Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center News Blog
Even minor paint damage on your car might seem like a purely cosmetic issue, but ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems. Taking care of paint issues right away is an important part of vehicle maintenance. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car paint repair in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why it’s worth addressing car paint damage as soon as it appears. Prevents Rust Formation Your car’s paint doesn’t just make it look good—it also serves as a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive elements. When that protective layer is compromised, bare metal becomes exposed to rain, salt, and humidity. Over time, this exposure leads to rust, which can spread beneath the surface and cause structural damage. Fixing chips and scratches early helps prevent rust from forming and spreading. Maintains Your Car’s Value Paint damage can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value. Potential buyers often view scratches, chips, and fading paint as signs of neglect, even if the car is mechanically sound. A well-maintained exterior creates a better first impression and helps preserve the market value of your car. Promptly repairing paint flaws keeps your vehicle looking newer for longer. Improves Vehicle Appearance Your car’s exterior is the first thing people notice. Paint damage detracts from its appearance, making even a newer vehicle look worn or uncared for. Whether you're meeting clients or just out running errands, a sleek-looking car helps you make a better impression. Touching up or repainting damaged areas restores your vehicle’s shine. Protects Against Environmental Damage Pollutants like bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt can eat away at unprotected surfaces, making existing paint damage worse. Once your car’s paint has been compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to these environmental threats. Repairing the damage quickly helps shield your vehicle from further harm. Auto Painting & Auto Paint Repair in Pueblo, CO For auto painting services in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our nearby body shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment !
Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your safety, your rights, and your finances. Remaining calm and handling the situation methodically will make the process easier. Here are five important things you should do following a car accident. Check for Injuries/Take Safety Precautions The first and most important step after an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. If the vehicles are in a dangerous location and can be safely moved, relocate them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. If the cars cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and stay in a safe area while waiting for help. Call the Police Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. Having a police report on file is important for insurance claims. When officers arrive, stick to the facts and let the authorities document the scene. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence in determining responsibility. Exchange Information You’ll want to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their contact information as well. It’s also helpful to note the make and model of the other vehicle, the location of the accident, and the time it occurred. This information will be important when filing your insurance claim. Document the Scene Use your phone to take clear photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This documentation helps support your version of events and can make the claims process smoother. Be thorough with your photos and take them from multiple angles. If you can, jot down notes about what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. Notify Your Insurance Company As soon as it’s safe to do so, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide all the information and documentation you’ve gathered, including the police report number if available. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, including how to get an estimate for repairs. But it’s important to remember that you’re the one who gets to decide where the repairs are done. Collision Repair in Pueblo, CO When you need collision repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
When a hailstorm hits, it can leave your car covered in dents and dings that seem like they’ll require major bodywork to repair. However, in many cases, paintless dent repair—also known as PDR—offers an efficient, cost-effective solution. Especially for hail damage, PDR has become a preferred method among professionals and vehicle owners alike. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert PDR in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why paintless dent repair is a great option for fixing hail damage on your car. Preserves Your Car’s Original Paint One of the top advantages of paintless dent repair is that it keeps your car’s factory paint intact. Hail dents often don’t crack the paint, so PDR allows technicians to work the dent out from behind the panel without disturbing the finish. This helps maintain your vehicle’s original appearance. Preserving the factory paint also helps protect your vehicle from corrosion. Saves Time Compared to Traditional Repairs Conventional bodywork can take several days—or sometimes even weeks—especially if repainting or part replacement is involved. In contrast, paintless dent repair is much faster. Since it doesn’t require sanding, fillers, or paint, many hail dents can be repaired in just a few hours or within a day. This is especially beneficial if you rely on your car for daily transportation and need it back quickly after a storm. Costs Less Than Conventional Bodywork Paintless dent repair is typically less expensive than traditional repair methods. Without the need for costly materials like paint and fillers or labor-intensive processes, the overall cost of PDR is reduced. Insurance companies often prefer PDR for hail damage because of the lower expense, and many policies will cover the repair. If you’re paying out of pocket, PDR offers an affordable way to restore your car’s appearance without breaking the bank. Retains Vehicle Value Dents and dings, even if cosmetic, can reduce your car’s resale value. Paintless dent repair helps restore the exterior without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity or finish. Because the original paint is left untouched and no aftermarket parts are involved, the car retains its factory value. Paintless Dent Repair in Pueblo, CO For paintless dent repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our local body shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
