Dent Repair Cost Calculator (PDR)

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a technique that removes minor dents from a vehicle's body without repainting — preserving factory finish and costing far less than traditional bodywork. Enter your dent size, number of dents, dent location, and panel material into the Dent Repair Cost Calculator, then set complexity factors like dent depth, bodyline damage, and edge placement. You'll get a Total Repair Cost broken down into Base PDR Cost, R&I Labor Cost, and Cost per Dent.

inches

Measure the diameter of the dent

Adds 30% to repair cost

Adds 30% to repair cost

Adds 30% to repair cost

Results

Total Repair Cost

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Base PDR Cost

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R&I Labor Cost

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Cost per Dent

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PDR (Paintless Dent Repair)?

PDR is a method of removing minor dents and dings from vehicle panels without damaging the original paint finish. It uses specialized tools to massage the dent out from behind the panel.

How much does paintless dent repair cost?

PDR costs typically range from $50-$300 per dent depending on size, location, and complexity. Small dents under 1 inch cost less, while larger dents or those requiring panel removal cost more.

What factors affect PDR pricing?

Key factors include dent size, location on the vehicle, panel material (aluminum costs more), depth, accessibility, and whether the dent is on a body line or panel edge.

Can all dents be repaired with PDR?

PDR works best on minor dents without paint damage. Deep dents, creases, or areas with chipped paint may require traditional bodywork instead of PDR.

What is R&I and why does it cost extra?

R&I stands for Removal and Installation. Some dents require removing parts like door panels or trim to access the back of the dent, which adds labor time at $75/hour.

Why do aluminum panels cost more to repair?

Aluminum is harder to work with than steel and requires more specialized techniques and tools, typically adding 30% to the repair cost.

How long does PDR take?

Most PDR repairs take 1-3 hours depending on the number and complexity of dents. Simple small dents may take as little as 30 minutes each.

Is PDR covered by insurance?

Many insurance companies cover PDR, especially for hail damage claims. PDR is often preferred by insurers because it's less expensive than traditional bodywork.