At Scotty’s Body Shop, we specialize in minor auto body repair for foreign and domestic vehicles.

From car dent repair and scratch repair to light accident damage, our experienced team delivers fast, high-quality service that restores your vehicle’s appearance and gets you back on the road quickly.

Why Choose Scotty’s Body Shop for Auto Collision Repair?

Feature Scotty’s Body Shop Typical Shop
Free Estimates ✅ Yes ❌ Not always
Lifetime Guarantee ✅ Included ⚠️ Limited or none
Local Pickup/Delivery ✅ Available ❌ Rare
Fast Turnaround (1–3 days) ✅ Most jobs ⚠️ 3–5+ days
Insurance Assistance ✅ Full coordination ⚠️ Client handles claim

As a locally owned auto body shop serving Des Moines, Scotty’s Body Shop makes minor auto body repair simple and stress-free.

We handle insurance coordination for you and focus on repairs that are done right the first time.

Our I-CAR-trained technicians repair dents, scratches, bumper scuffs, and paint damage using computerized color matching.

Every repair is backed by our Lifetime Guarantee, so you can drive away with confidence.

Minor Auto Body Repair Services

  • Scratch Repair / Car Scratch Repair

  • Minor Dent Repair / Car Dent Repair

  • Chipped Paint Repair

  • Plastic Bumper Repair

  • Fiberglass Repair

  • Computerized Paint Matching

  • Insurance Claims Assistance

  • and more…



Additional Perks You’ll Appreciate

* Complete vehicle cleanup after repairs (vacuum, wash and clean)
* Vehicle pick-up and delivery available

Minor Damage Does Not Have to Be Permanent

Small dents, scratches, and chipped paint can be frustrating to see, but they are often easier to fix than you might expect.

If you need car scratch repair or dent repair in Des Moines, Scotty’s Body Shop provides minor auto body repair that fits your schedule and restores your vehicle’s appearance.

If you are looking for minor auto body repair near Des Moines, we are here to help. Contact us for a free estimate and clear next steps.

Minor Auto Body Repair

Frequently Asked Questions About Minor Auto Body Repair in Des Moines

Minor auto body repair refers to cosmetic damage that affects your vehicle’s appearance but not its structural integrity or safety systems.

These repairs are common after parking lot incidents, minor accidents, or everyday wear.

Minor auto body repair typically includes:

  • Small dents and dings
  • Surface scratches and scuffs
  • Chipped or peeling paint
  • Light bumper damage
  • Minor panel imperfections

At Scotty’s Body Shop, our I-CAR certified team in Des Moines specializes in restoring this type of damage efficiently, with every repair backed by a Lifetime Guarantee.

The cost to fix a small car dent in Des Moines typically ranges from $70 to $200. The final cost is based on a few key details, such as:

  • The size and depth of the dent
  • The location of the damage on the vehicle
  • Whether paint repair is required
  • The type of panel or material involved

Scotty’s Body Shop offers free estimates in person or online so you know the full cost before repairs begin.

Yes. When performed correctly using professional tools and high-quality materials, car scratch repair is designed to last permanently.

A long-lasting scratch repair includes:

  • Proper surface preparation
  • Computerized paint color matching
  • Durable PPG automotive paint
  • Professional clear coat application

Every scratch repair at Scotty’s Body Shop is covered by our Lifetime Guarantee for as long as you own the vehicle.

Most minor auto body repairs are completed within 1 to 3 business days. The timeline depends on:

  • The extent of the damage
  • Whether paint work is required
  • Parts availability, if needed

To make the process easier, Scotty’s Body Shop offers vehicle pickup and delivery throughout the Des Moines area, helping minimize disruption to your schedule.

In many cases, yes. Small dents or scratches usually do not affect how your vehicle drives, as long as critical components are not damaged.

However, delaying repairs can lead to:

  • Rust development
  • Paint deterioration
  • Worsening damage over time
  • Lower resale or trade-in value

Addressing minor damage early helps protect your vehicle’s appearance and long-term value.

Minor auto body repair focuses on cosmetic damage that does not impact vehicle safety.

Major collision repair involves damage that affects structural or mechanical components.

Minor repairs typically include:

  • Scratches and chipped paint
  • Small dents and dings
  • Bumper scuffs

Major collision repair may involve:

  • Frame or structural repairs
  • Airbag deployment
  • Suspension or alignment issues
  • Panel replacement

Scotty’s Body Shop handles both types of repairs and will help you determine the correct solution for your situation.

Yes. We specialize in repairing plastic bumpers and fiberglass panels, which are commonly used on modern vehicles.

Whenever possible, our technicians focus on repairing rather than replacing panels to:

  • Reduce repair costs
  • Shorten repair time
  • Maintain factory fit and finish

Often, yes. Paintless dent repair works well for dents where the original paint remains intact and undamaged.

Paintless dent repair works best for:

  • Small to medium dents
  • Damage caused by hail or door dings
  • Areas with intact factory paint

In many situations, paintless dent repair can be finished quickly, sometimes within a single day, and may qualify for insurance coverage depending on the type of damage.

We use computerized PPG paint-matching technology to replicate your vehicle’s original factory color with precision.