Average hail damage repair costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your vehicle, the severity of the storm, and the type of repairs needed. The chart below offers a quick breakdown based on national averages to help you estimate where your vehicle might fall. Average Hail Repair Costs by Severity Not all hail damage is created equal. Repair costs scale quickly based on how many dents your car has—and whether they’re isolated to the roof and hood or spread across the entire body. Most estimates fall into three general severity tiers:
We collected data about experience, certifications, time serving the community, and several other factors to review auto body shops in Pueblo, CO. After narrowing the list down from 20 to just six, we’ve weighted the data according to the metrics that matter the most to vehicle owners in need of major repairs: industry-leading certifications, time in Pueblo and how well the company works with insurance companies to keep repairs covered. Below is a breakdown of the algorithm we used to assess local shops: How We Ranked the Body Shops Car repairs are significant investments, so people with damaged vehicles need to know that they are being taken care of by experts who know how to fix damage caused by the local climate. They also want to ensure that the repairs are, to the extent possible, covered by their insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. The algorithm weights the factors this way: • I-CAR Gold Certified (35 percent) I-CAR is the gold standard for auto body and collision damage repair and requires separate certifications for estimators, structural and non-structural technicians. • Years of Serving Colorado Vehicle Owners (25 percent) When serving Pueblo residents, certifications must be combined with actual time under a lift and performing repairs. We weighted this nearly as heavily because not all experience is equal without the proper training. • Locally Owned and Operated (15 percent) While there is nothing inherently wrong with auto repair centers in Pueblo that are part of larger chains, having ties to the community often results in significant expertise in local conditions that cause damage, like Pueblo’s torrential hail storms. • Insurance Company Relationships (20 percent) Ensuring that thousands of dollars of vehicle repairs will be covered by an insurer is crucial for maintaining affordability for owners when the unexpected happens. • Actual Location (10 percent) While Colorado Springs is just a 45-minute drive, it certainly adds to the hassle of trying to get a car fixed to have it towed all that way even though shops often say they perform repairs in both cities. Top Auto Body Shops in Pueblo, CO
Even minor paint damage on your car might seem like a purely cosmetic issue, but ignoring it can lead to much bigger problems. Taking care of paint issues right away is an important part of vehicle maintenance. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert car paint repair in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why it’s worth addressing car paint damage as soon as it appears. Prevents Rust Formation Your car’s paint doesn’t just make it look good—it also serves as a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive elements. When that protective layer is compromised, bare metal becomes exposed to rain, salt, and humidity. Over time, this exposure leads to rust, which can spread beneath the surface and cause structural damage. Fixing chips and scratches early helps prevent rust from forming and spreading. Maintains Your Car’s Value Paint damage can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value. Potential buyers often view scratches, chips, and fading paint as signs of neglect, even if the car is mechanically sound. A well-maintained exterior creates a better first impression and helps preserve the market value of your car. Promptly repairing paint flaws keeps your vehicle looking newer for longer. Improves Vehicle Appearance Your car’s exterior is the first thing people notice. Paint damage detracts from its appearance, making even a newer vehicle look worn or uncared for. Whether you're meeting clients or just out running errands, a sleek-looking car helps you make a better impression. Touching up or repainting damaged areas restores your vehicle’s shine. Protects Against Environmental Damage Pollutants like bird droppings, tree sap, and road salt can eat away at unprotected surfaces, making existing paint damage worse. Once your car’s paint has been compromised, it becomes more vulnerable to these environmental threats. Repairing the damage quickly helps shield your vehicle from further harm. Auto Painting & Auto Paint Repair in Pueblo, CO For auto painting services in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our nearby body shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment !
Getting into a car accident can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your safety, your rights, and your finances. Remaining calm and handling the situation methodically will make the process easier. Here are five important things you should do following a car accident. Check for Injuries/Take Safety Precautions The first and most important step after an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services right away. If the vehicles are in a dangerous location and can be safely moved, relocate them to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. If the cars cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and stay in a safe area while waiting for help. Call the Police Even if the accident seems minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. Having a police report on file is important for insurance claims. When officers arrive, stick to the facts and let the authorities document the scene. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence in determining responsibility. Exchange Information You’ll want to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers. If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their contact information as well. It’s also helpful to note the make and model of the other vehicle, the location of the accident, and the time it occurred. This information will be important when filing your insurance claim. Document the Scene Use your phone to take clear photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This documentation helps support your version of events and can make the claims process smoother. Be thorough with your photos and take them from multiple angles. If you can, jot down notes about what happened while the details are still fresh in your mind. Notify Your Insurance Company As soon as it’s safe to do so, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide all the information and documentation you’ve gathered, including the police report number if available. Your insurer will guide you through the next steps, including how to get an estimate for repairs. But it’s important to remember that you’re the one who gets to decide where the repairs are done. Collision Repair in Pueblo, CO When you need collision repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
