Straight answers, no fine print.
Your rights, the insurance language, and the questions we get asked the most.
How a collision repair unfolds.
Here is what the process looks like at Dent Magic, end to end, so you know what to expect.
- 1
The accident
Pull off safely, take a few photos if you can, and exchange info. If anyone is hurt or the vehicle is undriveable, call 911 first.
- 2
Choose your shop
Montana law gives you the right to pick the repair facility. If your adjuster suggests a specific shop, you are not required to use it. Reach out to us and we will coordinate the rest with your insurer.
- 3
Drop off (or tow)
Bring the vehicle to 2550 US Hwy 2 East in Kalispell, or give us a call and we will coordinate a tow if needed.
- 4
Initial estimate + tear-down
We document all visible damage and send the estimate to your insurer. Then we disassemble to find anything hidden. New findings are filed as a supplement and approved before we proceed.
- 5
Repair, refinish, calibrate
OEM parts, manufacturer-spec procedures, paint matched to factory finish. On modern vehicles we run ADAS scans and calibrate sensors so the safety systems work the way they left the factory.
- 6
Pickup, keys, warranty
Final inspection, detail, and you drive away with your vehicle restored to factory condition and a lifetime warranty on the repair.
Choose the best.
It's important you know your rights as a customer. You have a legal right to have your vehicle repaired at the repair facility of your choice. Insurance companies often seek to take advantage of your situation by funneling you into their repair networks and their "preferred shop." They may make it seem like this is your only option. It isn't. They do this for one reason... to save themselves money. Unfortunately this money savings for the insurance company comes at a cost to you and how your vehicle is repaired.
Insurance steering is unethical and against the law.
In the event of an auto accident, an insurance company may try to direct or "steer" you toward a specific repair facility. These are shops with whom the insurance company has an established contract with. Insurance companies routinely partner with repair shops to save themselves money. In these arrangements, the repair company saves the insurance provider money by cutting corners on their repairs and/or utilizing lesser quality parts. In return, the insurance companies drive their customers needing repairs to the shops under contract.
The language insurance uses.
- Preferred, Select, or DRP Shop
- These are body shops that have a contractual obligation to an insurance company. This contract guarantees the body shop that a select amount of work will be done for the insurance company in exchange for concessions on how the shop repairs your vehicle.
- Steering
- When an insurance company tries to direct or "steer" you toward a specific repair facility, usually a shop with whom the insurance company has an established contract with.
- OEM Parts
- Parts that were engineered and made by the original manufacturer, with manufacturer specific materials, designs and tolerances.
- Aftermarket Parts
- Vehicle parts intended to imitate the original parts, but are not built by the original manufacturer and vary in engineering, material quality, and design.
- Deductible
- The specified amount of money an insured customer must pay before the insurance company will pay on a claim.
- Supplement
- Additional goods or services charges that were not on the original estimate due to further damage found, parts, or services needed for repair. These are typically filed with the insurance company and require a submission of photos, invoices, and other documentation.
- Claimant
- The person making a claim for loss of damage with an insurance company.
- Third Party Claimant
- A person making a claim for the loss of damage against another responsible party or their insurance.
- Diminished Value
- The value of the vehicle lost by being in an accident.
Frequently asked questions.
Where expertise, integrity, and customer satisfaction converge.
It's easy to assume your insurance has your best interest at heart. It's not always the case. We can help you ensure you have an excellent experience and that your vehicle is well-maintained and restored to its original condition.
Book an appointment.
Schedule a priority slot through our online booking tool.
Call the shop directly.
Mon–Fri, 8:00am to 5:00pm. We are happy to walk you through any claim or repair scenario.
Get a photo estimate.
A few good photos and a description are all we need to start.