paintless dent repair cost
Paintless Dent Repair Cost
Updated:
Paintless dent repair commonly costs $75 to $450 for one or a few small dents, while hail damage or many dents can run $500 to $2,500+. PDR is cheapest when the paint is intact and the dent is reachable from behind.
Typical paintless dent repair cost ranges
| Repair type | Typical range | What changes the quote |
|---|---|---|
| Single small door ding | $75-$175 | Best case: shallow dent, paint intact, easy access. |
| Medium dent or crease | $150-$450 | Creases and body-line dents take more time. |
| Multiple dents | $300-$900 | Often priced by panel or dent count. |
| Hail damage PDR | $500-$2,500+ | Depends on dent count, roof access, and insurance supplements. |
Use these ranges to decide what questions to ask. Final PDR pricing depends on inspection, dent size, dent count, panel access, panel material, and whether the paint is intact.
Why PDR is different from body-shop dent repair
Paintless dent repair reshapes the panel without sanding, filler, primer, or paint. That keeps cost lower, but it only works when paint is intact and the metal or plastic can be accessed.
What raises the PDR quote
Sharp creases, aluminum panels, dents on body lines, roof dents, braces behind the dent, and large hail claims all add time. A mobile PDR technician may quote differently from a collision center.
When PDR is not the right repair
If the paint is cracked, the panel is stretched, or the dent sits on a torn edge, traditional repair and refinishing may be safer than chasing a perfect PDR result.
Compare nearby repair scenarios
Compare this estimate with the dent repair cost estimator when the damage involves nearby panels, paint condition, panel access, or adjacent damage. Dent Repair Cost Estimator.
Compare this estimate with the bumper dent repair cost when the damage involves nearby panels, paint condition, panel access, or adjacent damage. Bumper Dent Repair Cost.
Compare this estimate with the fender repair cost when the damage involves nearby panels, paint condition, panel access, or adjacent damage. Fender Repair Cost.
FAQ
Is paintless dent repair cheaper than body work?
Usually yes. PDR avoids paint and filler, so small dents can be much cheaper than traditional repair.
Can PDR fix hail damage?
Yes, hail repair is one of the main uses for PDR, but the cost depends on the number and location of dents.
How long does paintless dent repair usually take?
A single easy-access dent can take 30 to 90 minutes on site. Hail damage, roof dents, body-line creases, or multiple panels can require half a day or longer.
What makes paintless dent repair more expensive?
Aluminum panels, sharp body-line creases, roof dents, limited rear access, large dents, and many small hail dents are the most common PDR cost drivers.
Should I use insurance for paintless dent repair?
Insurance is most relevant for hail damage or many dents across multiple panels. For one small door ding, out-of-pocket PDR is often simpler than opening a claim.
Are these paintless dent repair cost ranges exact?
No. These are United States planning ranges. A PDR technician must inspect dent size, panel material, access, body lines, and dent count before giving a final quote.