If extensive damage has been sustained, the body should be checked for deformation of load-bearing elements, otherwise this may affect the handling characteristics of the vehicle and accelerate the wear of its other components.
Since all major body components (such as the hood, fenders, etc.) are separate units, then if any of them is seriously damaged, it is preferable to replace them rather than repair them.
Sometimes replacement body components can be found at scrap yards that specialize in used car parts, often at significantly lower prices than new parts.