Body and collision
Auto Body Repair: Dents, Scratches, and Panel Damage
Dents, scratches, scuffs, and panel damage need the right repair path. Photos help, but some damage still needs in-person inspection.
Updated 2026-06-09
Not all body damage is the same
A shallow scratch, deep paint damage, cracked bumper cover, dented panel, and bent mounting point can look similar in photos but require different repairs.
The goal is to choose the repair that fits the damage, the vehicle, and the customer's plan for the car.
Photos that help
- A full photo of the side or corner of the vehicle.
- A close-up of the damage in good light.
- Photos from two or three angles.
- A note about whether anything is loose, rubbing, leaking, or warning-light related.
- The vehicle year, make, model, and whether this is private-pay, lease-return, or insurance-related.
When an in-person estimate matters
Some damage is hidden behind trim, bumpers, brackets, liners, and panels. If the panel gap changed, a light is broken, a warning light is on, or something is rubbing, the vehicle likely needs a closer inspection.
Green Auto's body estimate path starts with a call or emailed photos, then the shop follows up with the practical next step.
Want a straight answer for your vehicle?
Call the shop with the year, make, model, and what is happening. We will tell you the practical next step.