Auto Body, Collision & Hail Repair FAQs

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General Questions About StormWise

What services does StormWise provide?

StormWise is a full-service auto body shop in Denver (Lakewood), Colorado. We offer complete hail damage repair, paintless dent repair (PDR), bumper and minor collision repair, paint refinishing, scratch repair, and more. We focus on high-quality craftsmanship with fast turnaround and a customer-first repair process.

Yes — PDR remains one of our core specialties. StormWise has over 25 years of PDR experience and continues to be one of the top hail repair providers in Colorado and across the U.S. While we’ve expanded into full auto body services, PDR and auto hail repair are still what we’re best known for.

Our main auto body shop is located in Lakewood, Colorado, where we provide collision, paint, bumper, and dent repair services.

For hail repair, we serve customers throughout Colorado and nationwide, with mobile teams deployed during major hail events across the United States.

Yes. We work with all major insurance companies and handle the entire claims process for you, from the initial estimate to supplements and final approvals. Our team ensures your repair is done properly and fully covered whenever possible.

StormWise offers:

  • Specialized hail and PDR expertise backed by decades of experience
  • Fast turnaround and efficient workflows that prevent long delays
  • High-quality paint and refinishing, including lifetime warranty on paint repairs
  • Transparent, customer-first communication
  • In-house insurance support to help maximize coverage
  • Most shops do one thing well. We do the full process — diagnosis, repair, paint, insurance support — at a level most shops can’t match.

Auto Hail Damage Repair FAQs (Nationwide)

How does hail damage repair work?

StormWise begins by assessing your vehicle to determine whether Paintless Dent Repair (PDR), traditional repairs, or a combination of both is needed. Most hail dents are repaired using PDR, which restores the metal from behind the panel without filler or repainting.

For severe damage, cracked paint, or aluminum panels, we may use paint refinishing or panel replacement.

We also handle all insurance communication and supplement requests to ensure the repair is authorized correctly.

You can file a claim first or visit us before filing—either works. Many customers prefer to come to us first so we can walk them through the claim process and confirm damage severity. Once the claim is filed, we work directly with your insurance company on approvals, supplements, and paperwork.

Most hail repairs take 1-2 weeks, depending on severity, parts availability, and whether repainting is required.

During peak hail season, timelines may vary, but we’ll give you an accurate timeframe upfront and keep you updated throughout the repair.

Yes. StormWise provides hail repair services nationwide during major storms. We partner with vetted PDR technicians and can set up temporary repair centers in affected regions.

Our main auto body shop is located in Lakewood, Colorado, where we provide full-service repairs year-round.

We help with deductibles by paying out of our own profit for a full-auto hail repair. It is legal in Colorado and most states for a shop to offer deductible assistance, as long as all charges are accurately reflected.

We’ll review your claim and let you know whether deductible coverage applies to your situation.

Yes. Depending on availability and your location, we can arrange pickup and drop-off to make the repair process easier.

We also offer mobile estimates and virtual consultations.

If your insurance policy includes rental coverage, the rental car is usually free.If your insurance company doesn’t cover car rental and your car must stay at our shop for repairs, StormWise will cover up to $35 per day for a rental car. On average, rental cars cost $17 per day, so this is more than enough for most customers’ needs.

We will even meet you at the rental facility to make the switch easier!

Absolutely not. Hail damage is considered a comprehensive claim or an “Act of Nature,” which is an event that no one can predict. Insurance companies will not hold these claims against your insurance record, nor will they increase your premiums. Ask your agent about comprehensive claims and they will say the same thing.

Yes. Hail damage is typically fully covered by comprehensive insurance.

We work directly with all major insurance companies to ensure the repair is authorized correctly and includes all necessary supplemental items.

Costs vary depending on the number of dents, severity, and whether paint or parts are required.

If you’re using insurance, you typically have $0 out of pocket costs because we’ll help cover your deductible.

Yes. StormWise provides a lifetime warranty on all PDR work and paint refinishing performed in our shop.

This includes protection against peeling, cracking, or defects related to our repair.

StormWise is known for:

  • Over 25 years of PDR and hail repair expertise
  • Specialized national hail teams
  • Full-service paint + minor collision repair in Lakewood, CO
  • Insurance claim management from start to finish
  • Fast turnaround and high-quality craftsmanship
  • Lifetime warranty on all PDR + paint repairs
  • A dedicated team focused on communication and customer experience

We repair thousands of hail-damaged vehicles every year and handle everything to make the process easy and stress-free.

