Typical paintless dent repair costs
| Damage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small door ding (quarter size) | $75–$150 | The classic parking-lot ding |
| Medium dent (fist size) | $150–$350 | Most common PDR job |
| Large / complex dent | $350–$600+ | Deep, creased, or poor access |
| Hail damage (whole car) | $1,500–$5,000+ | Dozens of dents add up fast |
What affects the price
- Size and depth. Shallow, round dents are quick. Deep dents stretch the metal and take far more time — that's the main price driver.
- Location. Middle of a door or fender is easy access. Edges, body lines, and double-walled areas (like near handles) are harder and cost more.
- Paint condition. PDR only works if the paint is intact. Cracked, chipped, or previously repainted areas can't be massaged — the paint will flake.
- Aluminum panels. Aluminum (hoods and more on modern cars) is stiffer and less forgiving than steel. It takes longer and costs more.
- Dent count. Techs usually discount per-dent pricing when there are several — always ask for the whole-car price, not per-ding math.
When PDR won't work
Sharp creases, dents on edges and body lines, stretched metal, and any damage where the paint is broken need traditional bodywork — filler, sanding, and repaint. A tech who tries PDR on a crease will leave you with a wavy panel. Honest shops turn PDR work away when it's the wrong method.
Related cost guides
Frequently asked questions
Will paintless dent repair damage my paint?
Not when done right on intact paint — that's the whole point of the method. If the paint is already cracked or was repainted before, PDR can make it worse, which is why a tech should inspect first.
Can PDR fix a crease?
Sharp creases are the hardest thing in PDR. Shallow ones sometimes improve 70–80%, but deep creases need traditional bodywork. Anyone promising a perfect crease repair with PDR is overselling.
How long does paintless dent repair take?
A single ding is often under an hour. Multiple dents or a hail job can take a full day or more.
Is PDR cheaper than traditional dent repair?
Almost always — typically half the cost or less, because there's no filler, sanding, or paint work. That's exactly why shops should recommend it when it applies.