5 Most Common Causes of Car Dents

Sean Schledt • August 29, 2021
Besides dents caused by auto accidents, vehicles can also be dinged and dented in other scenarios, such as debris falling or being blown into a car, or weather events like storms that cause hail damage. In this article, we look at the most common causes of car dents and damage covered by an insurance claim.
Car Doors
There’s a reason why you should always give room for clearance when parking near other cars. Automobile doors are one of the most common causes of car dents. Picture this, the people in the car next to yours are in a hurry or careless enough to open their car doors with enough force to hit your side of the car. By the time you return to your vehicle, the only evidence left is an ugly dent. To avoid this, always choose the most open area of a parking lot you can find.
Grocery Carts
Car doors are not the only thing that can hit and damage your car. While grocery carts may look harmless, if they’re left at an incline, they can roll with enough momentum to hit your car and create a dent. Unfortunately, most grocery store shoppers don’t care where they leave their cart, so it’s up to you to ensure your car is out of harm’s way.
Weather
Wind alone can blow umbrellas, bicycles and other debris into vehicles easily. If you live in an area prone to hail storms, then you may experience a few cases of auto hail damage. If a hailstorm is particularly wild, the hail damage can be extensive. The best thing is to always keep up to date with the weather news. If there’s a hail prediction, keep your car safe and undercover to prevent or minimize hail damage. The same also applies to other weather events, such as windstorms and tornadoes.
Falling Objects
There are many instances where falling objects can dent your car. If you’re parked under a tree, small tree branches and even acorns can fall with enough force to leave dents in your car. Additionally, if you’re parked under a high-rise building, any object that falls from such a height can hit your car with enough force to cause a dent. Avoid parking under trees or next to tall buildings if possible.
Tight Spaces
You can dent your car while attempting to squeeze it through a tight space. This can be a parking space, your garage or on the road while trying to pass another car. If you want to avoid dents, your best bet is to give yourself plenty of room to maneuver. Declutter your garage so you have plenty of space to park and open all vehicle doors.
Knowing the most common causes of car dents will helpfully make you more cautious and proactive about keeping your car protected, both on the road and in your public parking safety measures. In the event your vehicle does sustain dents and dings, know that this damage can be covered by an insurance claim. If you require assistance filing and managing your insurance claim, and require top-notch dent or hail damage repairs, contact Indianapolis Dent Company today. Our team offers free estimates and can help you navigate the insurance claims process.
By Sean Schledt February 4, 2025
Dents and dings are inevitable, whether from parking lot mishaps, minor collisions, or unexpected hailstorms. Many vehicle owners assume that fixing a dent means an expensive trip to the body shop, repainting, and long wait times. However, there’s a faster, more affordable, and paint-safe solution—Paintless Dent Removal (PDR). At Indianapolis Dent Company, we specialize in expert PDR techniques that restore your vehicle’s appearance without compromising its original paint job. Here’s why PDR is the best dent repair method for your car. How Paintless Dent Removal Works  PDR is a non-invasive repair technique that removes dents by gently massaging the damaged metal back to its original form. Skilled technicians use specialized tools to reshape the dent from the inside, without the need for sanding, fillers, or repainting. This method is effective for door dings, hail damage, minor creases, and small dents, as long as the paint remains intact. The Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal 1. Cost-Effective and Affordable Traditional dent repair methods require sanding, fillers, and repainting, which can drive up costs. PDR eliminates these steps, making it a much more affordable solution while still achieving flawless results. 2. Faster Turnaround Time Because PDR doesn’t involve painting or waiting for materials to dry, most repairs can be completed in just a few hours. Unlike conventional bodywork, which can take days or even weeks, PDR gets you back on the road quickly. 3. Retains Your Car’s Original Paint A vehicle’s factory paint job is one of its most valuable features. Traditional dent repair requires repainting, which can lead to color mismatches and lower resale value. PDR, on the other hand, preserves the original paint, ensuring your car looks as good as new. 4. Environmentally Friendly Since PDR doesn’t use harsh chemicals, fillers, or paint, it’s an eco-friendly repair method. No harmful solvents or VOC emissions make it a responsible choice for both car owners and the environment. 5. Insurance-Friendly Many insurance companies recommend or even fully cover PDR for hail damage and minor dents because it is cost-effective and maintains the vehicle’s value. If your car has suffered hail damage, check with your insurer about PDR as a preferred repair option. Why Choose Indianapolis Dent Company for PDR? At Indianapolis Dent Company, we specialize in professional Paintless Dent Removal with precision and care. Our skilled technicians have years of experience in flawless dent repair, ensuring your vehicle looks as good as new—without the high costs or long wait times of traditional bodywork. Don’t let dents ruin your car’s appearance. Contact us today for a free estimate and let our experts restore your vehicle with top-quality Paintless Dent Removal!
