Quick answer: Paintless dent repair (PDR) usually costs $75–$300 for a small door ding, $250–$600 for a medium dent and $500–$1,500+ for large or creased dents. Repairing widespread hail damage commonly costs $2,500–$10,000, usually paid by comprehensive insurance.
What is paintless dent repair?
PDR technicians push dents out from behind the panel with special tools, or pull them from the outside with glue tabs, without sanding, filling or repainting. It keeps the original factory paint, which helps resale value, and it is usually faster and cheaper than traditional body work.
PDR cost by dent size
Typical prices, October 2026. Prices vary by region and technician.
| Dent | Typical size | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small ding | Up to 1 inch (about a quarter) | $75 – $300 |
| Medium dent | 1 – 3 inches | $250 – $600 |
| Large dent | 3 – 6 inches | $400 – $1,000 |
| Creased or hard-to-reach dent | Any size | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Additional dents on the same visit | — | Often discounted |
| Hail damage, whole car | Dozens to hundreds of dents | $2,500 – $10,000+ |
What affects the price
- Size and depth of the dent.
- Location: dents on body lines, panel edges or roof rails are harder.
- Access: some panels need trim or headliner removal.
- Panel material: aluminum panels (common on newer trucks and luxury cars) cost more.
- Number of dents: most technicians charge less per dent for multiple dents.
When PDR won’t work
- The paint is cracked or chipped.
- The metal is stretched or the dent is very sharp.
- The dent is on a plastic bumper (see Bumper Repair Cost).
- Previous body filler is in the area.
In these cases, traditional repair with paint usually costs $400–$800+ per panel. For larger paint work, see Car Paint Job Cost.
Hail damage and insurance
Hail damage is covered by comprehensive insurance, minus your deductible. PDR is the preferred method for most hail repairs. After big hailstorms, many traveling PDR companies come to town: choose an established, insured business, get a written estimate and check reviews.
How to save money
- Get a quote from a mobile PDR technician; many work at your home or office.
- Fix several dents in one visit.
- Repair small dings before selling a car; it can improve the sale price by more than the repair costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is paintless dent repair permanent?
Yes. When done correctly, the metal stays in its original shape.
How long does PDR take?
A single small dent often takes 30–90 minutes. Hail damage can take several days.
Sources
- ThePricer: Paintless dent repair cost