How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Cost?

PDR for a typical small dent in the United States generally costs about $100–$300 per dent, while more complex dents can run $200–$600, and full-vehicle hail repair commonly ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on severity. Prices vary by dent size and location, vehicle material (steel vs. aluminum), accessibility behind the panel, market rates, and whether hail damage is involved. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you estimate what you’ll likely pay and why.

Typical Price Ranges

The following ranges reflect common retail pricing seen at reputable PDR shops in most U.S. markets as of 2025. Actual quotes can vary by region and shop expertise.

• Small door ding (up to ~1 inch, easy access, no paint damage): $100–$200
• Quarter- to golf-ball–size dent (1–2.5 inches): $150–$350
• Larger or deeper dent (2.5–4 inches): $250–$500
• Bodyline or edge-area dent (more difficult): often 1.5×–2× the standard rate for size
• Aluminum panel surcharge (hoods, some trucks/luxury): typically +10%–20%
• Multiple dents on the same panel: first dent full price, additional dents often 25%–50% off each
• Minor crease dents (no cracked paint): $200–$600+
• Hail damage (localized panel): $150–$400 per panel, depending on dent count and size
• Hail damage (entire vehicle): commonly $1,000–$5,000+, severe cases higher

These ranges assume paint is intact and panels are repairable via PDR. If paint is cracked, metal is severely stretched, or access requires major disassembly, costs can rise or conventional body repair may be recommended.

What Drives the Cost?

PDR pricing is primarily determined by the difficulty and time required to restore the panel without repainting. These factors commonly influence the quote you’ll receive.

• Size and depth: Bigger or deeper dents require more time and precision.
• Location: Dents on bodylines, edges, or double-walled areas are harder to access.
• Accessibility: Interior bracing, sound-deadening, and trim can limit tool access and add removal/reinstall (R&I) labor.
• Panel material: Aluminum is harder to massage than steel and often costs more.
• Paint condition: Any cracking, chips, or previous filler can limit PDR or require touch-up.
• Number of dents: Multiple dents on the same panel may reduce per-dent pricing after the first.
• Technician skill and market: Certified techs and high-cost metros may charge more.
• Mobile vs. in-shop: Mobile convenience can add a small premium; complex jobs may require shop equipment.

Because each dent is unique, reputable shops will assess under proper lighting, check access points, and confirm whether PDR alone can meet your expectations.

Hail Damage Pricing

Hail is often priced using an industry “hail matrix” that accounts for the number of dents per panel and dent sizes (dime, nickel, quarter, etc.). Here’s how that typically translates for consumers.

• Per-panel hail repair: $150–$400 for light hail; higher if dent counts per panel are heavy.
• Whole-vehicle hail repair: $1,000–$3,000 for light-to-moderate hail; $3,000–$5,000+ for heavy storms.
• R&I and add-ons: Headliner, trim, or hood insulation removal adds labor; panoramic roofs or aluminum panels can increase cost.
• Insurance handling: Comprehensive insurance usually covers hail (minus deductible); many shops bill insurers directly.

Severe hail with hundreds of dents, larger diameters, or aluminum-intensive vehicles can exceed the typical ranges, but insurance often absorbs most of the cost beyond your deductible.

Example Estimates

These scenarios illustrate how factors combine to affect your final bill.

• One small door ding on a steel door, easy access: $120–$180, ~45–90 minutes.
• Two quarter-sized dents on the same door: $200–$300 total (first dent full price, second discounted).
• Three-inch dent on a hood bodyline, steel: $300–$500 due to bodyline difficulty.
• Similar dent on an aluminum hood: $350–$600 with aluminum surcharge.
• Light hail (50–100 small dents across several panels): $1,500–$3,000; 1–2 days.
• Luxury vehicle surcharge: Often +10%–20% for materials, access, and trim complexity.

Your specifics may differ; photos help, but in-person evaluation remains the most accurate way to confirm price and feasibility.

Typical Timeframes

Most single-dent PDR jobs take 30–120 minutes. Moderate multi-dent repair can run half a day. Hail repair is typically 1–3 days depending on severity, part removal, and whether insurance inspections are required.

