Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a highly skilled method used to remove minor dents and dings from the body of a vehicle without compromising the original paint finish. This technique is especially effective for repairing hail damage, which often leaves numerous small dents on the surface of a car.

The process involves using specialized tools to gently push and massage the dented metal back into its original shape from behind the damaged area. For hail damage, technicians methodically work on each dent to restore the vehicle's surface without the need for filling, sanding, or repainting. This not only preserves the original paint but also maintains the vehicle's value and appearance.

PDR is a preferred method for hail damage repair due to its cost-effectiveness, quick turnaround time, and its non-invasive nature. It's an environmentally friendly option as well, eliminating the need for paint and other materials associated with traditional bodywork.

No. You’re not required to do a virtual estimate, and you don’t have to use the shop your insurance company recommends.
You have the legal right to choose your own repair facility. Virtual estimates often miss damage, and “preferred” shops usually benefit the insurer—not the customer. Choose a trusted shop that works for you.

No—you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Insurance companies may steer you toward a shop they have a financial agreement with, but you're not obligated to go there.
Choosing a specialized hail repair facility—like ours—means your vehicle will be handled by experts who focus on preserving your original panels, factory paint, and overall value. We use advanced techniques like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) to fix dents without compromising your vehicle’s finish.
Trusting a dedicated hail repair specialist ensures your car gets the proper care it deserves.

Yes! We handle the entire process for you. All you need to do is make a claim with your insurance company. Hail damage is covered under a comprehensive claim, which is different from an accident. These claims typically come with a deductible—usually $250, $500, or $1,000—and that’s the only amount you’ll ever be responsible for.
In most cases, a comprehensive claim does not raise your insurance rates. If rates go up, it’s usually due to the overall risk in your area—not because you filed a claim.
Once you have a claim number, give it to us and we’ll write a proper estimate, work directly with the insurance company, and schedule your repair. The insurance company will send you a check—just bring that and your deductible when you pick up your fully repaired vehicle.
And if they ask you to do a virtual estimate or send photos? Tell them HM Dent Works is handling it. We’ll take care of the photos, documents, and communication.
Don’t let the process stress you out. We’ve got over 25 years of experience handling hail claims—and we’ll make sure it’s done right.

A DRP is a shop that works directly with insurance companies under special agreements. While it might seem convenient, these arrangements are often set up to save the insurance company money, not ensure the best repair for you.
At HM Dent Works, we work for you—not your insurer—so we don’t cut corners or compromise quality.

The repair timeline depends on how severe the damage is—but our goal is always to minimize the time you're without your vehicle.
We don’t schedule your car until we have full insurance approval, so you’re not stuck waiting around or burning through 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—still often faster than a traditional body shop.
Our team works efficiently and professionally to get you back on the road as quickly as possible—without sacrificing quality.

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

This is a common question! Yes, your deductible has already been subtracted from the insurance check—but that doesn’t mean it’s already paid.
Here’s how it works:
Let’s say your total repair cost is $1,000, and your deductible is $250. The insurance company will send you a check for $750, and you’ll pay the remaining $250 to the repair shop when the work is done.
So even though it feels like it was “taken out,” you’re still responsible for paying that amount when you pick up your car. You’re only ever responsible for your deductible—never more.

Our estimates are comprehensive and accurate, reflecting the true cost of professional repairs. Insurance companies often lowball the initial estimate, hoping you’ll take the check and skip the repairs.
Once your vehicle is with us, we file a supplement to document the full extent of the damage and ensure you get what you’re owed.

The cost of hail repair can vary depending on how many dents you have, their size, and which parts of the vehicle are affected. But if you have comprehensive coverage, the good news is that you only pay your deductible—insurance covers the rest.
Also, hail damage is considered a comprehensive claim, not a collision or at-fault claim. That means in most cases, it will not raise your insurance rates. If rates do go up, it’s usually due to widespread storm activity in your area, not because you filed a claim.
As always, it’s smart to check with your insurance provider for the details of your specific policy—but in general, comprehensive coverage is there to protect you from things exactly like hail.

Yes, hail damage can be completely removed from your car. Techniques like Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) are highly effective in restoring the 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 the previous damage. For specific services and expert care, it's always best to consult with professionals who specialize in hail damage repair, like 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 off for endorsement. This process can take weeks or even months and delay your repair.
Call your insurance company and ask them to reissue the check to you and the repair facility—this is the fastest and cleanest way to move forward with repairs.

Getting a price estimate for Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) typically takes about 15-30 minutes when you have an appointment. This allows the 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 the shop is 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.You can schedule your estimate online here. In busy season we will have an estimate emailed to you within 24 hrs. 

It depends on the severity of the damage. If your vehicle is 100% repairable with PDR, you’ll likely have it back within the same week, sometimes in just a couple of days. We aim for fast, efficient, high-quality repairs without unnecessary delays. Obviously, during hail season times can run slightly longer but we pride ourselves on communication throughout the process.

We often learn that filing an insurance claim is undesirable. While this could be a valid concern if you're involved in frequent accidents, in cases of an ACT OF GOD/NATURE, such as a deer collision, hail damage, or a tree falling on your car, this is where your insurance can prove invaluable. These claims fall under comprehensive coverage and typically do not raise your rates since they involve circumstances beyond your control. Therefore, filing a hail claim is advantageous because you're only responsible for your deductible, and your car will be restored to its pre-storm condition. This ensures that you maintain the value of your vehicle, which is beneficial if you decide to sell it.

No. Anything repaired in our shop without involving an insurance claim is not reported to CarFax. While some insurance companies may report hail damage claims, not all of them do. If you use your insurance for a minor collision claim, your insurance might report it, but HM Dent Works does not.

When we schedule your door ding repair it is generally a 1 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 do door ding repair while you wait. 

 Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on your claim. It’s subtracted from the total approved repair amount, not from your check directly.
Example:

• Total repair cost: $1,500
  
  
• Deductible: $500
  
  
• Insurance pays: $1,000
  
  
• You pay the remaining $500 to the repair shop when the work is complete.
  
  

 That’s your right—but keep in mind:

• 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.
We strongly recommend having your damage repaired by a professional to protect your investment.

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

Because hail damage can’t be seen accurately through a phone camera. Without special lighting and angles, many dents go undetected.
Virtual estimates often miss the majority of the damage, which delays the proper repair process. An in-person estimate is the only way to get a true picture of what needs to be done.

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

Only if your car has superpowers. Hail dents don’t pop out with heat or sunshine—no matter what your buddy swears.
Proper repair requires specialized tools, training, and expert hands. Sunshine might warm your seat, but it’s not fixing your roof.

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

Hold onto it. If it’s deposited directly into your account, set 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’s not “extra” money.

 We’ll inspect it to determine the cause.

• Rock chips leave a rough spot you can feel.
  
  

Hail damage cracks often don’t have a visible impact point.
We’ll document what we find and submit it to your insurance, but it’s ultimately up to your insurance company to approve the repair.

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

For hail damage, no—just like virtual estimates, phone or photo estimates don’t work. Hail requires proper lighting and inspection tools to see the full extent of the damage.
For minor collision repairs or door dings, we can often give you a ballpark estimate if you text us clear photos, but even then, there’s a good chance we’ll still need to see the vehicle in person to give you an accurate quote.