Paintless dent repair usually costs between $75 and $450 per dent, depending on the size, depth, and location of the damage. Small dents are often under $150, while larger or more complex dents can be $250-$450 or more. Compared to traditional body shop repairs, which can range from $500 to $1,500, PDR is often a faster and more affordable solution.
When your car gets a dent from a shopping cart, hail, or another vehicle, it’s frustrating. The first thing most people ask is how much it will cost to fix. Paintless dent repair (PDR) has become a popular option because it removes dents without sanding, filling, or repainting. In this article, we’ll cover the average costs, what affects the price, when it’s worth it, and how to decide if PDR is the right repair choice for your vehicle.
Table of Contents
What Is Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless dent repair, also called PDR, is a method of fixing dents without sanding, filling, or repainting the damaged area. Instead, trained technicians use special tools to carefully massage the dent back into place from behind the panel.
The biggest benefit of PDR is that your car’s factory paint stays untouched. That means no mismatched colors, no worries about paint fading differently over time, and usually a lower cost compared to traditional body shop repairs.
Average Cost of Paintless Dent Repair
The cost of PDR depends on the size, depth, and location of the dent. Here’s a general breakdown many car owners can expect:
- Small dents (1 inch or less): $75 – $150 per dent
- Medium dents (1-3 inches): $150 – $250
- Large dents (over 3 inches): $250 – $450 or more
- Hail damage (multiple dents): $500 – $1,500+ depending on severity
In most cases, a single small dent can be repaired for under $200, making it an affordable choice compared to traditional repairs, which can range from $500 to $1,000 or more when repainting is needed.
Factors That Affect the Cost of PDR
Not all dents are the same, and several details can change the price of your repair. Here are the most common factors:
1. Size of the Dent
A small door ding is quick to fix, while a large, deep dent requires more time and skill. Bigger dents usually cost more.
2. Location of the Dent
Dents on flat panels like doors or hoods are easier to reach. If the dent is on an edge, near a crease, or in a tight spot, it will take more effort and increase the cost.
3. Number of Dents
Repairing one small dent is affordable, but multiple dents like from hail add up quickly. Some shops may offer discounts for repairing several dents at once.
4. Vehicle Type
Luxury vehicles or cars with aluminum panels can cost more to repair since they require extra care and special tools.
5. Accessibility
If the dent is behind a brace, near wiring, or in a difficult-to-reach area, the repair takes longer, which can increase the cost.
When Is Paintless Dent Repair Worth It?
PDR is usually worth the investment if your car has dents but no paint damage. Here’s when it makes the most sense:
- For resale value: Keeping your car dent-free helps you get more money when selling or trading it in.
- For appearance: Even small dents make a car look old. PDR restores a smooth, clean surface.
- For cost savings: It’s usually cheaper than traditional body work.
- For speed: Many repairs are completed the same day.
However, if the paint is chipped, scratched, or cracked, you may need traditional repair methods instead.
Paintless Dent Repair vs. Traditional Body Repair
To better understand the value of PDR, it helps to compare it with standard dent repair:
| Feature | Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) | Traditional Body Repair |
| Cost | $75 – $450 per dent | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Time | Same day or 1-2 days | 3-7 days |
| Paint | Keeps original paint | Requires repainting |
| Resale value | Maintains factory finish | Risk of mismatched paint |
| Best for | Small to medium dents with no paint damage | Large dents, deep scratches, or paint damage |
Can Insurance Cover Paintless Dent Repair?
In many cases, yes. If your car has hail damage or dents caused by an accident, your insurance may cover the cost of PDR. Comprehensive coverage usually includes hail, vandalism, or falling objects, while collision coverage applies if another car caused the damage.
Always check your policy and talk with your repair shop to see if they can work with your insurance company.
How to Save Money on Paintless Dent Repair
Here are a few tips to keep your repair costs lower:
- Repair dents early: Small dents are cheaper to fix. If left alone, they can worsen over time.
- Compare quotes: Call a few local repair shops and ask for estimates.
- Bundle repairs: If you have more than one dent, ask about discounts for multiple repairs.
- Use insurance: For major damage like hail, let your insurance cover it.
Final Thoughts
So, what does paintless dent repair cost? For most small dents, you can expect to pay between $75 and $250, while larger or more complex dents may run closer to $450 or more. Compared to traditional body shop work, PDR is often faster, more affordable, and better at keeping your car looking like new.
If you want to maintain your car’s value and appearance without spending thousands, paintless dent repair is one of the best options available. Getting an estimate from a trusted local repair shop will give you the clearest idea of your exact cost.
FAQs
How much does paintless dent repair usually cost?
Paintless dent repair usually costs between $75 and $450 per dent. Small dents are often under $150, medium dents can be $150–$250, and larger or more complex dents may cost up to $450 or more.
Is paintless dent repair cheaper than a body shop?
Yes, in most cases paintless dent repair is cheaper than traditional body shop work. A body shop may charge $500 to $1,500 or more because they need to sand, fill, and repaint. PDR avoids repainting, which keeps costs lower.
Can paintless dent repair fix big dents?
Paintless dent repair works best for small to medium dents where the paint is not cracked. Very large dents or sharp creases may still need traditional repair methods.
Does insurance cover paintless dent repair?
Yes, insurance often covers PDR, especially for hail damage, falling objects, or dents caused by accidents. Comprehensive coverage usually applies, but you should check your policy to be sure.
How long does paintless dent repair take?
Most paintless dent repairs can be finished in a few hours or the same day. Larger dents or multiple dents from hail may take one to two days.
Does paintless dent repair damage the paint?
No, PDR does not damage your paint. In fact, the biggest benefit of PDR is that it preserves the original factory paint, which helps maintain your car’s value.
Is paintless dent repair worth it?
Yes, PDR is worth it for most dents because it’s faster, less expensive, and keeps your car’s original paint intact. It’s especially smart if you plan to sell or trade in your car, since dents lower resale value.
Can aluminum panels be repaired with PDR?
Yes, dents in aluminum panels can often be repaired with PDR, but it can take more time and may cost a little more because aluminum is harder to work with than steel.
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