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

In most U.S. markets, PDR typically costs about $75–$300 for a small door ding, $250–$600 for larger or more complex dents, and $1,000–$5,000+ for full-vehicle hail damage, depending on severity. Prices vary with dent size, depth and sharpness, panel material (steel vs. aluminum), access, location on the vehicle, and local labor rates. Below is a clear breakdown of what drives the price and what you can expect in 2025.

Typical Price Ranges in 2025

These ranges reflect common retail pricing seen across reputable PDR shops and mobile technicians in 2025. Actual costs can be higher in dense urban areas or during peak hail seasons, and lower in smaller markets.

• Small door dings (coin to quarter-sized, shallow, easy access): $75–$200 for the first dent; $50–$100 for additional dents on the same panel.
• Moderate dents (about 1–3 inches, moderate depth): $150–$300 per dent.
• Larger but accessible dents (about 3–5 inches): $250–$600 per dent.
• Sharp creases or bodyline dents: $300–$750+ depending on access and depth.
• Aluminum panel surcharge: typically +25%–50% compared with steel due to harder tooling and slower work time.
• Hail repairs (per panel or per dent): roughly $500–$2,500 per heavily hit panel or $50–$150 per dent using a hail matrix; whole-vehicle hail events commonly total $1,000–$5,000+, and severe storm vehicles can reach $7,500+.
• Mobile service/travel fee (where applicable): $25–$75.

These figures are general guideposts. Your final estimate will reflect the exact dent characteristics, the vehicle, the panel, and how easily a technician can reach the repair area without drilling or extensive disassembly.

What Drives the Price

PDR is time and technique intensive. Technicians typically price work using a matrix or base rate plus add-ons for complexity. The following factors most strongly influence your cost.

• Size, depth, and sharpness: Bigger, deeper, and sharper dents take longer and cost more.
• Location on the panel: Edges, bodylines, roof rails, and areas behind reinforcements are harder to reach.
• Panel material and construction: Aluminum and high-strength steel, double-skin areas, and braced panels increase difficulty.
• Access and R&I (remove and install): Time to remove headliners, taillights, door panels, or trim adds labor.
• Paint condition: Cracked or chipped paint may disqualify pure PDR or require touch-up/refinish, adding cost beyond PDR.
• Vehicle make/model: Luxury brands and EVs may add time for trim removal or special procedures.
• Geography and timing: Higher labor markets and post-storm demand can push prices up.
• Insurance involvement: Hail repairs often use standardized hail matrices and may include supplements after teardown.

Understanding these variables helps explain why two dents that look similar in photos can price out differently once a technician assesses access and metal behavior in person.

How Shops Build a PDR Estimate

Most professionals use a structured approach rather than a flat “per dent” guess. Here’s how an estimate typically comes together.

• Base size pricing: A starting rate tied to size (e.g., dime/nickel/quarter, 1–3 inches, 3–5 inches).
• Complexity multipliers: Add-ons for bodyline dents, sharp creases, stretched metal, or double-metal areas.
• Material surcharge: Aluminum or high-strength steel often adds a percentage to the base price.
• Access difficulty: Upcharges if tool access is limited or requires specialized glue-pull techniques.
• R&I labor: Removing and reinstalling headliners, lamps, door panels, or trim can add $50–$300+.
• Hail matrix counts: Hail pricing scales with dent count per panel (e.g., 1–5, 6–15, 16–30, 30+).
• Shop minimum: Many shops have a minimum, commonly $100–$150.

Expect the technician to inspect the panel from multiple angles and under LED lights. A precise in-person inspection yields the most accurate quote, especially for creases or hail clusters.

When PDR Is and Isn’t Appropriate

PDR is best for certain types of damage and less suitable for others. The following guidelines help set expectations before you seek quotes.

