Body Repair and Repainting: Fixing Bodywork After a Collision or Hail

Damaged bodywork or paint from a collision, a parking-lot bump, or hail? This guide explains how body repair and repainting work, and what to look for in a body shop.

What does body repair and repainting include?

Panel beating — straightening dented or bent sheet metal
Paintless dent repair (PDR) — removing dents without disturbing the factory paint
Repainting — color matching, base coat and clear coat application, polishing after curing
Replacing damaged parts — bumpers, fenders, doors, when repair is no longer practical
Anti-corrosion treatment — applied after repair to protect exposed areas from rust

Repair or replace a body part?

Minor dents and scratches are usually worth repairing, while structural damage (a twisted chassis or bent frame) often makes replacement the safer and cheaper long-term option. The right call depends on the shop’s assessment, the vehicle’s value, and the extent of the damage.

Does insurance cover body repair?

If you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, the damage is typically covered by the other driver’s liability insurance. For damage from your own fault, hail, vandalism, or other events, comprehensive (fully comp) coverage applies if you have it. It’s best to contact your insurer before booking repairs.

How to choose a reliable body shop

Check references and before/after photos of past work
Ask about a warranty on color match and workmanship
Check if the shop works directly with insurers (simplifies claims)
Check turnaround time — minor repairs take a few days, larger jobs 1–2 weeks

On Kardet you can submit a free request and receive quotes from verified body shops near you.

Frequently asked questions about body repair

Does paintless dent repair (PDR) work on any dent?
PDR works well on smaller, shallow dents where the paint isn’t broken (like hail damage), but isn’t suitable if the paint is cracked or peeling — that requires conventional repair with repainting.

How long does it take to repaint one body panel?
Depending on the scope and curing cycles, painting a single panel (like a bumper) typically takes 1–3 days, including prep, painting and drying.

Will the color always match exactly after a repair?
Quality shops use computer-matched paint based on the factory color code, achieving very close matches. Minor variation is possible due to the aging of the original paint on the rest of the car.