Short answer: for most hail damage, paintless dent repair (PDR) is the better choice. PDR pushes dents out from behind the panel and keeps your original factory paint. A traditional body shop sands, fills and repaints panels, which takes longer and leaves a repaint that can lower resale value. Body shop work is still needed when the paint is cracked or a panel is too damaged to massage back.
A trained PDR technician reaches behind each panel with specialized tools and slowly works the metal back to its original shape, checking it under special lights. Nothing is sanded, filled or painted. Headliners, lights and trim are removed and reinstalled so the technician can reach the roof and other panels.
A conventional collision shop usually fills dents with body filler or replaces panels, then repaints them. That is the right fix when paint is chipped or cracked, but on a car with dozens or hundreds of hail dents it means a lot of repainting.
Factory paint: PDR keeps it; a body shop repaints. Resale and trade-in value: PDR preserves it; repaints can show up on vehicle history and inspections. Time: PDR is usually faster because there is no paint curing. Best for: PDR handles most hail dents where the paint is intact; body shops handle cracked paint, torn metal and replaced panels.
After a big Phoenix storm, dealerships and large collision chains can book out for weeks, and many send hail work to subcontractors who are rushing to finish cars. A shop that only does hail repair has experienced PDR technicians, knows how to document every dent for the insurance adjuster, and can often start sooner.
Yes. Insurance companies approve PDR for hail damage under comprehensive coverage, and you can choose the shop that does the work.
Aaron's Hail Repair, 2024 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009, repairs hail damage with paintless dent repair, works with every insurance company, pays your deductible up to $1000 and provides a free rental car.
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