Getting your vehicle fixed can be expensive. But depending on the damage, you may have options to avoid a major repair bill, including for dents.
A dent repair service can fix one or more dents on the body of a vehicle so that it is restored to how it originally looked. Dent repair services tend to be suited to for less complex jobs than what's offered by a traditional panel-beater or workshop. For example, if you've been involved in a minor accident or a hail storm, you might consider dent repair.
The repairer will assess the level of damage and difficulty in repairing a dent or dents on your car to provide you with a quote for the cost. If you agree to the work, they will use specialised tools to correct minor dents by manipulating the metal back into place.
But if there are large dents and creases, replacement may be necessary.
Some brands offer pop-up repair services and mobile vans, especially popular in large metropolitan areas of Australia. This means the work can be carried out at homes or workplaces. In more rural areas, qualified technicians may be sent on-site shortly after, say, a major storm or hail event that's affected a lot of cars. These operatives may be able to do the job at a place suited to the vehicle's owner.
As part of the dent repair work, many companies will offer add-on services such as a buff and polish. Some will have special services that are tailored to prestige and classic models.
Dent repair services can repair damage that's been caused to aluminium and steel panels on parts of the doors, roof, bonnet and front- and rear-guards of a vehicle, as long as the metal or paint hasn't been affected.
These services can often fix up a range of problems to vehicles including minor creases, door dings, small- or mid-sized dents, bodyline damage and dents caused by some hail damage.
The most common type of dent repair service is known as Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), or paintless dent removal. As its name suggests, this is a method for removing fairly minor dents in cases where the paint surface has remained intact. This service can suit a range of vehicles including sedans, wagons, 4WDs and utes.
You won't be able to enlist a dent repair service for more serious damage to your vehicle.
Typical exclusions include:
For these issues, you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto mechanic that can perform body repairs and restorations.
To fix a small dent or scratch on the side of your car, it may cost anything between $80 and $200. Larger dents or creases may cost around $600 or more.
Dent repair costs do vary quite a bit – especially those for hail damage. The price you're offered will depend on a number of factors, including your vehicle and the type of damage that's been caused. Prices will also change from one company to another.
The length of time needed for repairs will vary depending on the extent of the damage. It's possible for a small dent or a scratch to be fixed within an hour. Bigger work will take longer, but it can often be completed on the same day.
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