Almost every vehicle brought to a collision repair facility has some type of non-structural damage. A collision repair technician repairs damage to plastic, aluminum, and steel exterior panels. Major damage generally requires part replacement, but minor damage is typically repaired with hand tools and shaped to contour using body filler and sanders. Paintless dent repair (PDR), which is removing damage without using body filler or paint, is another option for repairing minor damage.

Non-structural parts, including trim, may be bolted, clipped, adhesively bonded, riveted, or welded onto the vehicle. To reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness, some vehicle makers use foam fillers between the panels. The headlamps are also aimed before the vehicle is returned to the customer.

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