French drivers are increasingly choosing not to repair minor car damage, such as dents, bumper cracks, or light scratches, due to rising repair costs. Auto repair expenses have gone up by 4% in the past year, making garage visits less appealing for small issues. A survey by OpinionWay for insurance company Direct Assurance found that nearly a fifth of drivers ignore minor damage entirely, while over two-thirds try to fix it themselves. Less than 20% turn to professional mechanics for these small problems. This trend has raised some concerns. More than half of French drivers worry about driving a car with visible damage, and nearly 40% admit they feel uncertain about the safety of their self-repaired vehicles. Additionally, over half of these minor incidents are not reported to insurance companies. Experts recommend checking with insurance providers first to understand coverage and any potential deductibles before deciding on a repair method. For minor dents that don’t involve paint damage, paintless dent repair (PDR) is a popular and cost-effective solution. This technique uses specialized tools to reshape the metal from the inside, restoring the car's appearance without repainting. It typically costs about half as much as traditional bodywork. When replacing parts that don’t affect safety, such as plastic bumpers or trim, using used parts can significantly cut costs. Drivers can find the right part by entering their vehicle’s license plate on online platforms like Ovoko or Careco, or by visiting salvage yards. This approach can reduce repair costs by up to 70%, offering a more affordable alternative to buying new parts.