It’s a part of having a car. Someone drives past your vehicle, and you get a scratch. The paint comes off, and you need to repaint your car. In worse scenarios, a car, a person, a bike, or a foreign object dings into your car and a dent forms. This unfortunate accident requires dent repair in order to get your car back to looking brand new. The average dent repair cost is between $125-325.
Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE
So That’s The Average Price. Can I Find an Inexpensive Solution?
Fortunately, dents can be repaired pretty easily to rejuvenate the look and style of your car. Dent repair can sometimes come across as a daunting and unnecessary task, but you can find solutions that are inexpensive and lower the dent repair cost. There are even certain sites that can help you determine a quote for a dent repair cost estimate. We have highlighted some of the factors which influence the dent repair, factors that influence the cost, the methods of repair, and some of the costs you’re going to be able to expect when repairing the dent on your car.
What Is Traditional Dent Repair?
Traditional dent removal is the old school way of repairing dents. Unfortunately, the traditional removal is more tedious, more of a hassle, and may not last as long as the paintless dent repair in terms of a long-term solution. The process of repainting and performing the traditional dent repair and the cost might lower the sale value of your car in the future if those are your plans.
In addition, another reason you should consider performing paintless dent removal instead of the traditional way is that the paintless is more environmentally friendly during the repair. There are no chemicals released into the air during the repainting and can influence an eco-friendly car owner’s decision when they are contemplating between traditional and paintless dent repair and the costs associated.
What is Paintless Dent Removal?
An alternative to the typical way of repairing a dent involves combining repainting with some additional body work to the exterior of the car. This method is less invasive than the more traditional option and shows less evidence over time of bumps and dents occurring on your vehicle. Despite taking less time than most body work, the paintless dent removal repair process requires some thought and process before performing.
In order to fix the dent properly, you’ll need to push the exterior body back into the correct position. This requires gaining different angles and identifying the shapes and contours of the damage done on your car. After mapping out the specific area, the technician that you have chosen will be able to perform the paintless dent removal repair.
What Are The Paintless Dent Repair Advantages?
The paintless dent repair has numerous advantages when compared to the traditional option, and when compared to other repair options on the market today. The paintless dent repair is less expensive than almost all traditional body repairs. The paintless dent repair can almost always be done on the same day you bring the car into a shop. This method is ideal for smaller dings and dents especially, such as dents from other doors and sports balls. Fortunately, this method can also work for hail damage and larger dents.
In addition to the ability of the paintless dent repair to work for various sizes of dents, this method can also ensure that your vehicle retains the paint that is already on the car, keeping the price value of your vehicle high, and ensuring that there wouldn’t be extra costs for the paintless dent repair. Lastly, your car will have more of a chance to look like it did before, without any issues with new paint, or leaving your car in a dented condition.
What Are The Steps to Performing Paintless Dent Removal?
There is a certain process to follow when performing a dent repair. More specifically, the paintless dent repair is both cost-effective and provides great results when done correctly. There are three key steps involved which can help you save some money and cut down on your dent repair cost.
First, you need to assess and evaluate the damage done to your car. The technician will first note the location of the dent, and see the size and shape, seeing how big it is and the placement. Most dents can usually be repaired using this paintless dent repair removal method.
Second, the technician will need to be able to fully access the dent. This requires the technician to sometimes remove some of the accessories of the car. They needed to remove the body panels, lights, or interior panels to be able to have full access and gain the necessary angle to complete the dent repair.
Last, the technician will need to use special tools and a substantial amount of pressure to remove the dent. This is typically done by pushing the metal into position.
What Factors Influence The Cost of a Paintless Dent Repair?
If you have decided that the cost of a paintless dent repair is the best method for you when compared to the process and the costs of traditional dent repair, you should be aware of the factors which influence the price of this process. Every situation is different, so the following characteristics are important in determining if the cost is right for you.
First, the number of dents influences the cost of dent repair. If there are several dents, it will take the technician more time and effort to repair them. Since the cost of labor will be higher, the overall dent repair cost will go up as well.
Second, the size of the dents can influence the dent repair cost. The smaller ones are easier to repair since they take less effort and force than the bigger ones. The smaller ones require less of an angle, and typically require the technician to remove less appliances and accessories of the car.
Third, the location of the dents influences the price of the dent repair cost. The areas that have hail damage, for example, are harder to reach. This makes the process more time-costly, and can drive up the price due to the higher labor cost. The hard-to-reach spots will typically require the technician to work harder and smarter, making the dent repair cost higher than the easy-to-reach places.
Lastly, the type of car is influential in how much the dent repair cost will run. Some technicians will need to be especially careful when dealing with certain cars to make sure they do not damage any other parts during the dent repair. In addition, there are specific aluminum or steel cars that need more specialized repairs.
What Are The Usual Costs You Will See With Paintless Dent Repair?
