FAQs

Paintless dent repair is a specialized technique for removing minor dents and dings from a vehicle's body without affecting the original paint. It's particularly effective for hail damage repair. Our technicians use custom tools to carefully manipulate the metal back to its original shape from behind the damaged area. This method preserves the factory finish, maintains the vehicle's value, and is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. PDR is ideal for addressing the numerous small dents typically caused by hailstorms.

You are not obligated to obtain a virtual estimate or use the repair facility suggested by your insurance company. As a vehicle owner, you have the legal right to select your preferred repair shop. Virtual estimates often fail to capture all damage, and insurance-recommended shops may prioritize the insurer's interests over yours. We recommend choosing a repair facility you trust to ensure your vehicle receives the best care possible.

You are not required to use the repair shop recommended by your insurance company. While insurers may suggest facilities they have agreements with, you have the freedom to choose any repair shop. Opting for a specialized hail repair facility like ours ensures your vehicle is handled by experts who focus on preserving your car's original panels, factory paint, and overall value. Our advanced techniques, such as paintless dent repair, allow us to fix dents without compromising your vehicle's finish.

We're here to simplify the process for you. Once you've filed a claim with your insurance company, we'll manage everything else. Hail damage is typically covered under comprehensive insurance, which usually involves a deductible of $250, $500, or $1,000. This is generally the only out-of-pocket expense you'll face. After you provide us with your claim number, we'll handle the estimate, communicate with your insurance company, and schedule the repair. When your fully repaired vehicle is ready, you'll only need to bring the insurance check and your deductible. With over 25 years of experience in handling hail claims, we ensure a smooth, stress-free process for you.

A direct repair facility (DRP) is a repair shop that operates under specific agreements with insurance companies. While these arrangements may seem convenient, they often prioritize cost savings for the insurer rather than optimal repairs for the vehicle owner. At HM Dent Works, our primary commitment is to our customers, not insurance companies. This allows us to focus on delivering high-quality repairs without compromising on standards or cutting corners.

Yes, your insurance company has already subtracted your deductible from the check they sent you. However, this doesn't mean your deductible has been paid. For example, if your total repair cost is $1,000 and your deductible is $250, you'll receive a check for $750 from your insurer. You'll then need to pay the $250 deductible to us when you collect your repaired vehicle. Remember, you're only ever responsible for paying your deductible amount, not any additional costs.

Our estimates accurately reflect the true cost of professional repairs, taking into account all necessary work. Insurance companies often provide initial estimates that are lower than the actual repair costs, sometimes hoping vehicle owners will accept the check without pursuing repairs. Once your vehicle is in our care, we conduct a thorough assessment and file a supplement to document any additional damage. This process ensures you receive fair compensation for all necessary repairs.

The cost of hail damage repair varies based on factors such as the number of dents, their size, and the affected areas of your vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage, you'll only need to pay your deductible, with your insurance covering the remaining costs. Hail damage claims are typically classified as comprehensive, not collision or at-fault claims. In most cases, this means your insurance rates won't increase. Any rate changes are usually due to widespread storm activity in your area rather than your individual claim. We recommend consulting your insurance provider for specifics about your policy.

The duration of paintless dent repair depends on the extent of the damage. For vehicles that can be fully repaired using PDR, we typically complete the work within the same week, often in just a few days. Our goal is to provide efficient, high-quality repairs without unnecessary delays. During peak hail season, repair times may be slightly longer, but we prioritize clear communication throughout the process to keep you informed.

We understand your hesitation about filing an insurance claim. However, for incidents classified as acts of nature, such as hail damage, deer collisions, or fallen trees, utilizing your insurance can be highly beneficial. These events fall under comprehensive coverage and generally don't impact your rates as they're beyond your control. By filing a hail damage claim, you're only responsible for your deductible, while ensuring your vehicle is restored to its pre-storm condition. This approach helps maintain your vehicle's value, which is particularly important if you plan to sell it in the future.

Our repair timeline depends on how severe the damage is, but our goal is always to minimize the time you are without your vehicle. We don’t schedule your car until we have full insurance approval, so you’re not stuck waiting around or wasting rental days. If your vehicle is 100% PDR (Paintless Dent Repair), the job typically takes 2-5 days. If your car needs additional paint, parts, or glass work, the repair could take 5-14 days. Our team works efficiently and professionally to get your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible.

