Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about paintless dent repair, hail damage claims, insurance processes, and our repair services.
General PDR Questions
What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
Paintless Dent Repair is a repair method used for qualifying dents that allows a technician to reshape the damaged metal without unnecessary repainting. When the damage qualifies, PDR can preserve the vehicle’s original factory finish.
Is PDR as good as traditional repair?
PDR and conventional repair solve different types of damage. When hail damage qualifies for PDR, it allows the panel to be repaired while preserving the original factory finish. If the paint is damaged, the metal is excessively stretched, access is limited, or prior repairs affect the panel, conventional repair may be appropriate instead.
Can all hail damage be repaired with PDR?
Not all hail damage qualifies for PDR. Factors such as metal stretch, sharp impacts, panel access, prior repairs, and paint damage determine repairability. Some vehicles require a combination of PDR and conventional repair.
How does PDR work?
Tools access the dent's backside to push and massage metal back into shape. Technicians use special lighting and reflection for precise dent identification. The process leverages metal's natural memory to restore panels without paint damage.
SEE HOW PDR WORKSHow does PDR compare to traditional repair?
When hail damage qualifies for PDR, one of the main advantages is that the factory finish can often be preserved without unnecessary repainting. The right repair method still depends on the actual damage on the vehicle.
Why is PDR better than conventional repair?
When hail damage qualifies for PDR, one of the main advantages is that the factory finish can often be preserved without unnecessary repainting. The right repair method still depends on the actual damage on the vehicle.
Insurance & Claims
Do I have to use the insurance company's recommended shop?
No. In Texas, you have the legal right to choose your repair facility. Insurance companies may recommend preferred shops, but the final decision is always yours.
What is a DRP (Direct Repair Program), and is it best for me?
A Direct Repair Program (DRP) is a partnership between an insurance company and a repair facility. In these programs, insurance companies send high volume work to the shop, and in return the shop agrees to discounted labor rates. While DRPs may reduce costs for the insurance company, they are not always in the customer's best interest. Texas Dent Company operates independently and is not restricted by DRP pricing or volume requirements, allowing us to focus on the best repair method for your vehicle.
What is an initial estimate?
The initial estimate is the first inspection used to determine repair scope and cost. It is typically completed by the insurance company and/or repair facility and submitted to insurance as the starting point for the claim.
Why does my final repair cost differ from the initial estimate?
The initial estimate is not always complete. Additional damage may be discovered during repair, parts prices may change, or additional procedures may be required. These changes are documented through supplements submitted to insurance.
What is a supplement?
A supplement is an update to the original estimate that accounts for additional damage, procedures, parts, or labor required to complete the repair properly. Supplements are common and necessary in hail repair.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hail claim?
There isn’t one guaranteed answer for an individual policy. Hail is generally handled under comprehensive coverage when applicable, but insurance pricing can change for many reasons, including claims history, location, repair costs, carrier pricing and broader weather losses. Your carrier or agent can answer questions about your specific policy. What we can do is show you what is actually on the vehicle so you can make the repair decision based on the facts instead of an assumption.
GET ANSWERS FIRSTHow do I file a claim?
You open the claim directly with your insurance carrier. Once it is open, Texas Dent Company can help you understand the vehicle repair process, inspect and document the damage, and explain what comes next.
How do I know what coverages I have?
Your carrier or agent can confirm the coverage and benefits on your specific policy. Once your claim is open, we can help you understand the hail repair process, what information we need on the vehicle side, and how transportation coordination works when applicable.
How long do I have to file a claim?
There isn’t one universal filing deadline that applies to every auto policy. Your policy, carrier and applicable notice requirements matter, so reporting damage promptly is generally the safest approach. If the storm was months ago, don’t automatically assume you are too late. Identify the approximate storm date and confirm the policy-specific requirements with your carrier.
Repair Process & Timing
How long does hail repair take?
Repair time varies based on vehicle size, damage severity, panel access, and parts availability. While some repairs can be completed quickly, complex hail damage often requires multiple days to ensure proper quality.
