Hidden damage: what can the calculator not see?
For visible damage that is selected correctly, the Pres calculator is on average about 90% accurate in our practical experience. Its main limitation is damage that is not visible or not entered, such as broken brackets, sensors, wiring and inner structures behind a bumper or body panel.
- Around 90% accurate on average
- Overview per part
- Specialist photo review
A concrete calculation in one minute
- With complete and correct input, the calculated price is on average about 90% aligned with the final repair price in our practical experience.
- Every selected part and repair action directly affects the amount.
- Photos allow a specialist to verify that the input matches the visible damage.
- The largest differences arise from omitted damage, a damage level selected too low or hidden technical damage.
What is hidden damage?
Hidden damage is damage that cannot be fully seen without removing a part, taking off a cover or performing a technical check. The outer skin may spring back while brackets or structural parts absorb the impact.
Clips and brackets
A bumper may look acceptable but no longer be securely mounted.
Inner panels
An outer dent may also deform the structure behind the visible skin.
Sensors and wiring
Parking sensors, radar, cameras or wiring can be affected.
Technical components
Lighting, cooling, suspension or steering can be damaged without major paint damage.
Clues to mention in the calculator request
- A bumper corner or trim part is loose or pops out.
- Panel gaps are uneven or a door closes differently.
- A parking, radar, airbag or lighting warning appears.
- You hear a rattle, rubbing sound or wind noise that was not present before.
- The steering wheel is off-centre, the vehicle pulls or a wheel looks misaligned.
- Fluid is leaking or a part is hanging loose.
Photograph or describe these symptoms. Do not select only the visible scratch when there are functional problems as well.
Common examples
| Visible damage | Possible hidden damage | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Small bumper dent | Broken guides, absorber or reinforcement | Photograph connections and dismantle if required |
| Dent at the edge of a door | Inner frame, hinge or latch-area damage | Check closing, gaps and the inner edge |
| Scratch around a parking sensor | Damaged sensor holder or wiring | Report warnings and inspect the sensor area |
| Impact near a wheel or wing | Suspension, alignment or wheel-arch liner damage | Do not rely only on online assessment if driving behaviour changes |
Where is the calculator’s limit?
The calculator can organise visible repair work and show an initial figure. It cannot feel whether a clip has torn, measure wheel alignment or determine automatically whether a radar sensor requires calibration.
This is why specialist review is part of the process. An unusual gap, warning or symptom in your description may lead to a physical inspection first.
What happens during dismantling?
Outer parts are removed to inspect mountings, inner structures and adjacent components. If additional damage becomes visible, Pres explains what is required and how it affects the quotation.
Stop when there are safety symptoms
Do not continue using the vehicle based only on the online calculation if steering, suspension, airbags, lighting or leakage may be affected.
How to identify hidden damage sooner
Photograph connectionsCapture gaps, edges and mounting points around the damage.
Report warnings and changesDescribe messages, noises and altered driving behaviour.
Select adjacent damageInclude parts that have shifted, scratched or deformed.
Request specialist reviewHave the photos and repair route checked before relying on a final figure.
Frequently asked questions
Can minor outer damage hide major damage?
Yes. The size of the visible mark does not always show how much force was absorbed by mountings or components behind it.
Can the calculator detect a broken parking sensor?
Only if you report a warning or the damage is visible in the photos. Technical diagnosis may still be required.
Is hidden damage always found only in the workshop?
Not always. Good photos and clear symptoms may provide clues, but some damage is only visible after dismantling.
Does the quotation automatically change when hidden damage is found?
Additional work must be assessed and explained. The final approach is agreed before extra repair work is completed.
Calculate your vehicle damage
Enter the vehicle registration, select the damaged parts and receive a concrete repair calculation with a price for each damaged part. Add photos when you want the calculation reviewed by a specialist.
With complete and correct input, the calculated price is on average about 90% aligned with the final repair price in our practical experience. The amount may change when damage was omitted, classified incorrectly or only becomes visible after dismantling.