Every Southern California driver has been there — walking back to your car only to find a fresh dent staring back at you. Maybe it was a runaway shopping cart in a Redlands grocery lot, hail in the Inland Empire, or someone parked a little too close on State Street.
Whatever the cause, the next question is always the same: “What now?”
At Dent Shop Redlands, we hear these questions every day. From insurance coverage to repair timelines, the confusion is real — and that’s exactly why we created this FAQ guide.
Whether you’re a student at the University of Redlands, a busy commuter on the 10 or 210, or a family juggling school drop-offs and errands, this blog gives you clear answers to the most common dent repair questions in Southern California.
FAQ #1: What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
Paintless dent repair, or PDR, is a method of fixing dents without sanding, fillers, or repainting. Instead, trained technicians at Dent Shop Redlands use specialized tools to gently massage the metal back into place from behind the panel.
The factory paint is preserved, so your car’s value stays intact — and the process is faster and more affordable than traditional body work.
FAQ #2: How Do I Know if My Dent Qualifies for PDR?
Not every dent is the same, and not every dent qualifies for PDR. As a rule of thumb, if the paint isn’t cracked and the metal isn’t too stretched, there’s a good chance PDR will work.
Common candidates include door dings, hail damage, creases, and even larger dents up to basketball size.
At Dent Shop Redlands, we offer free inspections so you’ll know right away whether PDR is a fit. We’ll never waste your time or money if another repair method makes more sense.
FAQ #3: How Much Does Dent Repair Cost in Redlands?
This is one of the first questions every driver asks, and it’s an important one. The cost of PDR depends on the size, depth, and location of the dent — as well as how many dents need repair.
The good news? PDR at Dent Shop Redlands almost always costs less than traditional body work.
For small dings, repairs may cost less than your insurance deductible. For hail damage, insurance often covers everything. With us, you’ll always know the cost upfront before repairs begin.
FAQ #4: Will My Insurance Cover Paintless Dent Repair?
Yes — most comprehensive insurance policies cover PDR for hail damage, falling objects, and parking lot mishaps.
Many Southern California drivers are surprised to learn that they don’t have to use the repair shop their insurer recommends. California law gives you the right to choose.
That’s where Dent Shop Redlands stands out. We work directly with your insurance provider, streamlining the process so you don’t have to spend hours on paperwork or calls.
FAQ #5: How Long Does Dent Repair Take?
Nobody has time to be without their car for days. Traditional body shops often keep cars for a week or more, but Dent Shop Redlands completes many PDR jobs in just a few hours.
Even hail damage, which can require extensive work, is usually finished in one to two days.
For busy commuters and families, that speed makes all the difference. Drop your car off in the morning, and in many cases, you’ll be driving home dent-free by the afternoon.
FAQ #6: Is PDR Safe for Aluminum and Tesla Vehicles?
Yes, but not every shop is equipped for it. Aluminum panels and Tesla bodies require specialized training and tools.
At Dent Shop Redlands, our technicians are certified to work on aluminum and EVs, including Teslas. That means you can trust your vehicle will be repaired with precision and care.
FAQ #7: Will PDR Really Protect My Car’s Value?
Absolutely. Because the factory paint remains untouched, PDR preserves your car’s resale and trade-in value.
Repainting — even with high-quality finishes — often shows up on Carfax reports and can lower what buyers are willing to pay.
With Dent Shop Redlands, you get repairs that not only restore your car’s look but also protect your long-term investment.
FAQ #8: Can I Fix a Dent Myself With a DIY Kit?
You’ve probably seen the ads: suction cups, glue tabs, or hair dryer hacks promising to pop out dents at home.
The truth? Most DIY kits don’t work as advertised. Without professional tools and training, it’s easy to make dents worse, warp panels, or crack paint.
At Dent Shop Redlands, we’ve repaired plenty of “DIY disasters.” Save yourself the frustration (and added expense) — let our certified techs handle it right the first time.
FAQ #9: What Happens If I Ignore a Dent?
A dent might seem harmless, but leaving it alone can cause bigger issues.
Moisture can collect in the damaged area, leading to rust over time. In sunny Southern California, the intense light makes dents stand out even more, making your car look older than it is.
Ignoring dents also hurts your car’s resale value. At Dent Shop Redlands, we see this all the time when customers prepare to trade in their vehicle. Fixing dents early is faster, cheaper, and better for your car’s long-term condition.
FAQ #10: Why Should I Choose Dent Shop Over a Traditional Body Shop?
Traditional body shops are great for major collision repair, but for dents, they’re usually slower, more expensive, and more invasive than necessary.
- Faster: Many repairs completed in hours, not days.
- More affordable: No costly fillers, sanding, or paint.
- Value-protecting: Factory paint stays intact.
- Insurance-friendly: We handle claims directly.
We’re not just another shop in town. Dent Shop Redlands is dedicated solely to dent repair, which means we’re focused, specialized, and passionate about getting dents fixed the right way.
Clear Answers, Cleaner Cars
Questions about dents don’t have to go unanswered — and they definitely don’t have to stop you from getting repairs done.
At Dent Shop Redlands, we’ve built our reputation on giving honest answers, simplifying insurance, and delivering professional PDR that fits your budget and schedule.
From hailstorms to freeway dings, we know what Southern California drivers face every day — and we’re here to make sure dents don’t slow you down.
📍 Dent Shop Redlands
📞 Call today to schedule your free estimate and see why SoCal drivers trust us with their vehicles.
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