How Much Does Paintless Dent Removal Typically Cost?

In most U.S. markets in 2025, paintless dent removal (PDR) for a small door ding typically costs $100–$200 per dent, with common single-dent jobs ranging $150–$350 depending on size, location, access, and panel material; complex creases or aluminum panels can run $300–$600+, while hail-repair totals often span $750–$6,000 depending on severity and are frequently covered by comprehensive insurance. Below is a detailed look at current price ranges, what drives them, and how to budget for your repair.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

PDR pricing is usually based on dent size, complexity, and access, with surcharges for materials like aluminum and for any trim removal needed to reach the back of the panel. These are realistic ballpark figures seen across reputable shops and mobile technicians in 2025.

• Small “door ding” (up to about 1 inch): $100–$200 per dent
• Medium dent (about 1–2 inches): $150–$350 per dent
• Large shallow dent (about 2–3 inches): $200–$450 per dent
• Complex/crease dents, body-line dents, or hard-to-reach areas: $300–$600+ per dent
• Panel access R&I (remove/install trim, headliner, lamps, etc.): typically +$50–$250
• Mobile service travel fee (if applicable): $0–$50

Most single-dent repairs fall between $150 and $400 before tax. Higher-end or highly complex cases can exceed this, especially when a dent crosses a body line or sits behind reinforcement braces.

Hail Damage Pricing

Hail repairs are commonly estimated with an insurance “matrix” that counts dents by size across each panel. Costs escalate with density and size of dents, and totals often involve multiple panels. Comprehensive insurance typically covers hail, minus your deductible.

• Light hail (a few panels, ~20–50 small dents): roughly $750–$2,500 total
• Moderate hail (several panels, ~50–150 dents): roughly $2,000–$4,500 total
• Severe hail (roof/hood/trunk with larger or numerous dents): $4,000–$6,000+; older vehicles can be declared total losses
• Insurance notes: Comprehensive coverage usually applies; insurers often prefer PDR to avoid repainting, and many include rental coverage during repairs

Because hail estimates depend on exact dent counts and sizes, your final bill can vary widely. Reputable shops will walk you through the matrix and coordinate directly with insurers.

What Drives the Cost

Several factors determine whether your repair lands at the low or high end of the ranges. Understanding these helps you compare quotes and avoid surprises.

• Dent size and depth: Larger or deeper dents demand more time and skill; stretched metal or sharp impacts increase difficulty.
• Location and access: Dents on body lines, near panel edges, or behind braces, roof rails, or double panels cost more to reach and massage.
• Panel material: Aluminum panels often add 25–50% because they’re harder to manipulate; high-strength steel can also increase time.
• Number of dents: Additional dents on the same panel are often discounted 25–50% compared with the first dent.
• R&I labor: Removing headliners, tail lamps, trim, or interior panels adds labor but can improve results and reduce risk.
• Paint condition: If paint is cracked or missing, PDR isn’t suitable; conventional bodywork and repainting may run $500–$1,500+ per panel.
• Geography and reputation: Major cities and highly rated or specialty PDR techs may price 10–30% higher.
• Scanning/calibration: Rare for PDR, but if a bumper or sensor-equipped component is disconnected during access, pre/post scans or ADAS calibrations can add $100–$300+.
• Seasonal demand: Hail season can extend turnaround times and limit appointment availability.

In short, difficulty and access drive labor time, while material and paint condition set the technique limits. Most reputable shops will explain each price driver on your estimate.

Turnaround Times

PDR is typically faster than traditional bodywork because it avoids sanding, filler, and repainting. Here’s what to expect for scheduling and repair duration.

• Single small dent: about 30–90 minutes
• Several dents on one or two panels: about 2–4 hours
• Hail repair across multiple panels: roughly 1–3 days, depending on severity and parts R&I

Many shops offer same-day service for minor dents; hail events may create backlogs, so schedule early if storms are forecast or have recently passed.

Real-World Example Quotes

These illustrative scenarios show how line items add up. Actual quotes will vary by vehicle, access, and market.

1. Single dime-sized door ding on a steel door with easy access: $150 plus tax.
2. Two dents (1″ and 1.5″) on the same door: first dent $175, second at 40% off ($105), door-panel R&I $75; total $355 before tax.
3. 2.5″ dent near a brace on an aluminum hood (pickup/SUV): base $300, aluminum +30% ($90), brace access $80; total $470 before tax.
4. Light hail on a sedan, ~80 small dents across hood, roof, trunk (matrix-based): about $2,900; with a $500 comprehensive deductible, out-of-pocket around $500 if insurer approves PDR.

These totals reflect common 2025 pricing patterns; your vehicle’s panel construction and access points are major variables.

How to Get a Fair Estimate

Transparent pricing and proven technique matter more than the lowest quote. Use these steps to evaluate providers and protect your vehicle’s finish.

• Ask for a size-based matrix or detailed line-item estimate, including R&I and any material surcharges.
• Confirm technician credentials (e.g., I-CAR training, Vale certification, PDRNation) and experience with your vehicle’s make and panel material.
• Verify insurance and a written lifetime warranty against reappearance of the repair.
• Request assessment under proper PDR lighting to confirm paint integrity and feasibility.
• Clarify mobile vs. shop pricing, travel fees, and turnaround time.
• Review before/after photos of similar repairs and check recent customer feedback.

A thorough, lighting-assisted evaluation with a clear matrix-based estimate is the best sign you’ll get both fair pricing and high-quality results.

Bottom Line

Expect to pay about $100–$200 for a small door ding and $150–$350 for many single-dent jobs, with complex or aluminum-panel dents often $300–$600+. Hail repairs are usually insurance claims and can range from $750 to $6,000+ depending on severity. Prices vary by size, access, material, and market—so get a detailed, matrix-based estimate from a reputable PDR specialist.

Summary

Paintless dent removal remains a fast, paint-safe, and cost-effective option in 2025. Typical single-dent costs run $150–$350, small door dings about $100–$200, complex cases $300–$600+, and hail totals $750–$6,000 depending on density. Factors like dent size, location, panel material, and required trim removal drive price; comprehensive insurance often covers hail. Seek a clear, itemized estimate and a technician with strong credentials for the best outcome.

How much does PDR normally cost?

Small dents up to 5cm in width typically cost between £70 and £200, whilst medium dents up to 10cm range from £200 to £300. Larger dents exceeding 10cm generally cost over £400, particularly when located in challenging positions.

How much does paintless door dent repair cost?

From £120+vat
This requires more time than standard dents but still able to achieve flawless repairs. There are many factors affecting damage such as location, depth, restricted panel access, inner bracing, metal material so please ensure to visit our enquiry form so that we can accurately quote you for your repair.

How to do a PDR estimate?

Estimating Hail Damage with a PDR Matrix in 3 Steps

1. You must first determine what panel you are assessing the damage on. Find the panel in the left column of the chart.
2. Next, determine how many dents you found on that panel of the vehicle.
3. Lastly, decide what size the dents are. There are 4 sizes to choose from.

How much should paintless dent repair cost?

As a general guideline, the cost of paintless dent repair can range from $75 to $150 per dent for small to medium-sized dents. Larger or more complex dents may incur higher costs, potentially ranging from $150 to $300 or more.