How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair Cost?

Last Updated on February 18, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

PDR offers a fast, affordable, and effective solution for minor auto body damage, eliminating dents while keeping the original factory paint intact. Because it doesn’t require sanding, fillers, or repainting, it saves time and money compared to traditional dent repair methods.

When performed by an experienced technician, PDR can make dents and dings virtually invisible, restoring your car’s appearance and value.

How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair Cost?

The cost of PDR can vary considerably based on the type of damage, number of dents, vehicle make and model, and who performs the repair. However, some general price ranges exist:

• Minor dents (1 inch or less): $50 to $150 per dent
• Medium dents (1 to 3 inches): $150 to $350 per dent
• Large dents or hail damage: $400 to $1,000 per panel
• Multiple minor dents (3+): $300 to $600
• Full car PDR service (all panels): $1,000 to $3,000

For many minor dings and dents, paintless dent repair prices typically range from $75 to $250 per dent. More extensive repairs for hail damage or body panels with multiple dents may cost $500 to $1,500 per panel.

High-end luxury or classic vehicles may be at the upper end of these ranges.

According to CoPilot Search, the cost of paintless dent repair can range from $50 to $500 depending on the size, location, and severity of the damage. On average, expect to pay around $150 to $250.

StormWise Hail Repair writes that the average cost of a full paintless dent repair for hail damage ranges from $2,511 to $16,875, or about $50 to $150 per dent.

Oversized dents may cost an extra $40 per dent, and a 25% markup is usually applied for cars with panels made out of high-strength steel or aluminum.

Dent Repair Now says that the cost of paintless dent repair starts at $165 and varies depending on the size, location, and depth of the damage.

For example, a 1-inch dent with no bodyline and open access may cost around $165, while a medium-sized dent of 5-7 inches may cost between $385 to $495.

At Dent Away, most dent repairs may cost between $125 to $175 for a dime to a quarter-sized dent.

Factors Affecting Paintless Dent Repair Costs

Several key factors influence the overall price of paintless dent removal:

• Size of the dent: Larger dents take more time, effort, and skill to repair, increasing costs.
• Number of dents: Repairing multiple dents on the same panel or car is usually cheaper than addressing each one individually.
• Location of the dent: Dents on more complex body lines or concave panels are harder to access and repair.
• Type of vehicle: Luxury models or vehicles with expensive paint jobs have higher PDR costs.
• Extent of damage: Deep creases, sharp folds, or paint cracks add complexity and expense.
• Type of panel: Dents on flat, broad panels like doors and hoods are easier to fix than dents on body lines and edges.
• Paint condition: Existing paint chips, scratches, or fading can limit PDR effectiveness and increase costs.
• DIY or professional: Hiring an experienced PDR tech costs more but typically yields superior results.

DIY Paintless Dent Repair Considerations

With the right tools and skills, minor PDR may be possible as a DIY project. Dent pullers, rods, and glue tabs can be purchased online or from auto parts stores for $40 to $150. However, the learning curve is steep, and you risk further damaging the vehicle if not done properly.

DIY paintless dent repair costs $50 to $250 for tools, though professional services often provide better value for repairing anything beyond a very minor dent. Attempting larger dents or complex body panels without proper training is not advised.

Choosing a Professional PDR Service

To ensure high-quality paintless dent repair and avoid the risks of DIY attempts, a professional PDR tech is recommended. Here are tips for choosing the right PDR service:

• Check reviews and ratings online for local PDR specialists. Look for consistently positive feedback.
• Ask about training and certifications. Many technicians earn certification from the Paintless Dent Repair Association.
• Inquire about experience. Choose a provider who has at least 5 years of PDR experience.
• Get an estimate. Reputable shops will assess your vehicle and provide a detailed quote beforehand.
• Consider mobile services. Mobile techs can provide greater convenience and flexibility.
• Ask about warranties. Good PDR work often comes with 1-5 year warranties on completed repairs.

Professional paintless dent repair costs range from $100 to $500 per dent, with an average of around $250 per standard door ding.

Also, read about the cost of Muffler delete, car painting, and Wheel Balancing

Insurance and Paintless Dent Repair

Many auto insurance policies cover PDR under collision or comprehensive coverage, though deductibles apply. To file a PDR claim:

• Review your policy and deductible amount. Make sure PDR is covered.
• Get a repair estimate from a technician to submit to the insurer.
• Pay your deductible upfront, and the insurance company will cover eligible costs.

Insurance typically pays $75 to $150 per minor dent if PDR is covered. With higher deductibles, your out-of-pocket costs increase. Always get repairs done before filing a claim.

Maximizing the Value of Paintless Dent Repair

To ensure you receive cost-effective, quality PDR work that maintains your vehicle’s value, keep these tips in mind:

• Address dents quickly before further corrosion or damage occurs.
• Only use PDR on eligible panels according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Start with paintless repair before resorting to body fillers, repainting, or replacement.
• Accept that severe creases or sharp folds may still require traditional methods.
• Opt for PDR over repainting when possible to retain original factory paint.
• Have a technician properly assess limitations and provide an accurate quote beforehand.

Final Words

While paintless dent repair costs depend on various factors, including dent severity, location, vehicle type, and local labor rates, typical PDR prices range from $75 to $250 per minor ding.

More extensive damage involving hail dents, body lines, or multiple dents may cost between $500 to $1,500 per panel to repair.

Carefully inspecting all dents and getting quotes from experienced, certified PDR techs is advised before settling on repair pricing.

When performed correctly on eligible vehicles, paintless dent repair can effectively remove unsightly dents for a fraction of the cost of traditional body work. For minor dings, small hail damage, and surface blemishes that haven’t cracked the paint, PDR delivers excellent value, quality, and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does paintless dent removal really work?

Yes, when performed by a skilled technician, paintless dent removal is an incredibly effective method for repairing minor dents and dings on a vehicle’s exterior panels.

The main benefit of PDR is that it massages out dents without damaging the original factory paint, using specialized tools to flex and manipulate the metal from behind the panel.

For many minor dents under 2 inches that have not creased or cracked the paint, PDR can make them virtually invisible, restoring the car’s appearance and value.

An experienced PDR tech has an expert eye for determining if a dent is feasible for paintless repair based on its severity, location, and the vehicle’s construction. In most cases, PDR provides a fast, affordable repair, taking just 1-3 hours for an average door ding.

Can dents come back after PDR?

It’s uncommon for a dent to reappear after paintless dent repair when performed correctly by an experienced PDR technician. Using plastic and metal rods and tools, a good PDR tech will massage out the dent wholly and permanently, flexing the metal back to its original form.

As long as the paint and integrity of the panel has not been compromised, the dent should not resettle or pop back out. Most PDR specialists will provide a 1-5 year warranty against dents returning.

Poor quality repairs are more prone to dents reappearing over time. This highlights the importance of choosing a reputable PDR pro who has the proper training, tools, and expertise.

What are the risks of paintless dent repair?

The risks involved with paintless dent repair are relatively low, especially when performed by a certified professional. However, incorrectly done PDR may cause additional damage like paint cracking or warping if a panel is pushed beyond its flex limits.

Large or sharp dents with creases are also more likely to crack the paint during PDR. Attempting DIY PDR without proper training heightens risks of marring paint, damaging the vehicle further, or not fully removing dents.

Any time extensive force is applied behind body panels, some risk is involved. This is why a professional assessment and quote upfront are so important, to determine if PDR is feasible for a given dent. For many minor dings and dings though, an experienced PDR tech will safely remove them without issues.