How Long Does Paintless Dent Repair Take?

Every year in the United States, there are between 800,000 and one million hail storm damage claims, resulting in billions of dollars spent on repairs and restoration.

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Dent repair is a meticulous process that varies in duration depending on the severity of the damage and the repair methods used. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to complete.

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One significant advantage of paintless dent repair (PDR) is the speed at which technicians can restore vehicles. Below, we explore a typical paintless dent repair timeline and what you can expect from this service.

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What Is Paintless Dent Repair?

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Paintless dent repair is a method of removing dents from a vehicle’s panel without using fillers or repainting. Technicians access the reverse side of the panel, if possible, and use specialized tools, such as bars and body picks, to massage the dented surface back into its original shape.

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This differs from traditional dent repair, which involves filling dents with body filler, allowing it to dry, and then sanding, priming, and repainting the surface.

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Traditional methods are used when PDR isn’t feasible, such as in cases of severe dents, sharp angles, or pre-existing paint damage. However, even these conditions don’t always rule out PDR entirely.

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What Are the Advantages of Paintless Dent Repair?

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PDR offers numerous benefits, including restoring your vehicle’s surface to its original condition. This not only increases the value of your car but also ensures the durability of the repaired area.

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• Durability: PDR restores the metal to its original strength, unlike fillers used in traditional methods, which degrade over time.
• Environmentally Friendly: PDR avoids toxic substances like primers, paints, and petroleum-based fillers.
• Cost-Effective: PDR requires less labor and fewer materials, making it more affordable than traditional methods.
• Time-Saving: Repairs are faster, often completed within a day, saving you valuable time.
• Seamless Finish: PDR eliminates the need for paint-matching, ensuring a flawless restoration.

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How Long Does Paintless Dent Repair Take?

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On average, each dent takes between 30 minutes and one hour to repair using PDR. Most repairs can be completed within a single day, but several factors can influence this timeline.

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Extent of the Damage

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• Small dents: Can be fixed in just a few minutes.
• Extensive damage: May require more time for manipulation, especially if spread across multiple panels.

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Access

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• Easily accessible areas: Like the hood, roof, side panels, and bumpers, are quicker to repair.
• Hard-to-reach areas: Along body lines or tight spaces may take longer due to additional tools or techniques required.

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Insurance Claims

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If you’re using insurance, work cannot begin until the claim is approved. Reputable repair shops often handle communications directly with insurers, expediting this process.

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Find Paintless Dent Repair Near You

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Now that you understand how PDR works and the factors affecting its timeline, you can plan accordingly. A reputable technician will inform you of any additional considerations that could influence the repair process.

48-Hour Auto Hail Repair offers fast, cost-effective hail damage repairs using the latest PDR technologies. Our services include:

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• A lifetime warranty for all repairs.
• Assistance with your insurance provider to cover deductibles—up to $1,000.
• Quick and efficient service, often within 48 hours.

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Contact us today for a free custom estimate or to learn more.