Originally Posted by phil47

For minor damage like that, I really struggle with having entire panels painted. I prefer to have as much of the original finish as possible.

On a few occasions I have asked my insurance company to approve a 2-step approach. Go to a reputable shop and attempt to have the ding fixed and the paint blended into the rest of the panel. If *I* am not satisfied with the results, I can ask to have the whole panel repainted. The insurance company agreed as the additional cost of this approach (if this went to both steps) was negligable and the potential for them to save the cost of full repair (and ultimately the cost to me in premiums) was worth it. In one case I was extremely satisfied and stuck with the small repair, in another case I had the whole panel painted.