Dent Repair Cost Estimator
PDR & Auto Body Repair

Dent Repair Cost Estimator — Paintless Dent Repair vs Traditional Body Shop

Wondering how much it costs to fix a dent? Our dent repair cost estimator gives you instant, accurate estimates for both Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) and traditional body shop repairs. Whether you have a small door ding, hail damage, or a collision crease, get realistic pricing based on dent size, depth, location, and repair method.

How to Use This Dent Repair Calculator

1️⃣ Select repair method — PDR (cheaper, faster) or traditional body shop (for paint damage).
2️⃣ Choose dent size — from tiny door dings to hail damage or large dents.
3️⃣ Select dent depth — shallow, moderate, or deep crease (affects labor).
4️⃣ Pick dent location — easy access panels cost less than body lines or edges.
5️⃣ Indicate paint damage — intact paint = PDR eligible. Cracked paint = traditional repair.
6️⃣ Enter number of dents — multiple dents get discounted per-dent pricing.
7️⃣ Click “Estimate Repair Cost” — see detailed breakdown and shop recommendations.

Real-Life Dent Repair Cost Examples

Dent Repair Pricing by Size & Method (2025)

• Tiny Dent (dime-sized): PDR $75-120 | Traditional $300-450
• Small Dent (quarter/golf ball): PDR $100-180 | Traditional $400-600
• Medium Dent (tennis ball): PDR $180-300 | Traditional $550-900
• Large Dent (softball): PDR $300-550 | Traditional $800-1,500
• Deep Crease (sharp edge): PDR $350-700 (if possible) | Traditional $1,000-2,500
• Hail Damage (per panel average): PDR $300-600 per panel | Traditional $800-1,500+

Factors That Affect Dent Repair Cost

• Dent Size: Larger dents require more time and specialized tools. A 1″ dent is 2-3x cheaper than a 4″ dent.
• Dent Depth: Shallow dents pop out easily. Deep creases stretch metal and require “metal shrinking” — adds 50-100% to cost.
• Location Access: Door panels (easy access behind trim) are cheapest. Roof dents require headliner removal (+$50-100). Body lines and edges are most expensive.
• Paint Condition: If paint is cracked or chipped, PDR is NOT possible. You’ll need traditional repair with Bondo, primer, paint, and clear coat ($300-800 extra).
• Number of Dents: PDR shops offer “multi-dent discounts” — second dent often 50% off, hail damage priced per panel rather than per dent.
• Vehicle Type: Luxury cars and aluminum panels (Tesla, Audi, Ford F-150) cost 20-40% more due to specialized tools and techniques.
• Location/Shop: Mobile PDR (they come to you) costs similar to shop rates. Dealerships charge 30-50% more than independent shops.

PDR vs Traditional Repair — Which Should You Choose?

• Choose PDR if: Paint is intact, dent is accessible, no sharp creases, and you want the cheapest/fastest option. PDR takes 1-3 hours vs 2-5 days for traditional.
• Choose Traditional Repair if: Paint is cracked or missing, dent is on a body line or edge, metal is stretched/thinned, or PDR isn’t possible. Also choose traditional for insurance claims where cost isn’t your concern.
• Pro Tip: Get both a PDR quote and a body shop quote. PDR is often 50-70% cheaper and preserves factory paint (better for resale value).

Hail Damage Repair Costs

Hail damage is unique — dozens or hundreds of small dents. PDR is the industry standard for hail repair. Typical pricing:
• Small car (2-3 panels affected): $500-1,500
• Mid-size sedan/SUV (4-6 panels): $1,500-3,500
• Large SUV/Truck (all panels): $3,000-6,000+
Most comprehensive auto insurance covers hail damage minus your deductible ($500-1,000). File a claim — it’s considered “acts of nature” and shouldn’t raise your rates.

Frequently Asked Questions