Retailers are missing out on a major revenue stream by not offering so-called “smart” repairs, according to a new survey. Despite using paintless dent removal techniques on their own stock to boost values, 41.5% of dealerships do not offer drivers the service in their aftersales departments, says the report.

In total, 96% of dealers regularly use the service and 14% say removing dents increases the value of used cars by more than 20%. Conducted by smart repairer Dent Wizard, the survey covers 82 retailers ranging from large franchised and multi-marque groups to independents.

Quintin Cornforth, Dent Wizard UK managing director, says: “Dealers know that using small to medium area repair techniques will maximise the resale value of any used vehicle to a point of profitability beyond the cost of use. But we have some work to do to convince them it is in their interest to offer the service to customers who bring their cars in for routine servicing.”

Research with fleets reveals 80% of decision-makers say they would welcome a dent removal service from dealerships when a vehicle was in for routine maintenance.

A repair that would cost £600 in a conventional bodyshop can be converted into a £300 job, Cornforth claims, because smart repairs are quicker as fewer parts are replaced. Some insurance-approved body-shops are losing work to smart specialists because of lower overheads.