Dents
Localized depressions in body panels from impacts, hail, or door dings.
Dents range from shallow door dings to deep creases that stretch metal. Repair method depends on size, location, paint condition, and whether the metal can be massaged back without refinishing. Some dents are paintless; others need filler, sanding, and paint.
Common causes
- Parking lot door dings
- Hail and falling debris
- Shopping carts and sports equipment
- Low-speed bumps
Typical repairs
- Paintless dent repair (when paint is intact)
- Traditional bodywork and refinish
- Panel replacement for severe creases
Scratches
Surface marks through clear coat, base color, or into primer and metal.
Scratch depth determines the fix. Clear-coat scratches may polish out. Base-coat scratches need color and clear. Deep scratches into primer or metal require sanding, corrosion protection, and refinishing to prevent rust.
Common causes
- Keys, branches, and brushes
- Automatic car washes
- Vandalism
- Road debris
Typical repairs
- Compound and polish
- Touch-up paint
- Localized refinish and blend
Paint Chips
Small flakes of paint missing — often on hoods, rockers, and leading edges.
Stone chips expose primer or bare metal and invite rust. Early repair seals the area. Multiple chips may warrant a panel refinish for a uniform appearance rather than dozens of touch-ups.
Common causes
- Highway stone chips
- Gravel and sand
- Following trucks too closely
- Winter road debris
Typical repairs
- Chip fill and seal
- Touch-up matching
- Hood or panel refinish packages
Cracks
Fractures in plastic bumpers, grilles, or painted surfaces.
Plastic bumpers and trim often crack rather than dent. Many cracks can be plastic-welded or reinforced, then refinished. Severe cracks or broken mounting tabs may require replacement for safety and fit.
Common causes
- Low-speed impacts
- Cold-weather brittleness
- Parking stops and curbs
- Previous weak repairs
Typical repairs
- Plastic welding and reinforcement
- Tab repair
- Bumper cover replacement
- Color-matched refinish
Collision Damage
Multi-panel or structural damage from moderate to severe accidents.
Collision damage can affect outer panels, reinforcements, suspension points, and safety systems (sensors, cameras, airbags). Proper repair starts with a thorough inspection, measurement when needed, and a plan that restores both appearance and safety.
Common causes
- Rear-end and side-impact accidents
- Intersection collisions
- Highway crashes
- Hit-and-run impacts
Typical repairs
- Panel repair or replacement
- Frame/unibody assessment
- Sensor recalibration coordination
- Insurance claim documentation
Rust & Corrosion
Oxidation that eats metal from chips, seams, and underbody exposure.
Rust spreads under paint and in seams. Surface rust can often be treated and refinished. Perforation may need metal repair or panel replacement. Early intervention is always cheaper than waiting.
Common causes
- Road salt and moisture
- Untreated chips and scratches
- Trapped water in seams
- Coastal air exposure
Typical repairs
- Rust cut-out and weld repair
- Seam sealing
- Panel replacement
- Protective undercoating guidance
Faded & Oxidized Paint
Dull, chalky, or uneven paint from UV exposure and age.
Clear coat fails over time, especially on horizontal panels. Mild oxidation may respond to correction and polish. Severe clear failure usually needs refinishing for a lasting result.
Common causes
- Sun and UV exposure
- Lack of wax/protection
- Industrial fallout
- Age and original paint quality
Typical repairs
- Paint correction and polishing
- Single or multi-panel refinish
- Full vehicle repaint (severe cases)
Bumper Damage
Scuffs, cracks, misalignment, and sensor issues on front/rear bumpers.
Modern bumpers hide impact absorbers, parking sensors, and cameras. Cosmetic scuffs may polish or repaint; structural tabs and sensors need correct reassembly and sometimes calibration after repair.
Common causes
- Parking mishaps
- Rear-end collisions
- Curb and barrier contact
- Towing incidents
Typical repairs
- Scuff repair and refinish
- Cover repair or replacement
- Sensor and camera reinstall
- Alignment and gap correction
Hail Damage
Widespread small dents across hood, roof, trunk, and tops of panels.
Hail creates dozens or hundreds of shallow dents. Paintless dent repair is ideal when paint is unbroken. Heavy hail may still need traditional body and paint on some panels. Insurance often covers comprehensive hail claims.
Common causes
- Thunderstorms and hail events
- Uncovered outdoor parking
Typical repairs
- Paintless dent repair (PDR)
- Panel refinish for cracked paint
- Insurance comprehensive claims
Misaligned Panels
Uneven gaps, doors that don’t close right, or panels that sit proud/sunken.
Misalignment can come from collisions, poor prior repairs, or worn hinges. Correcting fit protects weather seals, reduces wind noise, and restores factory appearance.
Common causes
- Prior collision work
- Impact shifts
- Worn hinges and bushings
- Improper reassembly
Typical repairs
- Hinge and latch adjustment
- Panel realignment
- Structural check if gaps are severe
- Seal and weatherstrip service
Unsure what you have?
Send photos for a mobile estimate. We’ll classify the damage and outline next steps — final scope confirmed in person.
