Frequently Asked Questions

How is Dented different from traditional dent repair?

The traditional dent repair method involves removing the paint by grinding and sanding, and then filling the dent with body filler. A metal panel or part of a panel will, in most cases, be replaced with a new panel or a new metal area, which is then painted. This process is costly, requires a considerable amount of electricity, and involves disposing of the old metal body panels. The Dented method of Autobody Enviro-Technology® uses a modest amount of electricity to light the area being restored.

Can all sizes of dents be fixed?

Dented associates can remove a wide range of different-sized dents, from small door dings to larger panel dents. We can repair most dents on most vehicles; however, if the damage cannot be removed using Autobody Enviro-Technology®, our Dented associates will advise the client before starting any repairs and refer the client to a reputable autobody repair shop.

How long will you need to keep my vehicle?

Thanks to our virtual estimate tool, we can provide you with an initial estimate for the work to be done on your car by simply reviewing pictures and videos you upload to the system. Once we begin working on your car using our Autobody Enviro-Technology®, we can fix your vehicle, in most cases, within hours or days.

Where can I find a Dented location?

We have Dented repair shop locations in Calgary (433 – 58th Avenue SE, Suite B, Calgary, AB T2H 0P5 – ph: 403.457.4245) and our newest locations in Red Deer (#1, 7450 – 49 Avenue Crescent Red Deer, AB – ph: 403.406.3533) and Edmonton (17209 – 107 Avenue, Edmonton, AB – ph: 587.557.4245), but if you have a dent, a door ding or need hail repair anywhere in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, we can repair your vehicle through any one of our many partner body shop locations.

About Dented Paintless Repairs

Your Repair Journey — Questions & Answers

Everything you need to know — answered simply and clearly.

Who is Dented Paintless Repairs?

Dented Paintless Repairs is a specialized hail and dent repair company with a team of highly skilled, fully certified PDR technicians. We are a preferred Direct Repair Provider for major insurance companies, which means your insurer already trusts us to handle claims to their standard — and yours.

Why should I choose Dented over another repair shop?

We specialize exclusively in paintless dent repair and hail restoration. Our technicians are certified, our processes are insurance-approved, and every repair we perform is backed by our national warranty as well as the warranties of our insurance partners. We also work directly with your insurer, handling all the paperwork and coordination on your behalf — so the process is as hands-off as possible for you.

Is Dented approved by my insurance company?

Yes. Dented is a preferred Direct Repair Provider for numerous insurers including:

This means your insurer has pre-approved our facility, technicians, and repair methods. You can move forward with full confidence that the work we do meets your insurance company’s standards.

About Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

What is Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a non-invasive repair method that removes dents and dings without sanding, fillers, or repainting. Our certified technicians use specialized tools to carefully massage the metal back to its original shape — preserving your vehicle’s factory finish completely. PDR is recognized and approved by all major insurance companies.

Does PDR work on all types of dents?

PDR is highly effective for the vast majority of hail damage. In cases where a panel has been significantly stretched, or the paint is cracked, or damaged, conventional bodywork may be required for that panel. Our estimators assess each panel individually and will explain exactly what repair method applies to your vehicle.

Will PDR affect my vehicle’s paint or factory finish?

No — that’s one of the key advantages of PDR. Because no sanding, fillers, or paint is used, your vehicle’s original factory finish is completely preserved. This is typically the best outcome for long-term vehicle value.

Is the repair permanent?

Yes. Once a dent has been properly repaired using PDR, the metal is permanently restored. As long as your vehicle is not caught in another storm, your repair will last. Dented stands behind every repair we perform, and all work is covered by our national warranty.

About the Estimate Appointment

What happens at my estimate appointment?

When you arrive, one or more of our estimators will walk around your vehicle and carefully document all visible damage — including panels, trim, lights, and the windshield. We’ll take detailed photos and prepare a complete estimate, which is submitted directly to your insurance company for review and approval. The appointment typically takes between 30 minutes and one hour.

Do I need to do anything before arriving for my estimate?

Yes — two things. Please arrive with a clean vehicle exterior, as this allows us to identify all areas of damage accurately and move through the process efficiently. Please also arrive on time. Hail events create high demand for appointments, and punctual arrivals help us keep everything on schedule for all of our customers.

Am I committing to anything at the estimate?

Not at all. The estimate appointment is simply to document the damage and submit the information to your insurance company. No work is performed at this stage, and you are not locked into a repair by attending.

How long does the estimate appointment take?

Most estimate appointments take between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the extent of the damage. While you wait, we invite you to enjoy a complimentary coffee or water.

Insurance, Costs & Payments

Do I need to pay anything out of pocket?