Insurance, Deductibles, and Payment

For hail and some larger dents, comprehensive insurance usually applies, subject to your deductible (often $250–$1,000). Filing a claim can make sense when repair costs exceed your deductible by a meaningful margin. PDR that doesn’t involve repainting is less likely to appear on a vehicle history report unless an insurance claim is filed or a reporting shop logs the work. Many PDR shops offer direct billing to insurers, and some provide assistance with inspections, supplements, and rental coordination.

Getting a Reliable Quote

A precise estimate requires a proper inspection. These steps help you get an accurate, apples-to-apples quote.

1. Photograph dents from multiple angles and in good light; include a coin for scale.
2. Note panel material (if known), prior repairs, and any paint damage.
3. Ask whether the shop uses glue-pulling, push tools, or both, and whether R&I is needed.
4. Request details on bodyline/aluminum multipliers and multi-dent discounts.
5. Confirm workmanship guarantees and whether they’re lifetime for the original owner.
6. Get 2–3 quotes from established, well-reviewed PDR specialists in your area.

Comparing detailed estimates ensures you understand differences in scope, techniques, and warranties—not just the headline price.

When PDR Isn’t Enough

Some damage falls outside PDR’s sweet spot and may require conventional bodywork or a blended approach.

• Cracked, chipped, or lifted paint over the dent area.
• Sharp creases on edges or severely stretched metal that won’t hold shape.
• Previous filler or extensive prior repairs in the same area.
• Obstructed access where R&I isn’t feasible or cost-effective.

In these cases, shops may recommend spot repair, conventional dent repair with paint, or panel replacement to achieve a factory-like finish.

Bottom Line Summary

Expect $100–$300 for a small, accessible dent; $200–$600 for larger or more complex dents; and $1,000–$5,000+ for full-vehicle hail, with final pricing driven by size, location, accessibility, material, and dent count. Get in-person quotes from reputable PDR specialists, ask about multipliers and discounts, and weigh insurance if costs exceed your deductible.

What is a PDR fee?

How Much is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)? Discover paintless dent repair costs: Small $200+, Medium $300+, Large $500+, Hail $500+. Get a free estimate! Paintless dent repair (PDR) is used to fix minor dents on exterior panels without the need to refinish.

Is paintless dent repair worth it?

Yes, paintless dent repair (PDR) is worth it for suitable dents because it’s a fast, cost-effective solution that preserves the original paint, maintains vehicle value, and is better for the environment than traditional body work. However, its effectiveness depends on the dent’s location and severity; large dents or creases, or those on sharp body lines, may not be suitable for PDR and might require traditional methods. 
Reasons PDR is Worth It

• Preserves Original Paint: PDR avoids the mess and chemicals of traditional bodywork, keeping the factory paint intact, which is important for the vehicle’s aesthetics and value. 
• Maintains Vehicle Value: A vehicle with its original paint intact is generally worth more than one that has undergone a traditional repair, especially when trading it in or selling it privately. 
• Cost-Effective: PDR is often a much cheaper option than traditional body shop repairs because it takes less time and labor. 
• Fast and Convenient: PDR can often be completed in a matter of hours, allowing for same-day repair for many small to medium dents. 
• Eco-Friendly: By not using paints or other toxic chemicals, PDR is a more environmentally responsible repair process. 

When PDR Might Not Be the Best Option

• Severe Damage: Dents with sharp creases, stretched metal, or extensive damage might be too severe for PDR. 
• Paint Damage: If the dent has cracked, chipped, or severely scratched the paint, PDR will not work, and traditional repair methods involving repainting will be necessary. 
• Location: Dents on very sharp body lines or areas with limited access might be more challenging or impossible to repair effectively with PDR. 

How to Decide

• Consult a Professional: Have a qualified PDR technician assess the dent. They can determine if it’s a suitable candidate for PDR or if it will require a different repair method. 
• Consider the Cost vs. Value: Weigh the PDR cost against the potential increase in your vehicle’s value and the cost of a more traditional repair. 

Is PDR worth getting into?

The primary benefits include cost efficiency, time savings, and the preservation of the vehicle’s original paint. PDR is significantly more cost-effective compared to traditional dent repair methods. Traditional methods often involve sanding, putty, and repainting, which can be labor-intensive and material-heavy.

How much does PDR usually cost?

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for PDR based on the size and location of the dent: Small Dents (Under 2 inches): Typically range from $100 to $150. Medium Dents (2 to 4 inches): Usually cost between $150 and $250. Large Dents (4 to 6 inches): These can range from $250 to $400.