By Sean Schledt February 4, 2025
Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your vehicle, leaving behind unsightly dents, dings, and damage. If your car has been caught in a storm, you might be wondering about the best repair option. Traditional body shop repairs can be expensive and time-consuming, but Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) offers a faster, more cost-effective solution. At Indianapolis Dent Company, we specialize in hail damage repair using PDR, ensuring that your car is restored to its original condition without repainting or fillers. Let’s take a closer look at why quick action is essential and how PDR can save you time and money. Why Hail Damage Repair is Crucial 1. Protects Your Car’s Value Even minor dents from hail can lower your vehicle’s resale value. When it comes time to trade in or sell, buyers will notice the damage, and dealerships may offer less money due to the needed repairs. Addressing hail damage promptly helps maintain your car’s worth. 2. Prevents Further Damage While hail dents may seem purely cosmetic, they can weaken your car’s paint and protective coating. Over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion, causing long-term damage that is much more costly to repair. 3. Insurance Covers Hail Damage Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover hail damage repairs. If you’ve been affected by a storm, it’s important to file a claim quickly to take advantage of coverage before more damage occurs. Indianapolis Dent Company can help guide you through the claims process and work with your insurance company for a hassle-free experience. Why Paintless Dent Repair is the Best Choice for Hail Damage Unlike traditional dent repair, which involves sanding, filling, and repainting, PDR is a non-invasive method that restores your car’s original panels without damaging the factory paint. Here’s why it’s the best option: Faster Repairs: Most PDR jobs are completed in just a few days, compared to weeks at a body shop. Cost-Effective: No need for expensive paint, fillers, or panel replacements—which means lower costs. Eco-Friendly: No chemicals, paint, or hazardous waste, making PDR a green repair choice. Insurance-Preferred: Many insurance companies prefer and fully cover PDR for hail damage. How Indianapolis Dent Company Handles Hail Damage Repair  At Indianapolis Dent Company, we have years of experience restoring hail-damaged vehicles. Our skilled technicians use advanced PDR techniques to remove dents without harming your car’s original finish. We also assist with: ✅ Insurance claims and paperwork to make the process simple ✅ Fast turnaround times so you’re not left without your vehicle ✅ High-quality service backed by our commitment to excellence Schedule Your Hail Damage Repair Today! Don’t let hail damage ruin your vehicle’s appearance or value. Indianapolis Dent Company provides expert hail damage repair with PDR, getting your car back to looking brand new. 📞 Call us today for a free estimate!
