FAQ

Get a free estimate — send a photo or short video of your dent and we’ll give you a realistic price before you book.

Q1. What is paintless dent repair (PDR)?

Paintless dent repair is a specialist technique where a trained technician accesses the back of a dented panel and gently massages the metal back to its original shape, without sanding, filling or repainting. Done correctly, it restores the panel to as-new condition while keeping the factory paint completely intact.

Q2. Is paintless dent repair as good as a respray?

For the right kind of damage, PDR is generally a better outcome than a respray. It keeps your original factory paint, which means no risk of colour mismatch, no repaint showing up on a vehicle history check, and a finish that holds its value better than a panel that has been filled and resprayed.

Q3. What types of dents can be fixed with PDR?

Most dents can be repaired with PDR, from small pea-sized dings, medium dents the size of a tennis ball, up to large dents bigger than a football. Dents on body-lines and crease dents can also be repaired. The main factors are whether the paint has been broken and how accessible it is to reach the back of the panel.

Q4. Can PDR fix scratches as well as dents?

PDR is designed for dents where the paint surface is unbroken. If a dent also has a scuff or scratch, Dent Remover offers a 'tidy up' repair: the dent is removed and the scuffed area is improved as much as possible, though some trace of the original scratch may remain since no filler or paint is used.

Q5. Will a repaired dent be visible afterwards?

When the damage is suitable for PDR, the aim is a result you can't see or feel — many customers say they can run their hand over the repaired panel and feel nothing. Deeper, sharper or stretched damage may leave some very minor residual signs, which would be explained at the inspection.

Q6. Does PDR affect my car's resale value?

No — because PDR doesn't involve fillers or repainting, your vehicle's original factory finish is preserved, which is exactly what buyers and dealerships look for. A panel that has been resprayed can show up on paint-depth checks and vehicle history reports; a PDR repair does not.

Q7. Is PDR environmentally friendly?

Yes. Because there's no filler, primer or paint involved, there are no chemical fumes or pollutants created during the repair — the metal is simply reshaped from behind the panel.

Q8. What dent shapes are hardest to repair?

Sharp, deep, stretched dents and damage that sits directly on a bodyline or crease are the most technically demanding. They need a higher level of skill, the right tools and patience to bring the panel back to a true, factory-looking line — which is one of the areas Martin Sadler specialises in.

Q9. What's the difference between small, medium and large dents?

Small dents are roughly the size of a small coin, measuring roughly 5–30mm, usually from stone chips or door edges, and are priced from £90 + VAT upwards. Medium dents range from tennis-ball size, often from minor bumps, bird strikes or palm prints, up to the size of a small football, and are typically in the price region of £250 + VAT. Large dents are from football size and larger, typically caused by bigger impacts or vandalism. The price for large dents can be from £450 + VAT.

Q10. Can hail damage be repaired with PDR?

Yes, hail damage is a good candidate for PDR as long as the paint hasn't cracked. With UK weather increasingly producing hail storms, this is something Dent Remover repairs regularly, subject to a full inspection of each panel.

Q11. How much does a dent repair cost?

Pricing is bespoke to each repair because no two dents are the same. As a guide on base prices: small dents typically run from £90+, medium dents from £250+, and large, complex or specialist repairs from £450+. Prices are subject to inspection. VAT is added to the final price of all repairs.

Q12. Why can't I get an exact price over the phone?

The final cost depends on factors that can only be assessed in person: the dent's depth and size in millimetres, whether it's on a bodyline, the panel material, whether it's accessible from behind, whether parts need to be stripped for access, and whether glue-pull or shrinking tools are needed. A photo or video helps give an initial idea, but a workshop inspection gives the accurate price.

Q13. How is the repair price actually calculated?

Dent Remover uses MTRX (Mobile Tech RX) estimating software, which factors in the dent's size, whether it crosses a bodyline or is a crease repair, and whether glue-pulling or metal-shrinking tools are required, then produces a fair, itemised price that's emailed to you.

Q14. Is PDR cheaper than a bodyshop respray?

Generally, yes — because there's no filler, primer, paint or blending labour involved, PDR repairs typically cost less than a full bodyshop respray, and they're usually much quicker too.

Q15. Do you offer discounts for multiple dents?

Yes. Dent Remover offers discounts for multiple-dent and multi-panel damage, so it's worth mentioning everything that needs attention when you book your estimate rather than booking separate visits.

Q16. Does a repainted panel cost more to repair?

