Estimate paintless dent repair (PDR) cost based on dent size, quantity, and location. Compare PDR vs traditional body shop pricing.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) is a technique for removing minor dents, dings, and hail damage without repainting. A skilled technician uses specialized tools to push the metal back to its original shape from behind the panel, preserving the factory paint.
PDR is significantly cheaper than traditional body shop repair because it eliminates painting, body filler, and blending. A small door ding costs $75–$150 with PDR vs $300–$500 at a body shop. However, PDR has limitations: it only works on dents without paint damage, sharp creases, or very large areas.
This calculator estimates PDR cost based on dent size, number of dents, and location on the vehicle. Difficult-to-access locations and larger dents cost more.
Whether you drive a compact sedan, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, accurate pdr dent repair cost figures help you plan smarter and avoid costly surprises at the pump or dealership. Use this tool regularly to track changes over time and adjust your transportation budget accordingly.
PDR pricing varies by technician and region. Understanding the cost factors (size, quantity, location) helps you evaluate quotes and decide between PDR and traditional body work for your vehicle. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs, making it easy to explore different scenarios and find the best option for your driving needs and budget.
Cost Per Dent (adjusted) = Base Cost × Location Multiplier Total PDR Cost = Cost Per Dent × Number of Dents
Result: $450
Base: $125/dent for nickel-to-quarter size. Location: roof line (1.2× multiplier). Per dent: $125 × 1.2 = $150. Total: $150 × 3 = $450. Body shop estimate for the same: $900–$1,500.
Dime-size (0.5”): $75–$100. Nickel-size (0.75”): $85–$125. Quarter-size (1”): $100–$175. Half-dollar (1.2”): $125–$200. Golf-ball (1.7”): $175–$300. Baseball (3”): $250–$500. Larger: may require body shop.
Easy (1.0×): flat door panels, front fender, hood center. Moderate (1.2×): near body lines, rear quarter, trunk. Difficult (1.5×): roof center, A/B/C pillars, near edges and seams. Very difficult (1.5×+): double-panel areas, limited access.
PDR has limitations. Paint is cracked or chipped. Dent has a sharp crease or fold. Dent is on a body line. Panel is aluminum (some techs can do it). Previous body work (filler) in the area. Dent is extremely large (6”+).
Most comprehensive policies cover PDR for hail damage minus your deductible. Some insurers prefer PDR because it's cheaper. Filing a hail claim typically doesn't increase rates (it's a comprehensive, not collision, claim). Get a PDR estimate before contacting insurance.
Small dings (dime-size): $75–$100 each. Medium dents (quarter-size): $100–$175. Large dents (golf ball): $175–$350. Very large dents may not be PDR candidates. Volume discounts apply for multiple dents.
Yes. PDR restores the metal to its original shape. It's a permanent repair that preserves the factory paint. The repaired area is indistinguishable from undamaged panels when done by a skilled technician.
PDR is the preferred method for hail damage repair. Most hail dents are small, round, and don't damage the paint — ideal for PDR. Full hail damage repair costs $1,000–$4,000+ depending on severity and coverage.
PDR: preserves factory paint, faster (1–4 hours), cheaper (50–70% less), no color matching issues. Body shop: necessary for dents with paint damage, sharp creases, very large areas, or aluminum/plastic panels.
Yes. Easy-access areas (doors, fenders) are cheaper. Difficult areas (roof center, pillars, edges near seams) cost 20–50% more due to limited tool access and higher skill requirements.
Single small dent: 30–60 minutes. Multiple dents: 1–4 hours. Full hail damage: 4–8 hours or more. Most repairs are completed same-day.