Superior Dent Solutions

Paintless Dent & Auto Hail Repair: Austin

PDR Scams: How to Spot & Avoid

PDR scams (paintless dent repair scams) are on the rise in Austin, TX, making it essential to know how to spot and avoid them. This knowledge is key to ensuring your auto hail repair doesn’t end up costing you more money in the long run.

Paintless dent repair is an excellent method for car hail damage, as it preserves your car’s original paint finish. However, like any service, there are good and bad providers, and unfortunately, scams exist.

Jason Meza with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says this about PDR scams in an online article written by Matt Fernandez & John Diaz on KVUE ABC’s website:

“Central Texans whose cars and homes were damaged by hail are now looking for repair shops and contractors to fix the damage. The hard part is looking for businesses that they can trust.

While State Farm says more than 3,000 home and auto claims were filed after Sunday’s storms moved through the area, Jason Meza with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) said it’s important to watch out for scammers.”

Bad PDR - paint and metal damage after PDR parking lot repair scam.
Bad PDR – Paint & Metal Damage
BAD PDR - Parking lot PDR scam
Parking Lot PDR Scam

Here’s how to spot and then steer clear of PDR scams and bad PDR:

  1. Be Wary of “Storm Chasers” and Parking Lot Offers:
    • Red Flag: Someone approaches you in a parking lot, at home, or on the roadside immediately after a hailstorm, promising incredibly fast, cheap, or on-the-spot repairs.
    • Why it’s a scam risk: Proper PDR requires specialized tools, lighting, and a controlled environment. Parking lot repairs often involve quick fixes with cheap wax or filler, which will degrade quickly and leave you with worse damage. They might take your money and disappear.
    • Action: Politely decline and seek out a reputable brick-and-mortar shop.
  2. Unbelievably Low Estimates:
    • Red Flag: An estimate that is significantly lower than others you’ve received.
    • Why it’s a scam risk: Scammers may offer a lowball price to get your business, then either do shoddy work, add hidden fees, or demand more money once the car is disassembled.
    • Action: Get multiple estimates (at least 3) from different reputable shops. Compare not just the total price, but also the detailed breakdown of the work and parts.
  3. Pressure Tactics:
    • Red Flag: The technician or shop pressures you to sign a contract immediately, claims your car is unsafe to drive, or offers a “today-only” deep discount.
    • Why it’s a scam risk: Reputable businesses understand you need time to make an informed decision. High-pressure sales tactics are often a sign of someone trying to rush you into a bad deal.
    • Action: Take your time. Don’t feel obligated to commit on the spot.
  4. No Physical Location or Business Information:
    • Red Flag: The “technician” works out of a personal vehicle, doesn’t have a recognizable shop, or is vague about their business name, address, or contact information.
    • Why it’s a scam risk: This makes it impossible to follow up if there are issues with the repair or if they disappear.
    • Action: Choose a shop with a physical address, a good online presence, and clear contact information.
  5. Demanding Full Payment Upfront (Especially Cash):
    • Red Flag: They insist on full payment in cash before any work begins.
    • Why it’s a scam risk: While some legitimate shops might require a deposit, demanding full payment upfront, especially in cash, without a detailed contract or receipt, is a major red flag.
    • Action: Be cautious. Pay with a traceable method (credit card, check) and ensure you get a detailed, written invoice and contract.

What does Bad PDR look like?

These are ACTUAL photos we took of customers vehicles after becoming the victim of bad PDR.

Car hood with circled hail dents before repair.
Severe BAD PDR example - dimples in paint.
Close up of severe BAD PDR example - dimples in paint.
Close up of severe BAD PDR example - dimples in paint.
Close up of severe BAD PDR example - dimples in paint on car roof.

Before you commit, take action:

Research and vet every PDR shop in Austin to protect your wallet and your vehicle, or…

Schedule Your Hail Repair With Superior Dent Solutions

  • We have over 25 years of combined experience repairing hail damaged cars in Austin, TX.
  • We have hundreds of 5-Star reviews on Google.
  • Every auto hail repair comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
  • We are locally owned & operated paintless dent repair shop located in Liberty Hill, TX.

Trust your vehicle with the auto hail repair experts at Superior Dent Solutions. You can schedule your FREE INSPECTION by calling us at 512-430-5855 or get your vehicle scheduled for repairs using our online form.