Why can't repairs be partially completed?
Partial or incomplete repairs often lead to poor results, inconsistent panel appearance, and future issues. Professional PDR requires full access, proper sequencing, and completion of all affected areas to meet quality standards.
Will my vehicle need paint or body work?
Some hail-damaged vehicles require paint or conventional repair in addition to PDR. This is determined after inspection and during repair if additional damage is discovered.
Will my car look new again?
It depends on the damage and the repair method the vehicle needs. When hail damage qualifies for PDR, the dents can often be repaired while preserving the factory finish. If paint damage, metal stretch, prior repair history or access changes the repair method, we explain that after the vehicle is properly inspected.
Why does Texas Dent Company not rush repairs?
Repair timing depends on the actual vehicle, damage, repair method, parts, access requirements and repair plan. We prioritize completing the documented repair correctly rather than promising a timeline before we know what the vehicle needs.
Costs, Deductibles & Payments
Do I have to pay my deductible?
Your deductible is set by your insurance policy and remains the policyholder’s responsibility.
Do you offer incentives or pay deductibles?
No. Texas Dent Company does not offer deductible reimbursement or financial incentives to customers. We focus on delivering professional-quality repairs and customer service without compromising standards.
What payment methods do you accept?
Accepted payment methods include check, cashier's check, cash, and approved electronic payment options. Payment must be confirmed before vehicle release.
Rentals & Transportation
Will insurance cover a rental car?
Rental benefits depend on the customer’s specific policy. Your carrier or agent can confirm what your policy provides. When transportation is needed, TDC can help coordinate the applicable rental or transportation option during the repair.
What happens if my rental coverage runs out?
If the available rental benefit is exhausted, any additional rental responsibility depends on the policy, carrier decision and rental arrangement. We do not guarantee carrier extensions. Our team can help keep the repair and transportation logistics organized while the applicable parties determine coverage.
Do you have your own rental vehicles?
Yes, we maintain our own rental vehicles including sedans, trucks, and SUVs. We also coordinate with Enterprise and other rental providers when transportation is part of the repair.
Quality, Warranty & Value
Is your work guaranteed?
Texas Dent Company stands behind the work performed within the documented and approved repair scope. If a repair-related issue or missed item is identified within that scope, TDC will review it and address it appropriately.
Will hail damage affect my vehicle's value?
Vehicle value depends on the vehicle, damage, repair history and how the repair is completed. One advantage of PDR, when the damage qualifies, is that it can preserve the original factory finish instead of requiring unnecessary repainting. We do not promise a specific resale-value outcome, but we can explain what repair method makes sense for the damage on your vehicle.
GET CLARITY ON THE VEHICLEDoes this go on my Carfax?
Texas Dent Company does not report its hail repair to CARFAX. CARFAX receives information from many outside sources, so TDC cannot guarantee that no outside source will report an event. If a CARFAX entry is inaccurate, the vehicle owner can use CARFAX's correction process and provide supporting documentation. TDC can help provide repair documentation.
Do you use aftermarket parts?
We prefer OEM parts for fit, appearance and repair-quality consistency. If the repair plan or estimate includes a different part type, we review the actual repair requirements and explain the relevant options. Carrier and policy decisions remain outside TDC’s control.
Texas Dent Company Specific
What makes Texas Dent Company different?
Texas Dent Company focuses on professional-quality repairs, customer education, and concierge-level customer service. We prioritize quality and transparency over volume or shortcuts. We are a high-trust, process-driven hail damage repair partner with multi-step quality control before every delivery.
How do referrals work?
Texas Dent Company has a Referral Rewards Program for people who want to connect friends, family, coworkers or others they know with a trusted hail repair company. A referral may become eligible for a $250 reward after the program qualification requirements are met, attribution is confirmed and TDC approves the reward. The main purpose is simple: give people an easy way to share a hail repair resource they can feel good recommending.
Where are you located?
Our home office is in Frisco, TX (122 Rose Lane, Suite 801) serving the DFW metro area.