Yes. If your vehicle sustained windshield damage during a hailstorm, we can replace the windshield and work it into your insurance claim.

Yes. We repair aluminum panels using specialized PDR tools and techniques.

If aluminum cannot be repaired using PDR due to severity, we’ll recommend refinishing or panel replacement and coordinate with your insurance company.

For a deeper look at how aluminum PDR works, see our full guide here:
Aluminum Dent Repair Using PDR →

You are not required to use a preferred or “Direct Repair Program (DRP)” shop. The choice is always yours. Insurance recommendations are suggestions, not mandates.

StormWise works with all insurance companies and provides:

  • higher-quality PDR
  • shorter repair timelines
  • more accurate supplements
  • better customer communication

You always have the legal right to select the shop you trust.

PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) FAQs

What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a specialized technique that removes dents from a vehicle without sanding, fillers, or repainting. Skilled technicians access the backside of the panel and gently massage the metal back to its original shape.

It preserves your factory paint, maintains your vehicle’s value, and is the preferred method for hail damage repair.

For a deeper explanation of how PDR works, see our full guide:
What Is Paintless Dent Repair? →

Or, if you’re in Colorado and want to learn about our repair process:
Denver Paintless Dent Repair Services →

PDR can repair:

  • Hail dents
  • Door dings
  • Small–medium dents with smooth edges
  • Dents where the paint is intact
  • Dents on steel or aluminum panels (as long as the metal hasn’t stretched too far)

Not all dents qualify: severe creases, sharp damage, and dents that stretch the metal too far may require traditional body repair instead.

For examples of dents that do and don’t qualify, check out our detailed guide:
What Is Paintless Dent Repair? (Examples Included) →

For repair options in Colorado, visit:
Denver PDR Services →

Typically no.

PDR works best when the dent has soft, rounded edges and the paint surface is not broken.

Sharp dents or areas with cracked, chipped, or disturbed paint usually require:
A combination of PDR + refinishing, or
Full traditional body repair

For more detail on what makes a dent a good or bad candidate for PDR:
See Our In-Depth PDR Guide →

Yes, usually both.
Because PDR avoids sanding, fillers, and repainting, it:

  • Costs less
  • Requires less time in the shop
  • Helps preserve your car’s factory paint and resale value
  • For hail damage, insurance almost always approves PDR because it’s the most efficient and cost-effective method.

For single dents or door dings: 30 minutes to a few hours.

For hail damage: typically 1–5 days, depending on severity, insurance approval, and whether additional bodywork is needed.

StormWise completes PDR faster than most shops because our technicians specialize in hail and dent repair every day, not occasionally.

Yes.

StormWise repairs aluminum panels using specialized tools and techniques, though aluminum requires more time and expertise than steel.

For a deeper look at how aluminum PDR works, see our full guide here:
Aluminum Dent Repair Using PDR →

No.

PDR does not involve painting or replacing parts, so most insurance companies do not report it as “bodywork.”

It’s the best option for maintaining resale value.

Yes. StormWise provides a lifetime warranty on all PDR repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

If the dent ever reappears (rare), we fix it at no cost.

Often yes.

StormWise technicians repair dents on body lines regularly, but it depends on the depth and sharpness of the damage. We assess this during your estimate.

Not typically. Bumpers usually require heat reshaping or refinishing, not PDR.

StormWise offers:

  • Free walk-in inspections
  • Free virtual estimates
  • Expert recommendations so you only pay for the repair you actually need

If PDR isn’t the right solution, we’ll let you know immediately and offer the correct repair plan.

Minor Collision & Auto Body Repair FAQs (Colorado)

What types of collision damage do you repair?

StormWise handles minor to moderate collision repairs, including bumper damage, dents, scuffs, scratches, plastic damage, misalignment, paint damage, fender and quarter-panel repairs, and minor structural adjustments.

Often, yes. Many plastic bumpers with dents, scuffs, small cracks, or misalignment can be repaired without a full replacement. We use heat reshaping, plastic welding, and professional refinishing to restore the bumper when safe.

If the bumper has deep cracks, broken mounting points, or damaged sensors, replacement may be the safer option. We’ll evaluate both options and explain what’s best for your vehicle.