It can. Panels that have been previously repainted need extra care, because the paint on a refinished panel may not flex the same way as factory paint and can be more prone to cracking during the repair. Martin will assess this during your inspection and advise on the best approach.

Q17. Is the price the same for every panel on the car?

No — panel material, curvature, and access all vary by location on the car. A dent on a flat door panel is usually more straightforward than the same size dent on a bodyline, a boot lid, or a panel with limited access from behind, which is reflected in the quote.

Q18. Will I get a written quote before any work starts?

Yes. After the in-person inspection, Dent Remover uses MTRX to produce a full breakdown of the repair cost, which is shown to you and emailed over before any work begins — so there are no surprises.

Q19. How do I book an estimate?

You can book using the estimate form on the website or call Dent Remover directly. A free estimate is available for customers who visit the workshop in Beverley; once you're happy with the quote, you simply call to book in your repair.

Q20. What's the best way to show you my damage before booking?

WhatsApp is the easiest way — send photos or, ideally, a short video of the damage to 07784 543932. This gives Martin a good first look before you bring the car in for an exact quote.

Q21. How long does a dent repair take?

Small dents can often be completed within an hour or two. Larger dents usually take up to a day, and complex or specialist repairs may need one to two days or more, depending on access and the techniques required.

Q22. Do I need to leave my car at the workshop?

For most repairs, yes — you drop your vehicle off at the Beverley workshop and Dent Remover takes care of the rest, with a waiting room available on site if you'd prefer to wait for smaller jobs.

Q23. Do you offer a mobile dent repair service?

Mobile repairs are available upon request. The dedicated workshop in Beverley is set up for the highest-quality results regardless of weather, so it's worth discussing with Martin whether your repair is suited to a mobile visit or a workshop visit.

Q24. How does the dent get removed from behind the panel?

Martin uses precision PDR tools to access the back of the panel and carefully massage the metal back into shape. For areas that can't be reached from behind, a specialist glue-pull system is used instead — caution is taken on previously repainted panels, since the paint may not respond the same way as factory finish.

Q25. Can I watch how the repair is done before I book?

Yes — Martin shares real, start-to-finish PDR repairs on YouTube and social media (150,000+ followers, 95,000+ YouTube subscribers), so you can see exactly how a repair like yours has been handled before deciding to book.

Q26. What happens if more damage is found once you start?

Every repair is discussed with you before work begins, so you know what to expect. If something additional is found once the panel is being worked on, Martin will talk you through it rather than just proceeding — no hidden costs or surprises.

Q27. Can bodyline dents be fixed without it showing?

Yes — bodyline dents are tougher to repair because the crease has to line up perfectly, but they can be restored to as-new condition with the right skill and tools. This is one of Dent Remover's specialist areas.

Q28. Can you repair a dent on a boot lid or bonnet?

Yes, boot lids and bonnets are repaired regularly, though access is sometimes more limited than on a door panel, which can affect the technique used and the time required.

Q29. What if the dent has cracked the paint?

PDR relies on the paint surface being unbroken. If the paint itself has cracked or chipped at the dent site, a pure PDR repair may not fully restore the finish — a 'tidy up' repair can improve the dent shape, but a small touch-up or respray may still be needed for the paint itself.

Q30. Can you repair very deep or stretched dents?

Deep, stretched dents fall into the complex/specialist category. They often need metal-shrinking techniques alongside traditional PDR tools and take more time, but are usually repairable provided the paint hasn't been broken.

Q31. Do you repair car park dings and door-to-door damage?

Yes, car park dings and door-edge damage from neighbouring vehicles are some of the most common repairs Dent Remover carries out, and they're usually among the more straightforward jobs.

Q32. Can vandalism damage, like a dented roof, be repaired?

Often, yes — provided the paintwork hasn't been broken, larger areas of vandalism damage such as a dented roof or bonnet can usually be repaired with PDR, though these fall into the complex repair category.

Q33. What if a previous repair attempt has made the dent worse?

Poor previous PDR work is one of the factors Dent Remover specifically assesses during an inspection, since it can make a panel more difficult to finish correctly. Bring the car in for an evaluation and Martin will advise on the best way to put it right.

Q34. Are aluminium panels repaired differently to steel?

Panel material is one of the key factors assessed before quoting, because aluminium and steel respond differently under PDR tools. This is factored into both the technique used and the price.

Q35. Is Dent Remover qualified to work on electric and hybrid vehicles?