Paintless dent repair can definitely reduce the price and the costs that are typically attributed to certain repairs. Luckily, this specific type of repairs can apply to almost all dents and dings. Since the paint of the auto body exterior is not affected or damaged, the paintless dent repair is relatively quick. In addition, you can expect to save money when compared to other options, since the paintless dent repair cost is around $50-$150 typically.
However, the dent repair cost can depend on the location of the dents as we have learned. The typical pricing structure is around $75-$125 for dents and dings on the door. Bigger dents, which usually arise from foreign objects and collisions, can usually run between $150-$300. The price of the collision dent repair depends on the size, location, and how deep the dent is in the car’s exterior. Lastly, hail damage is unfortunately a common cause of extreme dents in cars. The average hail damage repair costs about $2,500. You can save on this dent repair cost by purchasing comprehensive coverage.
Average Costs You Usually Find With Paintless Dent Removal
You can usually separate the costs associated with paintless dent removal into three categories: minor, moderate, and major. Depending on the damage done to your car and using the other factors we have mentioned, such as size of the dent, location of the dent, type of car, and number of dents can all influence which category your car will fall into.
Minor Dent Damage
Hail that is typically less than the size of a quarter produces dents that are very small and require little time and effort to fix. The limited amount of manual labor needed to fix these dents sometimes don’t even require a technician, and can be done at home with the proper equipment, if you decide to go to an auto body shop, this dent repair cost will be anywhere from around $50-$200.
Moderate Dent Damage
Moderate damage is typically done by hail that is 1-2 inches big. This can also be done by other factors such as foreign objects that are somewhat small, like golf balls or small dings to the car. The bigger-sized hail and these objects are big enough that you will need to have the technician perform some extra work to be able to locate and access the dents efficiently. The dent repair cost associated with moderate damage is usually between $2,000-$5,000, which is pricey in terms of dent repair.
Severe Dent Damage
Severe dents that could be impacting your car are usually done by large-sized hail and bigger objects, such as collisions or bigger items like a baseball, and cause deep dents in the exterior of your car. The paintless dent repaircost can go upwards of $10,000, but can vary depending on the amount of dents, the location, and the type of car you own. This severe damage is very expensive and definitely requires ample time from the technician of your choice.
What Can’t Be Fixed With Paintless Dent Repair?
Unfortunately, not all damage done can be repaired accurately by paintless dent repair. This method is not the best choice for scrapes and abrasions which have ruined the surface and the color of the paint. In addition, this is also true for chipped, bubbling, or peeling paint, since the paintless dent repair doesn’t deal with the exterior auto body color.
In addition, paintless dent repair isn’t a good choice for scratches caused by foreign objects like rocks or keys. Basically, any damage that has been done to the paint finish which has caused it to be compromised or requiring some repainting renders the paintless dent removal useless.
Where Should You Go For Paintless Dent Repair?
After deciding that you need to get your dents repaired and have determined the dent repair cost, you need to determine which location to go to in order to fix the dents on your car’s exterior. You have three main options for where to go in order to properly fix your car.
First, you can go to a dealership for the dent repair. This method is recommended if your vehicle is an expensive, performance-oriented, or high-end model that needs specialized attention and care. You should also go to a dealership if your car is under warranty. We do not recommend coming to a dealership if your car is not under warranty, as this is usually the most expensive option when looking at the dent repair cost.
Second, taking your car to a large franchise is an alternative to a dealership. There are certain accredited facilities which are well-equipped to take in your car, assess the situation, and produce high-quality work. For example, companies like MAACO are suitable for these types of jobs. These businesses are typically better for detailed and advanced repairs than a small shop. Even though the price may be a bit higher, you need to determine if your dent repair is advanced or detailed, and then decide if the extra cost is worth it.
Last, you can take your car to a small shop for dent repair. These places are usually the least expensive, due to not being a chain and being a smaller place with less people and equipment. Even though these shops are qualified for minor dents, they are usually not the best places to go for more detailed and advanced repairs, higher-quality cars, and for extensive damage.
What If My Car Was Severely Damaged By Hail?
If your car was severely damaged by hail, you have the option to turn in your car to make some extra cash instead of paying upwards of $10,000 for dent repair. Since hail damage can be numerous, all over the car, and on an expensive model, you may have to pay an extremely high dent repair cost to get your car looking back to normal. In this case, it may be more lucrative to take all the non-metal parts from your car, and sell the junk car to CashCarsBuyer for some quick cash!
FAQs
Dent Repair Cost - How Much Will It Cost To Repair a Dent To My Car? ›
Depending on the dent size, it can cost anywhere from $50 to $125. More in-depth dent repair for bigger ones can cost up to $2,000. Some car parts that are dented can be fully replaced, and it's recommended that you do so if your dent repair costs more than $1,000. Some parts are cheaper than that repair job alone.
How much is most dent repairs? ›Dent repair costs can fall between $50 to $2,500 depending on the dent. Small, shallow dents about an inch in size usually cost around $125 to repair. Repair costs for larger dents typically begin at $150 and will be more expensive if the dent is deep or in a complicated area to fix.
How much does it cost to fix a dent in a driver? ›Small dings can cost around $75 to $125, while larger dents range from $150 to $450.
