Dents happen to the best of us. Whether it’s a runaway shopping cart at Harris Teeter, a hailstorm rolling through Loudoun County, or a door ding in the One Loudoun parking garage, no driver is immune.
When your vehicle gets dented, the stress doubles if you don’t know what repair option to trust. That’s where the confusion really starts — because Ashburn drivers are constantly bombarded with myths about dent repair.
Paintless dent repair is one of the fastest-growing solutions in the auto industry, yet many people still misunderstand how it works, what it costs, and whether insurance even covers it. These myths keep drivers from protecting their car’s value and can lead them to spend way more time and money than necessary.
At Dent Shop Ashburn, we hear these misconceptions every day. Let’s set the record straight with five of the most common myths we hear — and why you can stop believing them today.
Myth #1: “Insurance Won’t Cover Paintless Dent Repair”
One of the biggest myths holding drivers back is the idea that insurance companies won’t pay for PDR. In reality, Virginia law protects your right to choose your repair shop.
- Truth: Comprehensive insurance often covers dent repair, including hail damage, door dings, and even larger dents — as long as the damage wasn’t caused intentionally.
Insurance providers sometimes steer customers toward “preferred” body shops. These shops may not specialize in PDR, so customers assume it isn’t covered. At Dent Shop Ashburn, we work directly with your insurance company to streamline claims. Most of the time, the out-of-pocket cost for PDR is minimal — if anything at all.
Don’t let an insurance myth stop you from asking about PDR. You could be leaving money on the table.
Myth #2: “Paintless Dent Repair Only Works on Small Dents”
Another misconception? That PDR is just for tiny door dings. While it’s true that PDR isn’t the fix for every type of damage, it’s far more versatile than most drivers realize.
- Good candidates for PDR:
- Hail damage across multiple panels
- Door dings from parking lots
- Larger dents (up to the size of a basketball) if the paint isn’t cracked
Creases along doors or fenders
At Dent Shop Ashburn, our technicians use specialized tools and lighting systems to carefully massage metal back into place. With years of experience, we’ve repaired dents most people would have assumed were “too big” for PDR.
Don’t self-diagnose. Bring your vehicle in for a free inspection before writing off PDR as an option.
Myth #3: “Traditional Body Shops Are Always Better”
Traditional body shops have their place — but that doesn’t mean they’re always the right call for dents. Old-school repairs often involve:
- Grinding down panels
- Applying body filler (bondo)
- Sanding
- Repainting with non-factory paint
While this process can fix the dent, it also lowers the resale value of your car because the factory paint finish is one of the most important parts of your vehicle’s integrity.
Any repainting, even a high-quality one, can signal to buyers (and Carfax reports) that your car has had body damage.
PDR, on the other hand:
- Preserves your original factory paint
- Keeps your vehicle’s history cleaner
- Usually takes less than a day
- Costs significantly less
Traditional body work isn’t “better.” It’s just different — and often unnecessary for dents. For dents, PDR is almost always the smarter option.
Myth #4: “Paintless Dent Repair Is Too Expensive”
Let’s talk numbers. Many drivers assume that because PDR is a specialized skill, it must come with a steep price tag. In reality, it’s usually cheaper than traditional repair.
The process avoids costly paint and body filler materials, eliminates multi-day labor charges, and doesn’t require expensive paint booths or curing systems. What you’re really paying for is the expertise of a certified technician, the specialized tools used to access panels, and the long-term preservation of your car’s value.
In many cases, a simple door ding costs less than your insurance deductible, and hail damage, when covered by insurance, may leave you paying nothing at all. PDR is not only affordable — it can save you thousands in long-term resale value.
Myth #5: “You Can Fix Dents Yourself With a Kit”
DIY dent kits are everywhere — suction cups, hair dryer hacks, and YouTube tutorials. While it’s tempting to try, these kits often create more problems than they solve.
- Risk of panel warping: Without the right angles and lighting, it’s easy to over-pull a dent.
- Paint damage: Many DIY tools put uneven pressure on paint, leading to cracks or chips.
- Hidden costs: A botched DIY attempt can make professional repair harder and more expensive later.
PDR is a trade that requires years of training and thousands of hours of practice. At Dent Shop Ashburn, our technicians don’t just “pop out dents” — they carefully restore panels with precision, keeping the factory finish intact.
Save yourself the frustration and potential paint damage. Leave dent repair to the pros
Frequently Asked Questions About Paintless Dent Repair
Q: How long does paintless dent repair usually take?
Most small dents and dings can be repaired in just a few hours. Larger hail damage may take a day or two, but it’s still much faster than traditional body shop repairs that can drag on for a week or more.
Q: Will my insurance actually pay for PDR?
Yes. In Virginia, you can choose your repair shop — insurance can’t force you into a “preferred” list. Comprehensive coverage often pays for PDR, especially after hailstorms. Dent Shop Ashburn helps file claims directly with your provider.
Q: Is PDR safe for aluminum or Tesla vehicles?
Absolutely. Our technicians are trained and equipped for aluminum panels and EVs, including Tesla models. Not every shop can say that, which is why certification matters.
Q: How much does it cost without insurance?
Costs vary depending on dent size and location, but PDR is usually more affordable than traditional repair. A door ding might cost less than your deductible, while hail damage is often fully covered by insurance.
Q: Can PDR fix every type of dent?
Not all dents are candidates. If the paint is cracked or the dent is on the very edge of a panel, PDR may not be possible. That’s why inspections are free — so you know your options before committing.
Don’t Fall for the Myths
Your car deserves better than outdated myths and quick-fix gimmicks. Whether you’re dealing with hail dents, door dings, or larger panel damage, paintless dent repair is faster, smarter, and more cost-effective than most people realize.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
📍 Visit us at: Dent Shop Ashburn, 21670 Red Rum Drive, Suite 154, Ashburn, VA 20147
📞 Call: 571-293-2129
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