If you want a deeper look at what types of bumper damage can be repaired, see our full guide:
Can You Fix a Bumper Without Replacing It? →

For customers in Colorado, we also offer full-service bumper repair at our Lakewood shop:
Bumper Repair in Denver →

Yes. We repair surface scratches, paint transfer, scuffs, and deeper gouges using industry-standard refinishing techniques. Our paint work comes with a lifetime warranty, and we use precise paint-matching technology for a seamless finish.

Modern bumpers often include parking sensors, radar, and driver-assistance components. StormWise ensures these are properly removed, reinstalled, calibrated, or replaced if needed. We never perform repairs that compromise safety systems.

Yes. We use computerized color-matching systems and blend techniques that ensure the repaired area matches your factory finish. All paint repairs include a lifetime warranty against peeling, cracking, or fading.

Repair time varies by damage type.
Small bumper repairs or scratch repairs: 1–2 business days
Larger collision repairs: 3–5+ business days

We’ll give you a clear timeline after assessing your vehicle.

Yes. We handle the insurance process from start to finish, including estimates, supplements, documentation, and communicating with your adjuster. You only pay your deductible (if applicable).

Is your collision repair covered by a warranty?
Yes. All collision-related PDR and paint work comes with a lifetime warranty, and repairs made to structural or mechanical components are covered according to industry standards.

  • Faster turnaround times compared to traditional body shops
  • Insurance support on all repair jobs we handle
  • High-quality workmanship with lifetime PDR & paint warranty
  • Specialists in both PDR and auto body repair, giving you more repair options
  • Transparent estimates with clear explanations
  • Lakewood-based team trusted for hail repair and now full auto body services

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments help reduce wait times. You can also send photos for a free virtual estimate.

Often, yes. Because we specialize in both PDR and traditional body repair, we can repair bumpers and panels that other shops immediately recommend replacing — saving you time and money.

Insurance, Estimates & Payment FAQs

Do you work with all insurance companies?

Yes. StormWise works with every major insurance company. We handle the communication, documentation, estimate reviews, and supplements on your behalf to ensure your repair is approved properly (not just quickly).

A supplement is an additional request sent to your insurance company if hidden or additional damage is discovered during teardown. This is extremely common, especially for hail and collision repairs.

StormWise documents everything and submits supplements directly so repairs can continue without delay.

Yes. We can file one on your behalf or walk you through the entire claims process, including how to start a claim, what to say to your adjuster, and what information they’ll need from you. Many customers contact us before calling insurance so we can help guide the process.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all services — hail repair, PDR, bumper repair, paint, and minor collision work.

For qualifying hail repairs, we can often help reduce or eliminate your deductible legally. For collision repairs, deductible assistance depends on insurance regulations and the scope of repairs. We will always be transparent about what’s allowed in Colorado and what isn’t.

Absolutely. Many minor cosmetic repairs are affordable without involving insurance. We’ll walk you through both options and help you decide what makes the most financial sense.

Hail damage is considered a comprehensive, non-fault claim so it typically does not raise your premiums. Collision claims may vary, depending on fault and your insurance carrier.

Customer Experience & Process FAQs

What should I expect at my appointment?

We’ll inspect the vehicle, review damage with you in person, take photos, and prepare an estimate. If you’re filing a claim, we help set up the process and communicate with your adjuster.

We communicate through text, email, or phone, whatever you prefer. You’ll receive updates during each major stage (teardown, repair, reassembly, paint, quality check).

This is normal. We document it, submit a supplement to your insurance company, and continue repairs as soon as it’s approved.

For hail damage, potentially yes. StormWise travels nationwide following major storms.
For collision and paint repairs, service is provided at our Lakewood, Colorado shop.

You have the legal right to choose any repair shop. Insurance recommendations are suggestions, not requirements.

Many StormWise customers choose us specifically because we specialize in hail and PDR and provide higher-quality repairs and services.

StormWise Insurance Help

Insurance Navigation

We work with all reputable insurance companies and will help take care of your claim, inspection, and deductible.

StormWise Satisfaction Guarantee

We Strive for 100% Satisfaction on Every Repair

Rest assured with a free estimate, a free rental car*, and a lifetime warranty. We can arrange free car pickup or delivery, too!

StormWise Expert Advice

Expert Advice

Ask any questions you have about automotive hail repair and our process. You can also get an estimate via online chat.

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