6 Common Causes of Minor Dents and Dings

Sean Schledt • July 30, 2021

What are the most common causes of minor auto damage? 

Being a car owner, we know that there comes certain times when getting your car dented can be inevitable — whether we like it or not (and we are just taking a guess here that you probably wouldn’t like it very much). There are many different things that can cause minor auto body damage and ways that you can prevent some of these things from happening. In today’s blog we will be taking you through seven common causes of minor dents and auto damage so that you can know what to keep an eye out for, and hopefully prevent auto dings and dents from occurring. If you need assistance with removing current dents on your vehicle, reach out to our paintless dent repair professionals at Indianapolis Dent Company for quick, easy, and affordable dent removal.



1. Collisions

When you get into an auto collision, it is likely that there will be at least some sort of minor auto body damage to your car. Being a defensive driver is crucial for this one — because although you may be a fantastic driver, there are a variety of things that can happen on the road to cause a collision. From getting rear-ended to distracted driving and getting clipped while merging to t-bones, there are many different ways auto accidents can occur. Some safe, defensive driving qualities that you can easily pick up to decrease your chances of getting into a collision are: used by a variety of different things, whether it’s bad drivers, poor weather, or anything in between.

 

  • Keeping your eyes on the road and not getting easily distracted
  • Planning ahead for the unexpected — not making assumptions about what other drivers will do
  • Controlling your speed
  • Respecting other roadway users
  • Being aware of road conditions

 


Practicing defensive driving allows you to defend yourself from possible auto collisions caused by a variety of different things, whether it’s bad drivers, poor weather, or anything in between.


2. Car Doors

When there is ultra-tight parking in lots or garages, it can be easy for you (or another driver) to open your car door unyieldingly and end up denting a neighboring car. This is especially easy if it’s a windy day, as the wind can make it hard to control your car door as you are opening it and cause it to ram into another car. If you want to ensure you will avoid someone denting your car with their door — or you denting theirs — it is best practice to park far away from other cars in a parking lot or garage. Although you may have to walk a bit further to your destination, at least you are saving money on auto repairs.


3. Unruly Weather

This is another huge one that often causes minor auto body damage. Regardless of where you live, there are different types of extreme weather that can take over your town and wreak havoc on your car. A weather condition that tends to cause considerable damage to cars is hail storms. Large hail falling at high speeds can cause huge dents, broken windows, and even engine damage to your car. Contact us today to learn more about our hail damage and dent repair services by utilizing paintless dent repair.


4. Sporty Children

If you live in a family-dense neighborhood, it is not unlikely to see kids playing outside with different sports balls. Whether you’ve got little basketballers or softball players living close by, there is a chance that they could throw a ball uncontrollably and ultimately end up hitting and denting your car. There really isn’t much avoiding this one unless you have a garage to park in or do some serious research and find a quiet neighborhood where there isn’t many children.


5. Fallen Trees

If you are parking your car outside regularly, you are also running the risk of storm damage to your car. When big wind and snow storms blow through, it isn’t uncommon for trees to fall. Although parking your car in a garage or a carport is always a good option to prevent this damage, not everybody has that option. We may think that this could never happen to us, especially if we typically don’t park near any trees throughout the day — but strong winds can knock a tree down and even throw it around, leaving it to potentially slam and dent your car. This is often inevitable, and that is why you will want to contact a professional paintless dent repair service to help you with removing tree dent damages to your car.


6. Road Debris

If you are a frequent highway driver, you have probably seen quite a bit of auto debris on the side of the road. This could be rubber pieces from tires bursting or car accidents that have not been fully cleaned up after. There are times when hitting this road debris is inevitable — even if you are a very cautious driver. It’s not uncommon to hear about drivers fully focusing on the road, only for a giant piece of rubber to come flying up from under the car in front of them and damage their car. The best way to avoid this type of auto damage is to practice defensive driving to the best of your ability so you will know how to handle this situation if it does arise.

The Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal: Why It’s the Best Choice for Your Vehicle

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!

Auto Hail Damage Repair: Restoring Your Car After the Storm

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!

Auto Paintless Dent Repair: The Fast, Affordable, and Effective Solution

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!

Should You Report a Door Ding or Dent to the Police?

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.

Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

By Sean Schledt • December 8, 2021
When was the last time you had your windshield wipers replaced? Do they provide ample clarity of the road ahead when it rains? Clearing your windshield of snow and sleet is harder than clearing it of rain, so it’s important that you ensure your windshield wipers are ready. Also make sure to monitor your windshield washer fluid reservoir to confirm that it’s properly filled.

How to Prevent your Vehicle from Rusting

By Sean Schledt • October 19, 2021
it’s not good in your water, and it’s certainly not good on your vehicle. Not only does it make your ride look bad, it can also seriously compromise the integrity of whatever it gets ahold of. A rusty car is an unsafe car!

Why Fire and Dry Ice Are Bad for Dent Repairs

By Sean Schledt • September 13, 2021
The Dangers of Fire and Dry Ice

Do Dents and Door Dings Rust?

By Sean Schledt • September 2, 2021

5 Most Common Causes of Car Dents

By Sean Schledt • August 29, 2021

4 Benefits of PDR During Hail Season

By Sean Schledt • July 19, 2021
4 BENEFITS OF PAINTLESS DENT REPAIR DURING HAIL SEASON
More Posts