In Southern California, car dents are just part of the deal. Whether it’s a rogue shopping cart in a crowded parking lot, a surprise hailstorm in the mountains, or a minor bump in freeway traffic, dents happen fast—and they’ve happened to all of us.
At Dent Shop Redlands, we see firsthand how a small oversight can turn a tiny ding into a pricey repair, insurance headache, or even a drop in your vehicle’s resale value.
That’s why we’re breaking down the most common post-dent mistakes SoCal drivers make—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Small Dents Because They Don’t Bother You
We get it – a small dent doesn’t stop your car from driving. However, delaying the repair can hurt your wallet in the long run.
Here’s why:
- Even if the paint looks intact, microcracks can form that allow moisture to sneak underneath—especially in humid or coastal environments. This leads to rust, and rust tends to spread.
- A dent, even a small one, can also lower your car’s resale or trade-in value. Dealerships and private buyers will assume it wasn’t well-maintained. If you’re leasing your car, those dents can cost you extra when it’s time to turn it in.
Mistake #2: Assuming Insurance Won’t Cover It
Many drivers believe that if a dent is small, insurance won’t cover it—or that filing a claim will always raise the rate they pay per month.
Here’s the reality: If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, it typically covers dents from things like hail, road debris, or vandalism. If it’s from a minor accident, collision coverage may apply.
Also, comprehensive claims (especially for no-fault events like hail or shopping cart hits) usually don’t raise your premiums. Still, it’s smart to call your agent first to understand your options.
Ready for Repair? At Dent Shop Redlands, we work with all major insurance companies and can guide you through the process. From estimates to adjuster coordination—we make it simple.
Mistake #3: Going Straight to a Traditional Body Shop
If your car gets a dent, many car owners’ first instinct might be to go to a traditional body shop—but that might not be the best move.
These shops often rely on outdated repair methods that involve sanding the panel, filling it with putty, and repainting the area. That process is time-consuming, expensive, and can reduce your car’s value—especially if the new paint doesn’t perfectly match your factory finish.
Modern cars deserve modern care–and paintless dent repair represents the next generation of dent repair. It doesn’t involve sanding or fillers, and it keeps your car’s original paint intact. Instead of covering up the damage, a trained technician gently pushes the dent out from behind the panel using special tools.
PDR is faster, more cost-effective, and better for your vehicle’s long-term value.
Many of our Dent Shop customers are surprised at how simple and seamless the process is. For most dents, especially those from hail or everyday accidents, Paintless Dent Repair is the clear choice.
Mistake #4: Delaying Repairs Until Lease Return or Trade-In Time
It’s easy to put off fixing a dent, especially if it doesn’t seem like the dent affects the car’s ability to drive. However, if you’re planning to return a leased car or trade it in soon, that little ding could end up costing you more than you think.
Leasing companies often charge high fees for dents they consider “excess wear,” and dealerships will almost always knock down your trade-in value if they spot visible damage. Even private buyers might use a small dent to negotiate a lower price. That price deduction later has a good chance of being more expensive than a trip to Dent Shop Redlands when the dent first occurs.
Redland car owners should also consider that the longer a dent sits, the more it can worsen—especially with temperature changes, vibrations from the road, or moisture exposure. What starts as a simple repair can quickly become a much bigger problem if rust or paint damage sets in. Fixing it early protects both your wallet and your vehicle.
Mistake #5: Trying a DIY Dent Fix Off The Internet
YouTube makes it look easy: stick a plunger to the panel or blast it with a hairdryer and compressed air. However, DIY dent fixes often cause more harm than good.
Untrained hands and household tools can stretch or warp the metal, crack the paint, or create sharp “high spots” that are harder (and more expensive) to repair professionally later.
Let a certified technician, like our dent experts at Dent Shop Redlands, take a look. Our technicians will give you a free, honest assessment and help you choose your next steps.
What Makes Dent Shop Redlands Different?
We’re not your average repair shop—and we don’t believe in treating every dent the same.
Here’s what we’re proud of, & sets us apart:
- Locally Trusted: We serve drivers across Redlands and the Inland Empire.
- Insurance Friendly: We’ll help you understand your options and figure out what your policy may or may not cover.
- Certified Paintless Dent Repair Specialists: We use advanced tools and techniques that most shops don’t offer.
We believe in doing things the right way—without the pressure, hidden fees, or unnecessary paint jobs.
Don’t Let a Small Dent Cause Big Trouble
We get it—life moves fast, and a little dent doesn’t always feel urgent. However–that tiny ding could lead to rust, lower your resale value, or cost you more later if it gets worse.
At Dent Shop Redlands, we make repairs simple. No pressure, no paint, and no long waits—just honest service and results you’ll feel good about.
Let’s take care of that dent now, so you can get back to loving your car.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
📍 Visit us at: 560 Nevada St., Redlands, CA 92373
📞 Call: 909-300-5006
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