When a hailstorm hits, it can leave your car covered in dents and dings that seem like they’ll require major bodywork to repair. However, in many cases, paintless dent repair—also known as PDR—offers an efficient, cost-effective solution. Especially for hail damage, PDR has become a preferred method among professionals and vehicle owners alike. At Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center, we provide expert PDR in the greater Pueblo, CO area. Here are four reasons why paintless dent repair is a great option for fixing hail damage on your car. Preserves Your Car’s Original Paint One of the top advantages of paintless dent repair is that it keeps your car’s factory paint intact. Hail dents often don’t crack the paint, so PDR allows technicians to work the dent out from behind the panel without disturbing the finish. This helps maintain your vehicle’s original appearance. Preserving the factory paint also helps protect your vehicle from corrosion. Saves Time Compared to Traditional Repairs Conventional bodywork can take several days—or sometimes even weeks—especially if repainting or part replacement is involved. In contrast, paintless dent repair is much faster. Since it doesn’t require sanding, fillers, or paint, many hail dents can be repaired in just a few hours or within a day. This is especially beneficial if you rely on your car for daily transportation and need it back quickly after a storm. Costs Less Than Conventional Bodywork Paintless dent repair is typically less expensive than traditional repair methods. Without the need for costly materials like paint and fillers or labor-intensive processes, the overall cost of PDR is reduced. Insurance companies often prefer PDR for hail damage because of the lower expense, and many policies will cover the repair. If you’re paying out of pocket, PDR offers an affordable way to restore your car’s appearance without breaking the bank. Retains Vehicle Value Dents and dings, even if cosmetic, can reduce your car’s resale value. Paintless dent repair helps restore the exterior without compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity or finish. Because the original paint is left untouched and no aftermarket parts are involved, the car retains its factory value. Paintless Dent Repair in Pueblo, CO For paintless dent repair in Pueblo and the surrounding area, contact Pro-Masters Auto Collision & Hail Center at 719-543-4393 . At our local body shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
Average hail damage repair costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on your vehicle, the severity of the storm, and the type of repairs needed. The chart below offers a quick breakdown based on national averages to help you estimate where your vehicle might fall. Average Hail Repair Costs by Severity Not all hail damage is created equal. Repair costs scale quickly based on how many dents your car has—and whether they’re isolated to the roof and hood or spread across the entire body. Most estimates fall into three general severity tiers:
We collected data about experience, certifications, time serving the community, and several other factors to review auto body shops in Pueblo, CO. After narrowing the list down from 20 to just six, we’ve weighted the data according to the metrics that matter the most to vehicle owners in need of major repairs: industry-leading certifications, time in Pueblo and how well the company works with insurance companies to keep repairs covered. Below is a breakdown of the algorithm we used to assess local shops: How We Ranked the Body Shops Car repairs are significant investments, so people with damaged vehicles need to know that they are being taken care of by experts who know how to fix damage caused by the local climate. They also want to ensure that the repairs are, to the extent possible, covered by their insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. The algorithm weights the factors this way: • I-CAR Gold Certified (35 percent) I-CAR is the gold standard for auto body and collision damage repair and requires separate certifications for estimators, structural and non-structural technicians. • Years of Serving Colorado Vehicle Owners (25 percent) When serving Pueblo residents, certifications must be combined with actual time under a lift and performing repairs. We weighted this nearly as heavily because not all experience is equal without the proper training. • Locally Owned and Operated (15 percent) While there is nothing inherently wrong with auto repair centers in Pueblo that are part of larger chains, having ties to the community often results in significant expertise in local conditions that cause damage, like Pueblo’s torrential hail storms. • Insurance Company Relationships (20 percent) Ensuring that thousands of dollars of vehicle repairs will be covered by an insurer is crucial for maintaining affordability for owners when the unexpected happens. • Actual Location (10 percent) While Colorado Springs is just a 45-minute drive, it certainly adds to the hassle of trying to get a car fixed to have it towed all that way even though shops often say they perform repairs in both cities. Top Auto Body Shops in Pueblo, CO