By Sean Schledt February 4, 2025
Dents and dings can happen anytime—whether from a rogue shopping cart, a door ding in a crowded parking lot, or even a hailstorm. Many vehicle owners assume that fixing these dents requires costly bodywork, repainting, and a long wait at the repair shop. Fortunately, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) offers a better alternative. At Indianapolis Dent Company, we specialize in Auto Paintless Dent Repair, providing quick, affordable, and high-quality dent removal that preserves your vehicle’s original factory finish. Here’s why PDR is the best choice for restoring your car’s appearance. What is Auto Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?  Paintless Dent Repair is a non-invasive technique used to remove dents by gently reshaping the metal back to its original position. Using specialized tools, skilled technicians work from behind the panel to massage the dent out, all without needing paint, fillers, or sanding. PDR is ideal for: ✅ Minor dents and dings from parking lots and everyday accidents ✅ Hail damage and storm-related dents ✅ Creases and body panel imperfections ✅ Lease returns needing flawless appearance Why Choose Paintless Dent Repair? 1. Cost-Effective & Budget-Friendly Traditional dent repair methods require filler, paint, and labor-intensive work, making repairs expensive. Since PDR doesn’t require painting or new parts, it’s a much more affordable solution. 2. Fast Turnaround Times Unlike traditional repairs that take days or even weeks, most PDR jobs are completed in a few hours. This means less downtime and faster results for you. 3. Maintains Your Car’s Factory Paint Repainting your vehicle can lower its value, especially if the color isn’t an exact match. PDR preserves your factory paint job, ensuring no color mismatches or unnecessary repainting. 4. Environmentally Friendly Since PDR doesn’t use toxic chemicals, paints, or fillers, it’s an eco-friendly dent repair solution. No harmful emissions, no excess waste—just expert dent removal. 5. Increases Resale Value If you plan to sell or trade in your vehicle, visible dents can lower its market value. Auto dealers and buyers prefer cars with original paint and no visible damage—making PDR an excellent investment. Why Indianapolis Dent Company is Your Trusted PDR Specialist At Indianapolis Dent Company, we are experts in Auto Paintless Dent Repair, helping customers restore their vehicles quickly and affordably. Our experienced team provides: ✔ Skilled technicians trained in advanced PDR techniques ✔ Fast service with same-day or next-day turnaround times ✔ Affordable pricing that beats traditional dent repair costs ✔ Flawless results that restore your car’s original condition Get a Free Estimate for Auto Paintless Dent Repair! Don’t let dents ruin your car’s appearance or lower its value. Indianapolis Dent Company is here to help! 📞 Call us today to schedule your Paintless Dent Repair and get your car looking like new again!
By Sean Schledt December 12, 2021
When it comes to automobile accidents, most people don’t think about the small door dents that occur in parking lots everyday in America. Many people around the country have had the experience of returning their car and seeing that someone has hit it while opening their door, leaving behind a scratch or dent. Most people tend to overlook this damage because they don’t want the hassle of dealing with police and insurance companies. However, there are certain instances in which contacting both police and insurance providers can be worth it. IS IT WORTH THE HASSLE? Let’s say that you discover that someone has dinged your parked car with their car door, leaving some damage or a dent on the exterior. If you want your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs, most insurance companies will recommend that you call the police and report the accident, depending on the extent of the damages. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), most people will be required to have a copy of the official accident report if they wish to file a claim with their insurance company. So if you feel that repairing the damage to your car will be too expensive to cover by yourself, then you should report the door damage to the police. While reporting the incident, be sure to request that police document and file an official accident report for you. In addition, there are situations when you should not file a claim at all. When you know you don’t have collision coverage, avoid filing for a dent from either minor or major incidents. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, avoid filing and save money by covering it yourself. WHAT EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED? If you choose to report the dent or scratch to the police with the intention of filing a claim with your insurance company to cover the damages, then some evidence will be required by the police. The best kind of evidence in these situations would be security footage of the perpetrator hitting your car with their door. However, the most common type of evidence in these cases are eyewitness accounts to the accident. To build out the accident report, police will ask witnesses questions about the parts of the incident that they observed. ARE THERE ANY FINES OR PENALTIES FOR PERPETRATORS? If you happen to be the culprit behind a dent or scratch left on someone else’s car by a door ding, then there is a chance that you might be subject to some fines or penalties. However, to avoid further punishment, don’t just leave the scene dinging someone’s car. Most states require you to leave a note or wait for the car’s owner. Follow through on one of these actions, or else the accident could potentially be considered a hit-and-run if the person reports it.  Being convicted of a hit-and-run can result in a misdemeanor charge and a large fine. In some states, more severe punishments can be served, such as community service, license suspension, or even possible jail time. Remember, the best choice is to wait for the person or to leave a note with your information on their car. Door dings and dents happen everyday all over the world and they can usually be resolved quickly and easily if both parties are willing to cooperate.
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