Dent Repair Services

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.

What is a dent repair service?

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.

How does it work?

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.

What kinds of dents can usually be fixed?

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.

What isn't covered by a dent repair service?

You won't be able to enlist a dent repair service for more serious damage to your vehicle.

Typical exclusions include:

• Mid- to large-sized crash repairs
• Structural damage that leads to panel replacements, such as car doors
• Any work that requires the use of fillers, such as on textured plastics
• Large panel scratches or dents
• Alloy wheel damage
• Paintwork

For these issues, you'll have to take your vehicle to an auto mechanic that can perform body repairs and restorations.

How much does it cost to fix a dent?

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.

3 questions to ask a dent repair service

1. How do I get a quote? To show the severity of the damage, you may need to take photos of your car and send these to the repair service provider. Try and get a few quotes so you can compare the prices.
2. Are your technicians fully licensed and insured? Get peace of mind that the technicians are certified with a professional accreditation, and have insurance in place.
3. Do you offer any guarantee for the service? Try to establish up-front what rights you have if work isn't up to standard, or the dent reappears after the job is done.

How long does a dent repair service take?

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.

Pros and cons of dent repair services

Frequently asked questions

• Where can I find a dent repair service?

  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.

• How should I prepare for a dent repair service?

  You may not need to do anything before a dent repair service. That said, it'll be appreciated if your car's unwaxed and any areas that are going to be worked on are clean.

• Is dent repair covered by car insurance?

  Many car insurance policies offer cover for dent repair, including from hail damage if you choose a comprehensive car insurance policy.

  Keep in mind that making a claim for the repairs could lead to an increase in your premium. An excess may also apply, so it's worth checking the potential cost of a claim against the dent repair service's quote.

  If you choose not to make an insurance claim, make sure you still declare any existing damage. Otherwise, the insurer may refuse claims for larger repairs in the future. To find out what's required, check your insurance policy document or call the insurance company.

• How common are dents and dent repair?

  Dents on cars are relatively common. They can be caused by minor things like opening a car door or bumping into an object at low speed, or major accidents and weather events. Finder analysis also shows the number of vehicles on the roads is increasing each year, which could also increase the risk of dents.

  Some people won't use a dent repair service (especially if the dent is minor) so it is less common. But according to IBISWorld, the motor vehicle body, paint and interior repair industry is worth $7.5 billion each year.