Paintless dent repair (PDR) is one of the most affordable ways to fix minor dents, but the price still depends on a few key factors. Below, we’ll break down what affects PDR cost, including dent size, location, and material type, so you know what’s fair when you get an estimate.
Before We Start: If you just received an estimate from a shop recommending PDR, it stands for paintless dent repair, a process where skilled technicians reshape the metal panels of a vehicle. It works best for dings where the paint isn’t cracked and the metal hasn’t stretched and most jobs take just a few hours.
How Dent Size Impacts Paintless Dent Repair Cost
Dent size is the biggest factor in how much PDR will cost. Here’s a look at common dent sizes and the typical price range for a single dent in an easy-to-reach location with no additional damage.
| Dent Size | Estimated Cost (2025) | Common Scenarios |
| Nickel-sized (~0.8″) | $75 – $150 | Door dings, shopping cart bumps |
| Quarter-sized (~1″) | $125 – $225 | Low-speed impact, parking lot dents |
| Half-dollar (~1.25″) | $175 – $300 | Bumper scuffs, minor creases |
| Golf ball (~1.7″) | $250 – $375 | Hood or roof dents from debris or hail |
| Baseball (~2.9″) | $350 – $600+ | Large roof dents, edge damage, deep impacts |
What Can Drive Costs Higher?
- Dents near the edge of a panel, like the contour around your door or fender, are harder to fix cleanly because the metal has less flexibility.
- Creased dents, which look like lines or folds instead of smooth dimples, also require more precision and time.
- If the dent is on an aluminum body panel, it may take more specialized tools to repair, raising the cost.
Why Location Matters in Dent Repair Pricing
Even if two dents are the same size, the location on your vehicle can significantly impact the cost to repair them. Some areas are easy to access and work with, while others require extra labor, tool clearance, or disassembly from the inside.
| Panel Location | Cost Impact | Reason |
| Flat door panel | Lowest | Easy to access from behind the dent |
| Trunk lid | Low to moderate | Sometimes requires removing trunk lining |
| Roof | Moderate to high | Often needs interior headliner removal |
| Quarter panel | High | Usually double-walled, with limited backside access |
| Fender edges / curves | Highest | Tight metal, curved areas can stretch or distort easily |
When Location Affects the Quote
If a technician can’t easily get behind the dent with tools, or if a panel is heavily reinforced, costs can climb quickly. This doesn’t always mean a repair is impossible, but it may take longer or involve more specialized methods, which can raise the final price.
That’s why two door dings on different parts of the car may have very different quotes, even if they’re the exact same size.
Other Factors That Can Affect PDR Pricing
Size and location are the big two when it comes to building PDR estimates, but there are other details that can raise or lower the final cost of paintless dent repair. Here’s what else shops take into account when building your estimate:
1. Material Type (Aluminum vs. Steel)
Aluminum panels respond differently than steel: they’re more elastic and less forgiving, which makes them harder to reshape cleanly. If your vehicle has an aluminum hood, roof, or doors (common on newer trucks and SUVs), you can expect a 15–30% increase in cost for similar-sized dents due to the added precision and tooling required.
2. Creased or Stretched Dents
A dent that has a clean, round shape is faster and easier to fix. But a creased dent, one that has a sharp fold or looks like a line pressed into the panel, takes much more time to correct without leaving behind distortion.
3. Panel Access / Disassembly Time
If a technician has to remove headliners, trim, or lights to reach the dent from the inside, that adds labor time and complexity. This is most common for roof dents and some trunk or quarter panel areas.
4. Multiple Dents on the Same Panel
In many cases, having several dents on the same panel (like a door or hood) may cost less per dent than fixing each one individually. Skilled techs can often work multiple areas at once, especially if the metal hasn’t stretched. For example, three quarter-sized dents on one door might run $300–$400 total instead of $600+ individually.
Paintless Dent Repair vs. Traditional Body Shop Work
Paintless dent repair isn’t always possible, but when it is, it’s almost always faster, cheaper, and better for the long-term appearance of your vehicle. Here’s how it compares to conventional dent repair, which includes painting, sanding and filler work:
| Repair Type | Average Cost | Turnaround Time | Keeps Factory Paint? |
| Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) | $100 – $600 per dent | Same day or next day | Yes |
| Conventional Dent Repair | $350 – $1,500+ | 3–5 days | No (repaint required) |
When PDR Isn’t an Option
Traditional body shop work may be necessary if:
- The dent is on a sharp body line or panel edge;
- The paint is cracked or chipped; and/or
- The metal is stretched, torn, or distorted
In these cases, the shop may need to fill, sand, repaint, and sometimes blend the surrounding panels to match the finish. That’s why it costs more and takes longer.
If your damage is minor and your paint is intact, though, PDR is usually the smarter choice.
Real-Life PDR Scenarios and Their Pricing
Here are a few common repairs we’ve seen in the shop. These examples show what kind of dents PDR is best for and what it usually costs.
2019 Toyota Camry – Parking Lot Door Ding
| Detail | Description |
| Dent | Quarter-sized, driver-side door |
| Estimated Cost | $175 |
| Repair Notes | Clean access through door, no paint damage. Completed in under two hours. |
2021 Subaru Outback – Roof Dent from Tree Branch
| Detail | Description |
| Dent | Golf ball-sized dent on rear roof |
| Estimated Cost | $325 – $375 |
| Repair Notes | Required headliner removal. Steel panel with bracing. |
2022 Ford F-150 – Hood Dent with a Crease
| Detail | Description |
| Dent | ~2.5″ wide crease in aluminum hood |
| Estimated Cost | $500 – $650 |
| Repair Notes | Higher due to aluminum and sharp fold. Still suitable for PDR. |
2018 Honda Civic – Clustered Door Dents from Hail
| Detail | Description |
| Dents | Three quarter-sized dents on same panel |
| Estimated Cost | $350 – $400 total |
| Repair Notes | Efficient multi-dent repair, no paint damage. Same-day turnaround. |
Final Thoughts: What Affects the Cost of Paintless Dent Repair?
PDR pricing comes down to a few essentials: dent size, location, panel material, and accessibility. But just as important is who’s doing the work. Skilled technicians can repair dents faster, avoid unnecessary disassembly, and preserve your factory finish while also saving you time and money.
And depending on where you go, you may not need to cover the full cost yourself. Some shops offer deductible assistance for insured repairs, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
At Pro-Masters in Pueblo, our team is I-CAR Gold certified with specialized training in steel and aluminum panel repair. We’re a family-owned shop that’s known for expert repairs, deductible coverage (with some exceptions) and even complimentary rentals if repairs take more than a day.
Fill out this short form for a free evaluation or call our shop at (719) 543-4393 to schedule an appointment.