Auto collisions are an unfortunate reality for many drivers in Pueblo, CO. Whether due to icy winter roads, distracted driving, or crowded city streets, accidents can leave vehicles with significant damage, presenting both logistical and financial challenges. Knowing how to navigate collision repair and work with your car insurance provider is crucial to minimize out-of-pocket expenses and ensure your car is restored to its original condition. Dangerous Intersections in Pueblo Nearly any off-ramp coming from I-25 can be an adventure. Pueblo Boulevard and its many high-traffic intersections also top the ranks of the city’s most dangerous places to operate a vehicle. Other key intersections that often find themselves listed in accident reports for vehicles that end up at Pro-Master Auto Collision include: Highway 50 and Elizabeth Street : More than three dozen collisions occurred here alone, with the predominant crash modality being a rear-end hit. Highway 47 and Dillon Drive : Another site of rear-end collisions, this is similarly an area where high-speed traffic and heavy cross-flows for large businesses mean increased risks for Pueblo motorists. Highway 50 and Manor Drive : Similarly to the Elizabeth Street intersection, this spot is another area where motorists can find it hard to manage the significant speed differentials, leading to a large number of rear-end collisions. Understanding Collision Damage and Repair Basics of Collision Damage Collisions can cause damage ranging from minor dents and scrapes to major structural issues. Depending on the speed and type of impact, common forms of collision damage include: Cosmetic Damage : Scratches, chipped paint, and minor dents. Frame Damage : Misalignment or bending of the vehicle’s structural components. Mechanical Damage : Impact can lead to issues with the drivetrain, suspension, or engine. Glass Damage : Broken or cracked windows and windshields are common in high-impact collisions. For drivers in Pueblo, where sun exposure and semi-arid conditions can exacerbate damage, prompt repairs are essential to prevent rust, paint fading, and long-term mechanical issues. Choosing the Right Collision Repair Method The extent and type of damage will determine the repair approach. Common methods include: Body Panel Replacement: For severely damaged panels, replacement ensures the integrity of the vehicle. Paint Repair and Refinishing : Fixes scratches and restores the original factory color. Frame Realignment : Advanced tools like laser alignment are used to restore a vehicle’s structural integrity. Glass Repair or Replacement : Specialized adhesives and techniques ensure a safe and seamless windshield or window repair. When it comes to collision repair methods, changes in automotive manufacturing over the past five to 10 years require specialized techniques, especially with the increased use of aluminum and other lightweight materials to save weight and improve efficiency. Be sure to look for an auto body shop in Pueblo that has the latest in industry-leading certifications like ICAR-Gold to ensure that they can effectively repair damage on modern vehicles. Collision Insurance Basics State Requirements While liability insurance is required in Colorado, collision coverage is optional. However, it is typically required by lenders if you have an auto loan or lease. Coverage Details Collision insurance covers damage to your car resulting from: Crashes with another vehicle. Single-car accidents (e.g., hitting a tree or guardrail). Collisions with objects (e.g., poles, curbs). Deductibles and Payouts Policyholders must pay a deductible (often $250-$1,000) before their insurance kicks in. Afterward, the insurer covers the remaining repair costs up to the policy’s limit. Collision coverage is a critical component of auto insurance policies that pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of fault. Here’s what you need to know: Steps to File a Claim After an Accident Navigating the claims process can feel overwhelming, especially after a stressful collision. Following these steps can simplify the process: Document the Damage with Photos/Videos After ensuring your safety, take clear photos or videos of the damage to your vehicle, the scene of the accident, and any contributing factors (e.g., weather conditions, road signs). While most drivers in multi-vehicle accidents exchange insurance information to speed up the process, be sure not to admit any potential wrongdoing. Notify Your Insurance Provider File a claim as soon as possible. Provide the necessary details, including photos, the accident report (if applicable), and any other relevant documents. If you are aware of the investigating law enforcement agency, an accident report can be extremely helpful at this stage. Meet with an Adjuster If you’re using an out-of-network repair shop, schedule a visit with an adjuster who will assess the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. Keep in mind that you do not have to accept this initial estimate. Choose a Collision Repair Shop Consider working with a preferred repair shop like Pro-Masters in Pueblo, which can simplify the claims process. Preferred shops often coordinate directly with insurers and provide warranties for their work. They may also keep you from having to schedule an appointment with an adjuster, or handle it themselves. Tips for Maximizing Your Insurance Claim Understand Your Policy: Know what is covered under your collision policy, including any exclusions or limitations. Negotiate Repair Costs: If the initial estimate from your insurer seems low, you can request a review or submit quotes from other repair shops. Leverage Preferred Shops: Insurers often work closely with preferred repair shops to streamline repairs and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Cost of Collision Repairs in Pueblo, CO Repair costs after a collision vary widely depending on the extent of the damage, the vehicle’s make and model, and the materials used. Below are general price ranges for common repairs: Minor Dent and Scratch : $200 – $500 Major Body Panel Damage : $1,000 – $5,000 Frame Realignment : $500 – $1,200 Glass Replacement : $150 – $400 for windshields Paint and Refinishing : $1,000 – $4,000 for full vehicle resprays While the initial estimates may seem steep, collision insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn More About Collision Insurance and Repairs at Pro-Masters Pro-Masters Auto Collision has been serving Pueblo drivers for over 20 years. Our team of ASE- and ICAR-Gold-certified technicians specializes in repairing vehicles to their pre-accident condition while ensuring adherence to insurance and safety standards. As a preferred shop for many insurers, we can help streamline the claims process, provide warranties for repairs, and even assist with rental car arrangements. To learn more about your options or get a free repair estimate, fill out the short form on our website or call us at 719-543-4393 . Let us take the stress out of collision repairs so you can get back on the road with confidence.