If you are proceeding through insurance, you will be responsible for your deductible — the portion of the claim you are responsible for under your policy. In some cases, betterments may also apply. A betterment is an adjustment made when a repair or replacement involves upgrading a component beyond its pre-loss condition (for example, replacing an older part with a new one). Your insurance company determines whether betterments apply. Dented also accepts all major credit cards. If covering your deductible or a betterment upfront is a concern, please speak with us — we have financing options available through a trusted third-party partner.

What is a betterment?

A betterment is a cost adjustment applied by your insurer when a repair or replacement part brings your vehicle beyond its pre-damage condition. For example, if a component that was already partially worn needs to be replaced with a brand-new part, your insurer may ask you to contribute toward the difference in value. Betterments are determined entirely by your insurance company, not by Dented.

Will this claim affect my insurance premiums?

Hail damage is processed as a comprehensive claim, which in most cases does not affect your premiums the way a collision claim would. However, every insurance policy is different — we recommend confirming directly with your insurance provider if you have specific concerns about your premiums.

Can Dented work directly with my insurance company?

Absolutely. Dented works directly with your insurer and your adjuster to manage all claim documentation, coordinate the repair process, arrange your rental vehicle if applicable, and handle any supplements required. You don’t need to manage the paperwork — we handle it completely on your behalf.

What is a supplement, and how does it work?

A supplement is an additional request submitted to your insurer when damage is discovered during the repair process that was not included in the original estimate. This happens from time to time — for example, when a technician identifies hidden damage after a panel is removed. Dented contacts your insurance company directly, provides all required documentation, and requests approval for the additional work. You do not need to get involved — we manage the entire supplementing process for you.

Authorization to Repair

What is an Authorization to Repair form?

The Authorization to Repair form is your formal approval for Dented to proceed with the repairs on your vehicle. Once your insurance estimate is approved, we require this signed authorization before we can schedule your repair date or order any required parts.

How do I sign the Authorization to Repair form?

We’ll send you a direct link with your approval notification. You can complete the form securely from your phone or computer in just a few minutes. Once we receive your signed authorization, we’ll be in touch within a couple of business day to confirm your repair schedule.

What happens after I sign the Authorization to Repair?

Once we have your signed authorization and your approved estimate on file, we’ll begin ordering any required parts and will reach out to you to confirm your repair date. If your policy includes a rental vehicle, we’ll also begin coordinating that at this stage.

The Repair Process

How long will the repairs take?

Most hail damage repairs take between two and five business days, depending on the severity and extent of the damage. If any panels require conventional bodywork in addition to PDR, that may add additional time. We will provide you with a clear estimated timeline when we confirm your repair date.

What happens when I drop my vehicle off?

When you arrive on your repair date, our team will receive your vehicle and complete a thorough pre-repair inspection. We will confirm the repair plan with you and get everything underway. Drop-off typically takes just a few minutes.

What should I remove from my vehicle before drop-off?

Please remove all personal belongings before arriving — including garage door openers, parking passes, sunglasses, phone chargers, child seats, and anything else you use day-to-day. Don’t forget to remove your house keys or other items from your vehicle key fob.  Your vehicle will move through several stages of the repair process, and we want to ensure nothing is misplaced. Dented cannot be held responsible for personal items left in the vehicle during repairs.

What about my dash camera?

If your vehicle has a dash cam, please remove it before drop-off if possible. Recording is not permitted on our premises out of respect for our technicians’ privacy. If your dash cam is hardwired and cannot be removed, please let our team know when you arrive and we will disconnect it for the duration of the repair. It will be reconnected before your vehicle is returned to you.

Can Dented arrange a rental vehicle for me?

Yes. If your policy includes rental coverage, Dented will coordinate your rental vehicle to align with your drop-off date — so you won’t be without transportation. We recommend opting for a compact rental vehicle if your repair is expected to take several days, as this helps stretch your insurance daily rental limit further and ensures you’re covered for the full duration of the repair.

After Your Repair

Is my repair covered by a warranty?

Yes. Every repair Dented performs is backed by our national warranty, as well as the warranties of our insurance partners. A copy of your warranty will be provided when your vehicle is returned to you — please save it for your records.

What should I do when I pick up my vehicle?

When you arrive to pick up your vehicle, please take a few minutes to carefully inspect the completed repairs. If anything does not meet your expectations, please let us know immediately — we will make it right. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Can I come back to Dented for other dents in the future?

Absolutely — and we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a door ding from a parking lot, a crease from a shopping cart, or any minor dent, Dented is here to help. You’ve already experienced the quality of our work, and we’d be honoured to be your first call the next time you need us.

Have a question not covered here? We’re happy to help.