How should I plan auto body repair before booking it?

The short answer

The short answer

Start by identifying the damaged panels and deciding whether the work involves dent repair, PDR, paint service, bumper repair, or broader auto body work. Have the damage inspected and measured, then get the repair scope, included services, preparation, exclusions, and booking details in writing before choosing a date.

Decide what you want repaired first

Begin with the visible damage and the result you want. A dent may need dent repair or PDR, while scratched or damaged paint may require paint service. A damaged bumper may need bumper repair, and damage affecting more than one area may fall under general auto body work.

Also decide whether every visible mark is part of the job or whether some areas will remain as they are. Writing down the panels, bumper areas, dents, scratches, and paint damage you want addressed gives the discussion a clear starting point.

Have the affected area inspected and measured

The damage should be checked closely before a repair type is selected. Have the affected panel or bumper identified, along with the approximate size and location of each dent, scrape, crease, or damaged section. Note whether more than one panel is involved.

Measurements should describe the actual repair area rather than only the point of impact. This helps separate a small dent from wider panel damage and makes it clearer how much area may need repair, preparation, or paint service.

Put the repair scope in writing

Before booking, ask for a written description of the work. It should state which panels or bumper sections are included, whether the plan is dent repair, PDR, paint service, bumper repair, or auto body work, and which areas are not included.

The written scope should also explain the preparation and paint work included, how additional damage will be handled if it is found, and what needs to be agreed before work changes. This gives you something specific to review instead of relying on a conversation.

Confirm the booking details

Once the scope is clear, confirm the vehicle, the repair areas, the agreed work, and the date being requested. Ask that any change to the written scope be explained before it is added to the job.

King Collisions provides dent repair, paint service, PDR, bumper repair, and auto body work. The right preparation is to make sure the service being booked matches the damage and the written scope.