• Good candidates: Shallow dents with intact paint, no cracking or chipping, and accessible backside.
• Borderline cases: Sharp creases or stretched metal may be improved substantially but not always restored to 100%.
• Poor candidates: Cracked paint, punctures, torn metal, or collision damage involving panel distortion typically require traditional body repair and paint.

If the clear coat or color is compromised, the repair may extend beyond PDR to blending or repainting, increasing cost and time.

PDR vs. Traditional Body Repair

PDR often costs less and preserves original paint, which can help maintain resale value. A conventional body repair with filler and repaint typically runs $500–$2,000+ per panel and may take 2–5 days, whereas many PDR jobs finish same-day or within a few hours. That said, when dents involve broken paint or severe stretching, conventional repair is the correct route.

Real-World Examples

The scenarios below illustrate common outcomes and price bands. Actual quotes may vary by market and shop.

• Single door ding on a compact sedan door, easy access: around $160.
• Quarter-sized dent on an aluminum pickup hood: approximately $240–$300 after material surcharge.
• Three moderate dents on the same panel: $150 for the first dent plus $80 each additional = about $310.
• Hail event with roughly 120 small dents across hood, roof, and trunk: typically $2,200–$4,200, often processed via comprehensive insurance.
• Sharp bodyline crease on an EV rear door requiring window and trim R&I: about $450–$700.

Use these as directional benchmarks. A quick in-person or high-quality photo estimate will refine the number based on access and dent sharpness.

How to Save Money and Get the Best Result

Smart shopping and clear communication can reduce cost and improve outcomes. Consider the steps below when planning your repair.

1. Get 2–3 estimates, including at least one dedicated PDR specialist and one body shop for comparison.
2. Ask about certifications (e.g., Vale, ARC, PDR Nation) and whether the shop offers a written warranty.
3. Provide well-lit photos from multiple angles; ask if an in-person inspection is required for a firm quote.
4. Bundle multiple dents on the same panel to leverage “additional dent” pricing.
5. Use comprehensive insurance for hail; check your deductible and whether a claim affects premiums in your state.
6. Confirm R&I plans and avoid any shop that proposes drilling access holes, which can void corrosion warranties.

These steps help ensure you get fair pricing, preserve factory finishes, and avoid shortcuts that could cause issues later.

Insurance and Payment

Comprehensive insurance typically covers hail and falling-object damage, minus your deductible. Door dings from parking lots are often out-of-pocket unless caused by a covered incident with a known at-fault party. Insurers commonly prefer PDR for hail when feasible because it’s cost-effective and preserves OEM paint. If hidden damage is discovered after disassembly, shops may file a supplement with your insurer.

Turnaround and What to Expect

Most single-dent jobs take 1–3 hours; complex dents can take half a day. Hail repairs range from a day to several days depending on severity and parts R&I. After PDR, you can usually drive immediately; follow any shop guidance on washing or exposure to extreme heat/cold. Many reputable PDR shops offer a lifetime warranty on the repair for as long as you own the vehicle—ask for it in writing and keep your receipt.

Bottom Line

For 2025, expect $75–$300 for a small door ding, $250–$600 for larger or complex single dents, and $1,000–$5,000+ for full-vehicle hail damage. The exact price hinges on dent size and sharpness, panel material, access, and local labor rates. When paint is intact, PDR is often the fastest, most cost-effective option to restore your vehicle’s appearance.

Summary

PDR pricing generally ranges from under $200 for minor door dings to several thousand dollars for hail-laden vehicles. Costs rise with size, depth, material, and access complexity, and may include R&I labor. Get multiple quotes, confirm qualifications and warranty, and use comprehensive insurance for hail. When the paint is intact, PDR preserves factory finish, shortens repair time, and often saves money compared with traditional bodywork.

How much does PDR cost per dent?

Paintless Dent Repair Cost

Type of Repair	Average Cost for Paintless Dent Repair
Single Dent	$75-$150
Multiple Dents	$150-$450
Hail Damage	$500-$1,500

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 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 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.