How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here's what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
Car dents cost $50-$3,000+ to fix, depending on size of the dent and damage. Small dings have an average cost $50-$150, while severe damage hits $1,000+.
Here’s exactly what you’ll pay and how to spend less.
TL;DR
- Small dents cost $50-$150, medium dents $150-$400, large dents $400-$1,000+
- Paintless dent repair (PDR) is usually the cheapest option at $75-$300
- Comprehensive coverage handles hail/vandalism dents; collision covers accident damage
- Get at least three quotes – prices can vary by hundreds of dollars
The real cost of fixing your car’s dents
Got a dent? Here’s what you’ll actually pay:
- Small dents: $50-$150
- Medium dents: $150-$400
- Large dents: $400-$1,000+
- Severe damage: $1,000-$3,000+
The repair method makes the biggest difference in your final bill. A simple paintless dent repair (PDR) job might cost $75, while traditional bodywork can hit $1,000+.
Pro tip: If your dent has no paint damage, ask about PDR first, it’s almost always your cheapest option.
Quick cost breakdown
Your final bill comes down to two main factors: the size of the damage and which repair method works best.
Dent size:
| Dent size | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Quarter-size or smaller | $50-$125 |
| Golf ball-size | $125-$250 |
| Baseball-size | $250-$450 |
| Larger than baseball | $450+ |
Repair method:
| Repair method | Cost range |
|---|---|
| PDR (paintless dent repair) | $75-$300 |
| Traditional bodywork | $200-$1,000+ |
| DIY kits | $15-$50 (plus your time) |
Most everyday minor dings fall into the $100-$400 range, especially if you catch them early enough for paintless dent removal.
Now that you know the basic costs, let’s dig into what actually drives these prices.
What affects your dent repair cost
Your repair bill depends on a few key factors:
Size matters, but depth of the dent matters more
A shallow dent the size of a dinner plate might cost less than a deeper dent the size of a quarter.
Surface-level and shallow dents are PDR candidates, a cost-effective and faster repair method. But if the metal’s stretched, creased, or you have to repaint, you’re looking at traditional dent repair. That’s where costs jump from hundreds to potentially thousands.
Location of the dent
A dent on your car door? Easy access for repair tools means lower cost.
But dents on edges, corners, or along body lines? That’s precision work. Technicians need more time and specialized tools, which drives up the price. The worst types of damage are near handles, mirrors, or anywhere the metal curves in multiple directions.
Your car makes a difference
Your Honda Civic repair won’t cost the same as a Mercedes repair. Here’s why:
- Luxury cars = higher labor rates, specialized paint, premium parts
- Aluminum body panels cost more to work on than steel
- Complex paint colors (pearls, metallics) are harder to match perfectly
A $200 repair on a standard car might run $400+ on a luxury model with the same sized dent.
Where you go matters
- Dealership: High-quality, highest price
- Independent shop: Middle ground for cost and quality
- Mobile repair: Often cheapest, especially for PDR
Location matters too. Auto body shops in urban areas typically cost more than rural shops, but you’ll have more options to compare to get an accurate estimate.
When insurance covers dent repair
Your comprehensive coverage handles non-accident dents like hail, vandalism, falling objects, and animal strikes. Collision coverage takes care of accident-related damage, fender benders, hit-and-runs, or backing into posts.
If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, Lemonade’s app makes claims simple, just snap photos and submit. We’ll connect you with trusted repair shops without the phone calls, but we’re here if you want to discuss your options.
How to save money on dent repair
A few smart moves can cut your repair bill significantly:
- Shop Around. Get at least three quotes, prices can vary by hundreds for the same repair. Mobile services often cost less, and independent shops usually beat dealership prices.
- Ask about PDR specifically. Some dent repair services push pricier traditional work when PDR would work fine.
- Time it right. Fix paint damage fast (rust starts quickly), but tiny dings can wait. Group multiple small dents together for potential discounts.
- Skip DIY for anything serious. Those viral videos make it look easy, but you can easily turn a $100 repair into a $500 nightmare. If there’s any paint damage or you’re not 100% confident, get a pro quote first.
Before we go…
Most dents cost $100-$400 to fix. Ask about PDR first, it’s usually your cheapest option. Shop around, fix paint damage fast, and think twice before filing small claims.
Tiny door dings from a shopping cart can wait, but fix paint damage immediately. Small chips turn into big rust problems, and waiting can turn a $100 fix into a $500 nightmare.
Speaking of car coverage, if you’re looking for car insurance that won’t hit you with surprise rate hikes after small claims, see what Lemonade can do for you.
Car dent repair FAQs
How long does the dent repair process take?
PDR takes 1-3 hours for most dents, while traditional bodywork needs 2-5 days depending on the size and paint work required.
Can all types of dents be fixed with Paintless Dent Repair?
No, PDR only works when paint isn’t damaged and the metal isn’t creased or stretched. Sharp dents or paint scratches need traditional bodywork.
Should I file an insurance claim for a minor dent?
If the repair job costs less than your deductible, pay out of pocket. For costs near your deductible, consider the potential rate impact of filing a claim.
How much does hail damage repair cost?
Varies wildly: $1,000-$5,000+ depending on severity. Most hailstorm damage qualifies for PDR, which keeps costs lower than traditional bodywork.
Is mobile dent repair as good as shop work?
For PDR, yes. Mobile technicians use the same tools and techniques. For a paint job, auto repair shop facilities usually provide better results.
Can I negotiate the cost of dent repair prices?
Yes, especially for multiple dents or if you’re paying cash. Get quotes from several shops and ask about discounts.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
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