How Much Does Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) Typically Cost?

In the U.S., most drivers pay about $150–$350 for a single, small-to-medium paintless dent repair, with tiny door dings often $100–$200, larger or more complex dents $300–$600+, and full-vehicle hail damage commonly $1,500–$6,000 when handled through insurance. Actual pricing depends on dent size, location, panel material, access, and whether trim removal is required.

What PDR Is—and Why Prices Vary

Paintless dent repair reshapes metal from behind the panel (and with glue-pulling on the exterior when access is limited) to remove dents without repainting. Because every dent is different, shops price by difficulty and time: a coin-sized door ding on a steel door with easy access is quick; a deep crease on an aluminum hood or a braced quarter panel can take hours and specialized tools, raising the cost.

Typical PDR Price Ranges (2024–2025)

The following ranges reflect current U.S. market rates and cover common situations from minor door dings to larger, more complex dents and common add-ons.

• Door ding (up to ~1 inch): $100–$200 per dent
• Small dent (~1–2 inches): $150–$250
• Medium dent (~2–3 inches): $200–$400
• Large dent (~3–5 inches): $300–$600+
• Very large dent (~5–7 inches, still PDR-viable): $400–$800+; occasionally near $1,000 if stretched metal or poor access
• Crease or bodyline impact: add $50–$200
• Aluminum or high-strength steel panels: add ~20%–40%
• Multiple dents on the same panel: first dent full price; each additional typically 25%–50% of the base dent price
• Mobile service/trip fee: $25–$75; shop minimums often $100–$150
• Remove and install (R&I) trim/liners for access: $25–$150 per item; headliner/sunroof components $150–$400

For a typical visit involving one or two small dings on an easily accessible steel door, many owners land near $175–$300 before taxes; complex dents, aluminum panels, and significant R&I push totals higher.

Hail-Damage Pricing

Hail is priced using a “matrix” that accounts for dent counts and sizes per panel, plus add-ons for oversize dents, aluminum panels, and R&I. Comprehensive insurance usually covers hail; many owners pay only their deductible.

• Light hail (roughly 50–100 small dents overall): $500–$1,500
• Moderate hail (about 100–300 dents, mixed sizes): $1,500–$3,500
• Severe hail (300+ dents, multiple large/stretched dents): $3,500–$7,500+; may require conventional repair or panel replacement
• Per-dent matrix benchmarks: small dents often $30–$75 each; larger dents $75–$150+ with oversize add-ons
• Repair method: PDR is preferred; if paint is cracked or metal is badly stretched, shops may switch to filler/paint or panel replacement

Most insured owners see a comprehensive claim in the $2,000–$6,000 range for moderate events, with out-of-pocket limited to the deductible (commonly $250–$1,000). Uninsured retail hail repairs follow similar totals.

Key Factors That Drive Cost

Several technical and market variables can move a quote up or down. Understanding them helps explain why two dents of similar size may be priced differently.

• Access and tool path (inner bracing, double-wall panels, or sound deadening complicate repairs)
• Panel material (aluminum and high-strength steel are harder to move than mild steel)
• Dent location (edges, seams, roof rails, and body lines are more complex)
• Paint condition (any cracking or prior body filler limits PDR viability)
• Dent count and clustering (multiple dents on one panel can be discounted)
• Vehicle type and trim (luxury/EVs may require extra care or R&I; some ADAS parts add time)
• Market labor rates and demand (big metros and hail season can raise prices)
• Time on panel (simple dings take minutes; complex dents can take several hours)

In practice, shops estimate difficulty, time, and risk, then apply surcharges for materials, access, and special procedures.

Real-World Price Examples

These scenarios illustrate how the factors above translate into typical 2024–2025 quotes.

1. 1-inch door ding on a 2018 Honda Civic (steel door, easy access): shop price around $160; mobile service about $200 including trip fee
2. 3-inch dent on a 2021 Ford F-150 aluminum hood: about $420 after aluminum surcharge
3. 4-inch crease on a 2019 Tesla Model 3 quarter panel requiring tail lamp R&I: around $650
4. Moderate hail on a 2020 Subaru Outback: insurer-approved PDR estimate about $2,800; owner paid a $500 comprehensive deductible

Local rates vary, but these examples align with current U.S. averages and typical shop minimums.

When PDR Isn’t the Right Choice

PDR preserves factory paint, but some damage types exceed its limits and are better suited for conventional body repair or panel replacement.

• Cracked, chipped, or severely scratched paint; any rust in the dent area
• Sharp, torn, or heavily stretched metal that won’t “move” cleanly
• Edge damage on panel hems, or dents under heavy structural bracing
• Areas with previous body filler (Bondo) or poor prior repairs
• Plastic bumpers (often heat/reshape methods; typical $150–$300 but not strictly PDR)

Technicians often pre-inspect with lights and will recommend conventional repair if PDR can’t restore the panel to an acceptable standard.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

A clear description, good visuals, and the right questions help shops price your repair precisely and avoid surprises on drop-off.

• Send daylight photos and a short video at multiple angles with a coin or ruler for scale; include a glare highlight to show the dent shape
• Share year/make/model/VIN if possible and note panel material (aluminum vs steel) and any sensors/ADAS features near the damage
• Ask if trim/headliner removal is needed and whether those costs are included
• Request itemized estimates and workmanship/warranty terms; many offer lifetime warranties on PDR
• Compare 2–3 PDR specialists; check reviews and certifications (e.g., Vale/IMI), and confirm turnaround time and mobile vs shop availability

Good documentation helps the technician assess access and complexity remotely, resulting in a more reliable estimate and faster scheduling.

FAQs

Quick answers to common PDR questions that influence expectations and cost.

• How long does it take? Roughly 30–90 minutes for a small ding; several hours for larger or multiple dents
• Will it show on a vehicle history report? PDR itself typically isn’t reported; insurance claims may appear depending on carrier and data sharing
• Is it covered by insurance? Comprehensive usually covers hail and many non-collision incidents; small parking lot dings often fall under deductibles
• Are prices seasonal? Hail season can increase demand and wait times in affected regions
• What about guarantees? Many reputable shops offer lifetime warranties on PDR for as long as you own the vehicle

Policies and practices vary by shop and insurer, so verify details before authorizing work.

Summary

Expect $150–$350 for a typical single PDR in the U.S., with tiny dings around $100–$200 and larger or complex dents $300–$600+. Aluminum panels, creases, and necessary trim removal add cost. Hail repairs priced via matrix often total $1,500–$6,000 through insurance. Because access, material, and location drive complexity, getting photos and an itemized quote from a dedicated PDR specialist is the best way to pin down your exact price.

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.

Why are PDR tools so expensive?

PDR tools are not your average household tools – they are specifically designed for this type of repair and can be quite costly. In addition, many technicians have to rent or lease their equipment, which drives up the cost even further. So, is Paintless Dent Repair really worth the high price tag? In most cases, yes.

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.