FAQ’S
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is both a science and an art that leaves the original factory finish intact. Using a metal-on-metal process that reverses dents without cracking the paint, PDR can be used on both steel and aluminum. The flexibility of modern automotive finishes along with ‘metal memory’ allow technicians to restore the surface to pre-damaged condition. Unlike traditional body shop repair, PDR restored vehicles aren’t reported to Car Fax and are back to you in a couple weeks – not months waiting to get fixed.
After filing the claim, the insurance company schedules an adjuster to inspect damage before any work begins. Doing this at your home will be inaccurate as many dents will not easily be seen due to glare, dirt, or shadows. Proper lighting is used at a professional shop.
Some adjustors write a light estimate if they think you are cashing out instead of getting repairs. This is illegal but at home, you have no way of knowing its happening. It’s estimated that 30% of hail claims are not repaired. Insurance companies use this knowledge to keep from paying full costs.
Veteran’s Auto Hail Services helps with everything; filing your claim (we work with all insurance providers), vehicle drop off, ensuring you have a rental car if needed (even if you don’t have rental coverage), and have it looking as if the damage never happened, typically in just 1-2 weeks. We even make sure your deductible is covered for you up to $1,000.00 (sometimes more). There are NO out-of-pocket expenses to you!
How does the process work?
Will haul affect my car’s value?
Hail can do more than just damage your car’s appearance; it lowers the value even with just a few dents! If you’re concerned about resale or trade in value and especially if you are in a lease, it’s a smart move to repair work before more damage can occur.
Will my insurance rate increase?
No! Hail damage is classified as a ‘No Fault’ comprehensive claim. By law, insurance companies can’t change rates, increase deductibles, or drop your policy.
Can I keep my insurance check?
If you still have payments, you have a legal obligation to restore the damage. If its paid off, you may keep it. Remember that doing so lowers resale or trade-in value. If you are in an accident later or suffer more hail damage, the pre-existing damage will negatively affect your settlement because it went into the accident at lower value and may not leave enough to cover new repairs.
Are restored areas weaker than before?
Do you guarantee the work?
No! The metal retains all the strength and integrity it had before the damage occurred
Yes!To work with us, every shop must offer a guarantee on labor for as long as you own the vehicle and before your vehicle is returned, it goes through a detailed quality check to ensure nothing was missed.
How long does it take?
Depending on severity repair times vary. For light-to-moderate damage it may take 12 – 14 days, often less. For severe damage needing body work, replacement parts and paint, it can take 3 – 4 weeks or more.
Can I trade in or return a leased car with hail damage?
Trading in? They will assess current Blue Book value minus all costs to repair the damage incurred when you had it. This can easily mean owing thousands just to turn it in.
How big does hail need to be to damage my car?
Anything the size of a dime or a quarter can cause serious damage.
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Will PDR crack or damage my paint?
It is highly unlikely. That is why it is important to only use a highly qualified company specializing in PDR. Paint on vehicles today is far more flexible than those used in the past. The PDR process massages dents from behind the panel and will not disturb a factory finish.
Will dents come back after fixing with PDR?
Formed and stamped metal (doors, hood, trunk lid, etc.) carries memory at the molecular level. Once a dent has been returned to its original state of rest (memory) the dent will not return, and the metal is as strong as it ever was.
Can having PDR done help when I sell or trade in?
People immediately judge a vehicle by its appearance. If it looks good they assume it has been taken care of. Dealers and wholesalers know that investing in PDR will pay back many times what they spend. If you’re selling or trading, PDR will help get more interest, a quicker sale, and top dollar!
Is my insurance company OK with the PDR process?
PDR is insurance industry preferred because the original paint is not disturbed, manufacturer’s warranties remain intact, and the value remains high.
My adjuster says only a body shop can fix my hail damage?
Our partner companies assess your damage and talk with you to determine which restoration method is best; PDR or body shop.
Why should I use PDR instead of traditional body shop repair?
Work completed faster. Often 2 weeks or less.
Your vehicle’s paint and corrosion warranties stay in effect (unlike traditional).
Not reported to Car Fax or other reporting agencies (again, unlike traditional).
PDR is endorsed by ALL vehicle manufacturers and ALL insurance companies.
Eliminates need to color match faded paint, keeping a uniform appearance.
All work comes with a lifetime warranty on work performed for as long as you