car collision repair

Consider these factors:

Financial Aspects:

• If repairs exceed 50-60% of car value
• When insurance declares it a total loss
• Multiple major components damaged
• Extensive structural damage

Other Considerations:

• Age of vehicle
• MileagePrevious accident history
• Parts availability
• Running costs after repair
• Safety implications

We provide honest assessments to help you make the right decision.

Are Body Repairs Worth It?

Factors to consider
Worth Repairing When:

• Car is relatively new
• Damage is cosmetic
• Structural integrity intact
• Repairs cost less than 50% of value
• Car has low mileage
• No previous major accidents
• Good service history

Maybe Not Worth It When:

• Car is older/high mileage
• Multiple previous accidents
• Structural damage present
• Parts difficult to source
• Repair costs near car's value
• History of reliability issues

Leaving a dent on your car can have different consequences depending on the severity and location:

Short-term consequences:

• If the paint is damaged or cracked, water can seep under the paint and start causing rust
• Sharp or deep dents can weaken the structural integrity of the panel
• Damaged areas can collect water and dirt, accelerating deterioration
• Small dents can spread or worsen over time, especially in cold weather

Long-term impacts:

• Rust development can spread beyond the dented area, leading to much more expensive repairs
• Resale value of your car will likely decrease
• If you lease the vehicle, you'll likely face charges when returning it
• Untreated dents can fail MOT if they develop sharp edges or affect structural integrity

When you should fix it promptly:

• There's any paint damage or exposed metal
• The dent is on a structural component
• You notice the dent growing or paint bubbling
• Quality inspections
• You plan to keep the car long-term

While DIY dent repair is possible in some cases, here's what you need to know before attempting it:

You might be able to fix a dent yourself if:

• It's a small, shallow dent with no paint damage
• The dent is in an easily accessible area
• You have access to proper tools and workspace
• You're comfortable accepting the risk of making it worse

You should NOT attempt DIY repair when:

• The paint is damaged or cracked
• The dent has sharp creases
• It's on a complex curve or body line
• You can't access the back of the panel
• The panel is made of high-strength steel or aluminium
• The dent is on a structural component

Important risks of DIY repair:

• Improper techniques can stretch the metal, making professional repair more difficult
• DIY tools can damage paint or clear coat
• Failed attempts often end up costing more than professional repair would have
• You might void your warranty or insurance coverage
• Poor repairs can lead to rust and deterioration

A dent itself is not automatically an MOT failure, but it can fail under specific circumstances:

MOT Failure Conditions:

• The dent creates a sharp or dangerous edge that could injure pedestrians
• It affects the structural integrity of the vehicle
• The dent interferes with lights, mirrors, or other safety equipment
• Damage has led to excessive rust, especially near structural points
• The dent affects the driver's view or compromises safety features
• It prevents doors or bonnet from closing properly

NOT MOT Failure Conditions:

• Cosmetic dents that don't affect safety
• Small dents without sharp edges
• Surface rust away from structural areas
• Dents that don't affect vehicle operation or safety equipment

Important for Vehicle Owners:

• Have dangerous dents repaired before your MOT
• If unsure, get a professional assessment
• Regular repairs help prevent MOT-failing damage
• Keep documentation of any structural repairs for MOT history

In most cases, you can drive with a dent in your car, but there are important safety considerations to keep in mind:

Safe to Drive When:

• The dent is purely cosmetic
• All lights and indicators function properly
• Panels are secure and not at risk of falling off
  
• Doors, bonnet, and boot can close properly
  
• No sharp edges are exposed
  
• Structural integrity isn't compromised
  

Not Safe to Drive When:

• The dent affects structural parts like pillars or safety frames
• Sharp edges are exposed that could harm pedestrians
• Lights or indicators are damaged or misaligned
  
• Panels are loose or at risk of detaching
  
• Wheel arches are damaged and could interfere with tyres
  
• Doors don't close properly or windows are affected
  
• Bonnet catch is compromised
  

Legal Considerations:

• Your insurance might be affected if damage creates a safety hazard
• Police can issue a Vehicle Defect Rectification Notice if damage poses a risk
• You could be liable if damaged parts cause injury to others
  
• Some damage might affect your MOT status
  

Professional Advice: If you're unsure about whether a dent makes your car unsafe to drive, get a professional assessment. Many body shops offer free inspections and can advise whether immediate repair is needed for safety reasons.

Signs a Dent Can Likely Be Popped Out:

• The paint surface is intact with no cracks or chips
• The dent has a smooth, rounded shape
• You can access the back of the panel
  
• The dent isn't near the edge of a panel
  
• The metal isn't creased or stretched
  
• The dent is on a single metal panel
  
• There's no previous body filler in the area
  

Signs a Dent Cannot Be Popped Out:

• The metal shows sharp creases or folds
• There's any paint damage or scratches
• The dent is on a body line or panel edge
  
• Panels are loose or at risk of detaching
  
• Multiple impact points in one area
  
• The panel has been previously repaired
  
• The dent is in a double-skinned panel
  
• The damage is on a plastic component
  

Expert Tip: The best way to know for sure is to have a professional assessment. Most reputable body shops offer free inspections and can quickly determine:

• If PDR is possible
• What repair method would work best
• An accurate cost estimate
  
• How long the repair might take
  

Even if a dent looks "poppable" to the untrained eye, there might be hidden complications only a professional can spot. Getting an expert opinion first can save time and money in the long run.