This process ensures:

  • Seamless blending with surrounding paint
  • Consistent color under different lighting
  • A factory-quality finish

All paint repairs are backed by our Lifetime Guarantee for lasting peace of mind.

Yes. All estimates for minor auto body repair are completely free.

You can select the estimate option that is most convenient for you:

  • Visit either of our Des Moines locations
  • Submit photos through our online estimate form

There is no obligation to move forward after receiving an estimate.

Yes. We repair hail dents, storm-related scratches, and other weather-related damage.

Based on how extensive the damage is, the repair approach may involve one or more methods to fully restore your vehicle.

  • Paintless dent repair
  • Traditional dent repair and refinishing
  • Combination repair methods

Free hail damage estimates are available to help you understand your options.

Yes. Scotty’s Body Shop works directly with all major insurance companies.

Our team helps by:

  • Coordinating with your insurance provider
  • Handling required documentation
  • Submitting supplemental claims if hidden damage is found

This helps prevent unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Yes. We offer vehicle pickup and delivery throughout the Des Moines area.

This service is ideal if:

  • You have a busy schedule
  • Your vehicle is not drivable
  • You want a more convenient repair experience

Our technicians are I-CAR certified, which is the collision repair industry’s recognized training standard.

This certification ensures:

  • Repairs meet current safety guidelines
  • Proper repair methods are followed
  • Ongoing training with evolving vehicle technology

Before returning your vehicle, our team completes a final quality and safety review to make sure all repairs meet our standards.

This includes:

  • A detailed safety check
  • Verification of repair accuracy
  • Interior and exterior cleaning

We make sure your vehicle is safe, road-ready, and looks its best when you receive it.

ESTIMATES ARE EASY AND FREE

Stop in today or fill out our easy to use online form.

Vicky Huffey

Picked my car up today they did a awesome job at a fair price, I give them 5 stars , plus it came back clean smell awesome, they went the extra mile, it’s like having a new car. Thank you!!!

Vicky Huffey , Des Moines
Cakelady Biggs

 this place! The staff is so awesome and professional. I’d recommend them everyone!

Cakelady Biggs , Des Moines
She-la Heitman

Scotty’s did a AMAZING job repainting my tri color pearl white car. It wasn’t just any regular paint job. I drove off with my car shining bright like diamonds when the sun hit it…. THAT made me forget all about the fact someone t-boned me weeks prior. Thanks for the awesome paint job & ALWAYS being there when I need you. And the front desk ladies at BOTH locations are SUPER nice & knowledgeable. Bad experience turned good. Thanks!!

#RepeatCustomer #PrincessFenderBender #ItIsNeverMYFault

She-la Heitman , Des Moines
Luanne Hart Hitchcock

We’ve used Scotty’s over the years and can’t say enough great things about their service and the top notch quality work done on our vehicles. Estimates for work are fair and very competitive. When they say the work will be done – it’s done. We won’t use anyone else!

Luanne Hart Hitchcock , Des Moines
Matt Mauro

They really did a great job from not only the repair but working with the insurance company to make it as hands off, stress free as possible. They were done when they said they would be and it the work is perfection. I wouldn’t even bother going anywhere else

Matt Mauro , Des Moines
Mark Doss

Great service before and during the process as the team helped me deal with two separate insurance claims on one vehicle. Finished vehicle looked great!

Mark Doss , Des Moines
Nicole Ripperger-Warrick

Thank you , the staff is very nice and great to work with. Very clean , respectful, I felt very comfortable leaving my car for the repairs. the office lady at the university location. went way above and beyond working with my 3rd party to get everything done. 5 stars!!

Nicole Ripperger-Warrick , Des Moines
Pat McNulty

Highly recommend, great service and done fast. I will only use Scotty’s for any future vehicle repairs.

Pat McNulty , Des Moines
Kim Possible

I wanted to say thank you again. Scotty’s did a great job on my truck. It looks amazing. they were helpful when I had questions and my truck was ready earlier than expected. Bonus!! Wonderful service from a wonderful staff!

Kim Possible , Des Moines
Wendy Gray

The best in town. Fair, honest and affordable. I’ve been a customer since the mid-90s and they always deliver.

Wendy Gray , Des Moines

Other Repair Options We Offer

Not every vehicle issue requires the same type of repair.

Along with minor auto body repair, Scotty’s Body Shop offers additional services to match the level of damage your vehicle has.

If your damage falls outside cosmetic repairs, these options may be a better fit.

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) at Scotty’s Body Shop in Des Moines, IA, showing a technician carefully repairing a small door dent without repainting
Major Auto Collision Repair at Scotty’s Body Shop in Des Moines, IA, showing a technician inspecting front-end collision damage on a vehicle
Minor Auto Body Repair inspection at Scotty’s Body Shop in Des Moines, IA, showing a technician examining door dents and surface scratches

Paintless Dent Removal (PDR)

Paintless Dent Removal is ideal for small dents where the paint surface is still intact. This method reshapes the metal without sanding or repainting, helping preserve your vehicle’s factory finish while reducing repair time and cost.

Discover Paintless Dent Removal Services

Major Auto Collision Repair

Major auto collision repair is recommended when damage affects your vehicle’s structure, safety systems, or overall drivability. This service is designed for more serious accidents that require comprehensive repairs to restore safety and performance.

Learn More About Major Auto Collision Repair