How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair Typically Cost?

Expect to pay roughly $100–$250 for a single small door ding, $150–$400 for a medium dent, and $300–$700 or more for larger or complex dents; hail-damage repairs are often billed as packages and can run $1,500–$5,000+ through insurance. Prices vary by size, location and complexity of the dent, the panel material, and regional labor rates, but PDR generally costs far less and takes less time than conventional bodywork while preserving original paint.

Typical Price Ranges in the U.S.

The following ranges reflect common retail pricing for professional paintless dent repair (PDR) as of 2025, based on industry surveys and shop quotes across major U.S. markets. Your exact cost will depend on how difficult the dent is to access and the time required to massage the metal without harming the finish.

• Small ding (up to ~1 inch, shallow, easy access): $100–$200
• Medium dent (~1–3 inches, moderate depth): $150–$350
• Large dent (~3–5 inches, deeper or stretched metal): $300–$600
• Extra-large, creased, on a body line, or near panel edges: $400–$1,000+
• Additional dents on the same panel: often $50–$150 each after the first dent
• Aluminum panels or high-strength steel: typically +20% to +40% due to harder metal
• R&I (remove & install) for trim, headliners, or tail lamps to gain access: $50–$150 per component
• Hail repair: $30–$75 per small dent when priced as a package; per-panel totals often $200–$1,000; full-vehicle hail claims commonly $1,500–$5,000+ via insurance

These figures are averages: luxury brands, intricate body contours, double-walled panels, and metro labor markets (e.g., coastal cities) can push prices higher, while mobile techs in lower-cost regions may quote toward the lower end.

What Drives the Price?

PDR pricing is primarily time-based. Technicians assess how long it will take to reach the dent and reshape the metal without cracking paint. The factors below are the biggest levers in an estimate.

• Size and depth: Deeper dents and stretched metal require more time and finesse.
• Location: Dents on body lines, panel edges, roof rails, or behind bracing are harder to access.
• Access and obstructions: Sound-deadening pads, double skins, or sealed sections increase labor, often requiring R&I.
• Panel material: Aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel are tougher to move cleanly.
• Paint condition: Any cracked, chipped, or lifted paint limits PDR and may require conventional repair.
• Number of dents: Technicians often discount additional dents on the same panel or ticket.
• Finish and add-ons: Matte finishes and paint-protection film (PPF) may require removal or specialized handling.
• Vehicle type: Luxury badges and complex panels can increase risk and time; EVs may require battery disconnect procedures for safe R&I.
• Region and shop reputation: Rates vary widely; certified or highly reviewed specialists may command premiums.

In short, anything that complicates tool access or metal movement tends to increase the quote; simple, shallow dings in open areas price at the low end.

How PDR Compares to Conventional Bodywork

Advantages of PDR

For suitable dents, PDR is often the faster, cheaper, and more value-preserving option because it avoids fillers and repainting.

• Preserves factory paint and corrosion protection
• Lower cost than conventional bodywork in most cases
• Faster turnaround (often same day)
• No color-matching issues or blend panels
• Typically maintains higher resale value and avoids Carfax entries when no insurance claim is filed

These benefits make PDR the default recommendation for minor to moderate dents where paint is intact and access is feasible.

When Conventional Repair Wins

If the paint is compromised or the metal is sharply creased and stretched, traditional methods can be more appropriate.

• Cracked, chipped, or missing paint requiring refinishing
• Severe creases or sharp dents that have stretched metal beyond PDR limits
• Previous body filler in the area that prevents clean metal movement
• Structural damage or misaligned panels from collisions

In these situations, body filler, sanding, and repainting may be unavoidable, with costs rising accordingly and longer shop times expected.

Insurance, Hail, and Paying the Bill

For door dings and parking-lot dents below your deductible, most owners pay out of pocket. Hail is often covered under comprehensive insurance, with many carriers steering claims to preferred PDR networks.

• Comprehensive insurance typically covers hail minus your deductible; claims rarely affect liability premiums but check your policy and state rules.
• Insurers may write line-item estimates by dent count and size; reputable PDR shops can supplement if hidden damage is found.
• Ask whether the shop handles R&I and any ADAS-related steps if headliners, sensors, or trim must be removed.
• Mobile PDR is common for small jobs; hail repairs usually happen in-shop due to scale and lighting requirements.

Clear communication with both the shop and insurer helps avoid surprise add-ons for access, aluminum surcharges, or panel removal.

Turnaround Times and Warranties

Most single-dent PDR jobs are completed in one to three hours; larger or complex dents can take half a day. Hail repairs typically require one to three days, depending on dent counts and panel access. Many established PDR providers offer a lifetime warranty for the repaired area for as long as you own the vehicle, covering workmanship (not new damage).

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

A good estimate starts with clear details. Providing the right information helps a technician judge access and difficulty before you arrive.

• Photograph the dent from multiple angles in good light; include a coin or card for scale.
• Note the panel and location (flat area, body line, near an edge, or behind a brace).
• Identify the material if known (aluminum hoods and tailgates are common).
• Ask about R&I charges for trim or headliner removal to reach the dent.
• Confirm any surcharges for aluminum or high-strength steel.
• Request a line-item estimate for multiple dents or panels.
• Ask about warranty terms and whether they are mobile or in-shop only.
• If using insurance (hail), confirm the shop can work with your carrier and handle supplements.

With photos and specifics, many shops can quote a realistic range remotely and firm it up after in-person inspection under PDR lights.

When PDR Isn’t a Good Fit

Not every dent can be corrected with PDR. Watch for the signs below that point to traditional bodywork or a hybrid repair.

• Cracked, chipped, or lifted paint over the dent
• Sharp creases with severely stretched metal
• Previous body filler in the area or thick repaints
• Seam, edge, or double-walled areas with no practical access
• Structural damage or panel deformation from a collision

In these cases, a body shop may recommend conventional repair, sometimes combined with limited PDR to minimize filler and sanding.

Bottom Line

Most single-dent PDR jobs land between $100 and $400, with large or complex repairs reaching $700 or more; hail work is usually packaged and often processed through insurance at $1,500–$5,000+. The exact price hinges on size, location, access, metal type, and regional labor rates. When paint is intact and access is reasonable, PDR remains the fastest, least invasive, and most cost-effective way to restore panels.

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 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 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.

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.