How to Actually Use Your Dent & Ding Warranty (Most People Don’t!)

Let’s be honest—most people forget about their dent warranty

the minute they drive off the lot.

It’s one of those add-ons the dealership offered during financing. Maybe you remember the finance manager saying something like, “This covers minor dings and dents for a few years.” And maybe, thinking about tight parking lots or your kids’ car doors, you went ahead and said yes.

Good news: that plan might still be active—and it could fix your dent for free.

What Is a Dent & Ding Warranty?

A dent and ding warranty (sometimes called “PDR coverage” or “cosmetic protection”) is a service plan that covers minor dents without using paint or fillers. These repairs are done using Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)—the same technique we specialize in at Columbia Dent Company.

Most of these plans cover:

• Dents smaller than a credit card
• Damage where the paint is still intact
• Unlimited or a set number of repairs over 3–5 years

What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

✅ Usually Covered:

• Door dings
• Shopping cart dents
• Minor creases
• Roof dents
• Body panels
• 
  

🚫 Usually Not Covered:

• Cracked paint or chipped paint
• Hail damage (repairs—not always covered, but more on that in another post!)
• Large or sharp dents
• Damage on panel edges or bumpers
• Any damage caused by a collision

How Do You Use the Warranty?

It depends on your contract, but here’s what usually happens:

1. Check your glovebox – Find your warranty paperwork or dealership packet.
2. Look for the plan name – Common providers include Dent Zone, CareGard, and Road Vantage.
3. Contact the plan or bring it to us – We’ll help you determine if the dent qualifies.
4. Submit the claim – We can handle photos, forms, and authorization for you.
5. We repair the dent – Once approved, your repair is scheduled and handled by our trained techs.

Easy. And most of the time, it’s no cost to you.

Can I Use My Plan at

Columbia Dent Company?

Often—yes!

Many plans allow what’s called “open network” repair, meaning you’re not stuck going back to the dealership. We’re experienced in working with third-party warranty companies, and we can help walk you through the process.

If your plan does require in-network repairs, we’ll still inspect the damage and give you a professional opinion so you can make an informed decision.

Final Thought:

You Paid for It—Use It

If you financed your car and said yes to a dent protection plan, there’s a good chance it’s still active. Don’t let that money go to waste.

We’ve helped tons of customers:

• Fix annoying dings without paying a dime
• Navigate warranty claims with zero stress
• Keep their cars looking clean and resale-ready
• 
  

📞 Ready to see if your dent is covered?

Stop by Columbia Dent Company or send us a photo of the damage. We’ll take a look and help you unlock the coverage you already paid for.