Yes — Martin Sadler is IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) registered and IMI certified for EV and hybrid vehicles, meaning he has been independently assessed on the safety procedures and technical knowledge needed to work around EV and hybrid systems.

Q36. Is PDR safe to use on an EV's body panels?

Paintless dent repair works on the external bodywork rather than the high-voltage systems underneath, and an EV-certified technician knows how to work safely around a vehicle's battery and electrical components while carrying out the repair.

Q37. Are EV panels harder to repair than petrol/diesel cars?

Some EVs use different panel materials or construction to manage weight, which can change the approach needed. Martin's EV/hybrid certification and experience with modern vehicle construction means this is factored into the inspection and quote.

Q38. Do you repair Tesla dents?

Yes — Dent Remover regularly repairs dents on Tesla and other EVs, drawing on EV-specific training and certification to do so safely.

Q39. Does an EV repair cost more than a standard car?

Not automatically — pricing is based on the dent itself (size, depth, panel, access) rather than the vehicle being electric. Panel material and access can vary by model, which is reflected in the individual quote rather than a blanket EV surcharge.

Q40. Will repairing a dent affect my EV's warranty?

PDR doesn't involve cutting, drilling or replacing parts, so a correctly carried out repair shouldn't interfere with your manufacturer warranty. If you have any doubts, it's worth checking your specific warranty terms, and Martin is happy to talk through the repair approach beforehand.

Q41. Should I claim on insurance or pay for PDR myself?

For most minor and moderate dents, the average PDR repair cost is typically lower than an insurance excess, which is £500 or less. So paying for the repair directly is often the more cost-effective option and avoids affecting your no-claims record. It's worth getting a Dent Remover quote before deciding either way. Many new vehicles are sold with a smart repair policy, but these typically only cover simple dings. If they cannot fix the damage or decline the repair, Dent Remover can deal with the claim directly — they will pay us to carry out the repair.

Q42. Will using PDR keep my insurance no-claims bonus intact?

Paying for a PDR repair privately means there's no claim recorded against your policy, so your no-claims bonus is unaffected — unlike an insurance-handled bodyshop repair.

Q43. Does PDR show up on a vehicle history check?

No — because PDR doesn't involve repainting or filler, there's no repaint flag or paint-depth anomaly for a vehicle history or HPI-style check to pick up, unlike a traditional respray.

Q44. Is it worth repairing dents before selling my car?

Yes, generally. Removing dents and dings before a sale or valuation tends to support a higher resale price, and because PDR keeps the factory paint intact, it doesn't introduce the kind of repaint history that can put buyers off.

Q45. Should I repair small dents before my lease return inspection?

It's worth getting dents assessed before a lease return, since lease companies typically charge for panel damage at end of contract. A PDR repair beforehand is usually quicker and less costly than leaving it to the inspection.

Q46. Can you provide an invoice for insurance or warranty purposes?

Yes — every repair comes with a full written quote and invoice from the MTRX estimating system, which can be used for your own records, insurance, or warranty purposes if needed.

Q47. Where is Dent Remover based?

Dent Remover operates from a dedicated workshop at Unit 5N, Beverley Business Park, HU17 0JW, in East Yorkshire.

Q48. Which areas does Dent Remover cover?

Dent Remover services the whole of East Yorkshire, including Beverley and Hull, and also welcomes customers travelling from further afield nationwide — several reviews mention customers driving from outside the region after seeing Martin's work online.

Q49. Who will be repairing my car?

All repairs are carried out personally by Martin Sadler, a Master PDR Technician with over 20 years' industry experience, an award-winning technician, IMI Registered Professional, IMI EV/Hybrid certified, and a Master PDR Trainer and competition judge.

Q50. How do I know the quality of work will be good?

Dent Remover has over 300 five-star Google reviews and has repaired thousands of cars. Martin also publishes real, start-to-finish repair videos to social media and YouTube (150,000+ followers, 95,000+ subscribers), so you can see the standard of work before booking.

Q51. Is there somewhere to wait while my car is repaired?

Yes — the Beverley workshop has a waiting room on site for customers having smaller repairs done while they wait.

Q52. How can I contact Dent Remover?

You can call 07784 543932 or 01482 861377, message via WhatsApp on 07784 543932, email enquiries@dent-remover.co.uk, or visit the workshop at Unit 5N, Beverley Business Park, HU17 0JW.

Get a free estimate — send a photo or short video of your dent and we’ll give you a realistic price before you book.