If your insurance policy includes rental coverage, it typically provides you with a rental vehicle for up to 30 days. However, if your repair is delayed due to insurance-related issues, that coverage can often be extended. We will communicate with your insurance adjuster to help request any necessary extensions, but ultimately, rental approvals are up to your insurance provider.

Yes, hail damage can be completely removed from your car. Techniques like PDR are highly effective in restoring your vehicle's surface to its original condition without the need for painting or filling. This method is not only efficient but also maintains the integrity of your car's original paintwork, ensuring that there are no signs of previous damage. For specific services and expert care, it's always best to consult with professionals who specialize in hail damage repair, like our team at HM Dent Works.

If your insurance check includes both your name and your lienholder (such as a bank or finance company), do not deposit it or attempt to send it for endorsement. This process can take weeks or months and delay the repair of your vehicle. Call your insurance company and ask them to reissue the check to you and the repair facility. This is the fastest and easiest way to move forward with the repairs.

Getting a price estimate for Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) typically takes about 15-30 minutes when you have an appointment at our shop. This allows our technician to thoroughly assess the extent of the hail damage and provide you with an accurate estimate. If you decide to walk in without an appointment, the process could take slightly longer, especially if we are busy at the time of your visit. It's always a good idea to call ahead and schedule an appointment to ensure you receive prompt and efficient service. During our busy season, we can send an estimate to you within 24 hours.

No, anything repaired in our shop without involving an insurance claim is not reported to CarFax. Some insurance companies may report hail damage claims, but not all of them do. If you use your insurance for a minor collision claim, your insurance might report it, but we do not.

When we schedule your door ding repair, it is generally a one-day repair. Minor collision and hail damage can take a little more time. We schedule by the day and not by the hour, so we ask that you bring your vehicle in the morning and pick it up later in the afternoon. We do not offer door ding repair while you wait.

Your deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying on your claim. It is subtracted from the total approved repair amount, not from your check directly. For example, the total repair cost was $1,500, your deductible is $500, and the insurance pays $1,000. Therefore, you pay the remaining $500 to our shop when the work is complete.

Keep in mind that your vehicle will lose significant value if you try to sell or trade it. If your car is hit by hail again, your insurance may not cover the new damage since they already paid out once. This is why we strongly recommend having your damage repaired by our professionals to protect your investment.

A supplement is a follow-up estimate submitted to the insurance company after a full in-person inspection. It covers any damage that is missed in the original estimate. This is very common and there’s no need to worry. It simply ensures all damage is accounted for and properly paid for.

A virtual estimate is not ideal because hail damage cannot be seen accurately with a phone camera. Many dents go undetected without special lighting and angles that we have in our shop. Virtual estimates often miss the majority of the damage, which delays the repair process. An in-person estimate is the only way to get a true picture of what work needs to be done.

Shopping around for estimates doesn’t help because insurance companies will only pay what they think is appropriate, regardless of how many quotes you collect. The key to maximizing your claim is working with a qualified repair facility that can properly document all the damage and file any necessary supplements. Multiple estimates just waste your time and lead to confusion.

This is a myth. Hail dents don’t pop out with heat or sunshine. Proper repair of dents requires specialized tools, training, and expert hands.

Because we don’t let your car sit around for weeks, we only bring your vehicle in when we’re ready to start working on it. Other shops may ask you to drop it off and then leave it untouched for days or even longer! We value your time and want you actually driving your car until it’s time to repair it.

Hold onto the check. If it is deposited directly into your account, put that money aside. You’ll need it to pay the shop at the time of repair, along with your deductible. That check represents your insurance’s portion of the repair cost—it isn't “extra” money.

We’ll inspect your windshield to determine the cause. Rock chips leave a rough spot you can feel and hail damage cracks often don’t have a visible impact point. We’ll document what we find and submit it to your insurance, but in the end, it is up to your insurance company to approve the repairs.

We can always take on partial repairs. However, you’ll need to sign a release form acknowledging that you received full funds from your insurance for the entire repair. This protects everyone if your car is ever damaged again, so your insurance company cannot deny any future claims based on unrepaired prior damage.

For hail damage, no, you cannot. Just like virtual estimates, phone or photo estimates don’t work for these types of repairs. Hail damage requires proper lighting and inspection tools to get the full picture. For minor collision repairs or door dings, we can usually give you a ballpark estimate if you text us clear photos, but still there is a good chance we’ll need to see the vehicle in person at our shop to give you an accurate quote.