10 Questions to Ask Before Getting PDR

Choosing a PDR Shop Shouldn't Be a Guessing Game

Your vehicle just got pounded by hail, and a quick search pulls up a dozen paintless dent repair options — some local, some out-of-state outfits that rolled in after the storm, some operating out of a parking lot with a pop-up tent.

The ten questions below will help you evaluate any PDR provider with confidence. A great shop will answer every one without hesitation. A shop that dodges or deflects is telling you something important.

Question 1: Are Your Technicians Certified?

Paintless dent repair is a highly skilled trade. A technician with six months of experience is not the same as one with six years.

Ask about:

•Industry certifications — Organizations like NAPDRT and Vale Training Solutions verify skill levels

•Manufacturer training — Some technicians train directly through OEM-approved programs

•Years of experience — A tech who's repaired thousands of vehicles has encountered every edge case imaginable

Question 2: What Warranty Do You Offer?

This is non-negotiable. Any reputable PDR shop should offer a written warranty on their hail damage repairs.

Dig into the details:

•Is it a lifetime warranty or limited to a specific number of years?

•Does it cover workmanship only, or does it also cover related issues like paint lifting at repair points?

•Is the warranty transferable if you sell the vehicle?

•What's the process for making a warranty claim?

Get the warranty terms on paper before authorizing work. Verbal promises have zero enforceability.

Question 3: Do You Work Directly With Insurance Companies?

A good PDR shop should take the insurance burden off your shoulders. Ask whether the shop:

•Files claims or assists with the filing process

•Negotiates directly with adjusters on estimate approvals and supplements

•Has established relationships with major insurance carriers

•Can explain exactly what your out-of-pocket cost will be before work begins

Question 4: What's Your Typical Turnaround Time?

For moderate hail damage on a standard sedan or SUV, expect:

•1 to 2 weeks for most repairs

•3 to 5 days for heavy damage with 200+ dents or large-diameter impacts

•Potentially longer if windshield replacement or other glass work is needed alongside the PDR

Be cautious of shops that quote unusually fast turnarounds during busy storm seasons. Rushing PDR work leads to subpar results. You want a shop that takes the time to do it right, even if that means waiting a few extra days.

Question 5: Do You Offer Loaner Vehicles or Rental Car Assistance?

Being without your car for even a day or two can disrupt your entire routine. Find out what the shop offers:

•Do they provide complimentary loaner vehicles while your car is in the shop?

•Do they assist with rental car arrangements through your insurance coverage?

•Can they coordinate pick-up and drop-off so you don't need a second driver?

Not every shop offers these perks, but the best ones understand that the repair experience extends beyond just fixing dents. Convenience matters.

Question 6: What's Included in the Repair?

This seems obvious, but many customers assume the quoted price covers everything — only to discover additional charges after the fact.

Clarify exactly what the repair includes:

•All hail dents on all panels, or only specific areas?

•Windshield and glass replacement if needed, or is that separate?

•Interior trim removal and reinstallation (necessary for accessing dents from behind panels)

•Final detail and wash before you pick up the vehicle

•A post-repair inspection where the technician walks you through the completed work

The goal is zero surprises when you pick up your vehicle and review the final bill.

Question 7: Can You Handle My Specific Vehicle?

Not all vehicles are equal when it comes to PDR accessibility:

•Aluminum body panels (common on newer Ford trucks and luxury vehicles) require different techniques than steel

•High-strength steel in newer vehicles has different flex characteristics

•Panel design — some vehicles have extensive bracing that limits tool access

A skilled shop will be upfront about what's possible on your specific make and model and offer alternative solutions for areas that can't be reached with PDR.

Question 8: How Do You Handle Supplemental Damage?

When technicians discover additional dents that weren't on the original estimate, that's called a supplement. Ask the shop:

•Do they handle the supplement process directly with your insurer?

•How quickly do supplements typically get approved?

•Will supplements delay your repair timeline significantly?

•Do they document supplemental damage with photos and detailed descriptions for the adjuster?

Question 9: What Happens If a Dent Can't Be Fixed With PDR?

Extremely sharp impacts, stretched metal, and cracked paint may require conventional repair. Find out:

•Does the shop handle conventional body work in-house or partner with a body shop?

•Will they explain which dents qualify for PDR versus conventional repair before starting?

•How does this affect your insurance estimate and cost?

If a shop claims they can PDR absolutely everything regardless of severity, that's a red flag.

Question 10: Can I See Examples of Your Previous Work?

Results speak louder than sales pitches. Ask to see:

•Before-and-after photos of previous hail repairs

•Online reviews from verified customers (Google, Yelp, BBB)

•Video documentation of the repair process

If a shop is reluctant to show examples of their work, consider that a significant warning sign.

The Right Shop Makes All the Difference

Choosing a PDR provider isn't just about finding someone who can push dents out. It's about finding a team that communicates clearly, handles the insurance process professionally, uses certified technicians, backs their work with a real warranty, and treats your vehicle with the same care they'd want for their own.

At Sick of Hail, we welcome these questions — in fact, we encourage them. Our team is happy to walk you through our certifications, warranty terms, insurance process, and anything else you want to know before trusting us with your vehicle. We've built our reputation on transparency and quality, and every one of these questions has a clear, confident answer.

If your vehicle needs hail damage repair, start by asking these ten questions. The answers will tell you everything you need to know about whether you're in the right hands.