How much does paintless dent repair cost?
Paintless dent repair, or PDR, fixes dents without sanding, filler or new paint. A technician works the metal back into shape from behind or pulls it out with glue tabs. It is usually faster and cheaper than a body shop, and your factory paint stays on. It works best on dents where the paint is not cracked.
Paintless dent repair prices at a glance
| Job | Newer pro | Experienced pro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 small dent or door ding | $100 | $145 |
| 1 medium dent, up to golf ball size | $110 | $220 |
| 1 large dent, up to baseball size | $195 | $380 |
Labor and basic supplies. Big parts or appliances you buy yourself are extra. Prices run higher in big cities.
Do it yourself or hire a pro?
Glue puller kits can lift shallow, round dings on flat panels, and some people get good results. Pulling too hard can create high spots or lift paint, and creased dents rarely come out right with a kit. For anything bigger than a small ding, or on a newer car you care about, a trained dent tech is the safer call.
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What's usually included
- Dent inspected under a reflection light
- Interior panels or trim removed as needed for access
- Dent pushed out with PDR rods or pulled with glue tabs
- High spots tapped down and the panel checked for a flat finish
- Trim and panels put back
What changes the price
- Dent size. Bigger and deeper dents take more time.
- Number of dents. Extra dents fixed on the same visit usually cost less each.
- Location. Body lines, panel edges and braced areas like roof rails are harder.
- Access. Some panels need trim or a tail light removed to reach the back of the dent.
- Paint. Cracked or chipped paint means PDR alone cannot give a perfect result.
Common questions
Will paintless dent repair work on my dent?
It works best on dents with no cracked paint, away from panel edges. Very sharp creases and stretched metal may not come back fully.
How long does PDR take?
A single door ding often takes under an hour. Larger dents can take a couple of hours.
Is PDR cheaper than a body shop?
Usually, because there's no filler, sanding or paint to blend. It also keeps your factory finish.
Got a quote for paintless dent repair?
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