fix the dent if it occurred in a motor vehicle crash. If the dent was caused by something other than a collision (such as adverse weather, a falling tree, etc.), you will need to turn to comprehensive auto insurance for coverage.
The size of the dent doesn’t generally affect whether insurance will pay to fix it. Coverage is dependent on what insurance you have and how the damage occurred.
Can Hail Dents Be Popped Out?
Dents caused by hail stones can often be popped out using paintless dent repair (PDR). Certified technicians gain access to the backside of the dented panel and use special equipment to manipulate the metal from behind the panel and push the dent outward.
PDR techniques can be used to address a single dent or multiple dents simultaneously. Technicians trained in PDR will know how to sequence the repairs and skillfully address hail dents without causing further damage to the body or the paint.
Traditional bodywork may be needed for more serious dents or dents with limited access. After a hailstorm, it is important to consult a body shop with extensive experience in hail damage repair to get your vehicle back to its prior condition.
Do You Need Dent Repair?
Find a Joe Hudson’s Collision Center Near You!