How do I fix a big dent in my car? ›- Clean the dented area. Use soap and water, then wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Sand the paint off. ...
- Minimize the dent, using the dent removal techniques above.
- Apply body filler. ...
- Sand the filler. ...
- Smooth the finish. ...
- Apply glaze. ...
- Sand again.
Do they work? Dent pullers only work on shallow dents that are positioned on a flat, flexible surface. They can improve the appearance of car dents but are unlikely to create a perfect finish. Unfortunately, DIY dent pullers will not work on deep, angular dents or damage along the edges of bodywork.
How much is a car with dent worth? ›A good rule of thumb is if the dent is visible from about 10 feet away or if the paint has scratches, it can cause a 5%-10% depreciation of your car's value. To determine how a dent impacts your car's value, use Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Both sites can estimate the value of your car based on its current state.
Can you fix a car dent yourself? ›Can I repair a dent myself? Yes, but you'll need to make sure that the damage isn't too extensive first. Measure the dent and check that it's no bigger than three inches in diameter and that it's shallow, too. If the mark appears on a curve or a contour in the bodywork, a DIY approach probably isn't the best idea.
Will a dent in a driver head affect it? ›If the indentation is severe, it can damage the weighting of your clubhead and increase the risk of instability through impact. However, it takes extreme events to damage your club that badly. I have seen many snapped driver heads, but never one that is dented beyond playability.
Can you drive with a dent in your car? ›Small auto body dents may seem like no big deal because you can still drive your car just fine. However, drivers who want to take the best care of their vehicle should treat dent repair as a priority. Leaving dent repairs for later can cause several problems for your vehicle, so it is a risk you just should not take.
How big of a dent can you pop out? ›Minor dents with a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 inches can be fixed using PDR. Even the more minor door dents and dings with sizes of 2 inches or less and medium dents of 5 to 10 inches long are possible to repair.
Does pouring hot water on a dent fix it? ›
Yes, it can help remove dents from both metal and plastic bumpers. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the water over the surface of the dent to heat up the metal. Allow the metal to flex and return to its original shape.
How can you pop out a dent? ›First, heat the dent with the hairdryer approximately six inches away for about 30 seconds. Then cover the dent with a piece of aluminum foil and rub dry ice over it. The rapid change from hot to cold should make the dent pop out within a minute or so. Another temperature trick involves boiling water.
Can dents pop themselves out? ›Dents are unsightly, but because they can be expensive to fix, many people put off this kind of repair. Many might ignore the problem altogether, and hope the dent will magically pop out on its own. However, it is important to address dents as quickly as possible, because this is a problem that won't go away by itself.
What kind of dents can be popped out? ›Hail damage and other roof dents from round objects falling on them can generally be removed as they do not damage your paint or severely deform the panel.
Will a plunger remove a car dent? ›Put the plunger over the indented area and pull straight out. Your dent should pop right out. If you're working on a bumper, you can also reach behind the dented surface to push the dent out. Repeat as needed until the dented area is flattened out.
How long does it take to pop out a dent in a car? ›For traditional car dent repair, you're probably looking at between 2 days and 2 weeks. If the damage qualifies for Paintless Dent Repair, the dent could be fixed in as little time as an hour.
Will my insurance go up if I scratch a car? ›A claim to repair scratches won't affect your auto insurance premiums as much as an accident, especially one where you're at fault. But if the total cost to fix the scratch isn't much more than your deductible, it probably isn't worth it to file a claim.
Is it worth fixing cosmetic damage on car? ›This damage may not affect the functionality of your vehicle, so auto insurance companies don't see it as their responsibility to help you fix the damage. Cosmetic issues are generally not worth trying to file a claim for and are best paid out-of-pocket.
Are car scratches worth repairing? ›Prompt car scratch repair is crucial, as delaying will expose the paint or metal underneath to the elements and create further issues down the road. Plus, if selling or trading your car might be a possibility in the future, doing a proper scratch repair is especially important.
Does hot water and plunger remove dents? ›Pour hot water over the dented area you would like to fix. The hot water will soften the plastic. Put your plunger over the dent. Pull the plunger straight out to pop out the dent.
Can I fix a dent in my bumper myself? ›
Yes, you don't need to replace a dented plastic bumper in case there are minor dents or scratches. You can easily try repairing the dent with a heat gun, hot water, or even a suction dent puller. However, if the bumper is cracked or broken in several places, you may need to get it replaced at a professional body shop.
Does a dent count as damage? ›A true “dent” is a type of damage done to a vehicle that covers more surface area than a ding would. Dents generally involve paint and/or metal damage, are more unsightly than dings, and ultimately, will cost you more money for repairs.
Do car dents get worse? ›Can dents get worse over time? Sure they can. A dent in the body of your car can damage the integrity of the paintwork, for starters. In addition, what begins as a barely-there dent can later lead to flaking, peeling paint that exposes your car's body to the elements, which means rust and corrosion.
Should I worry about a car dent? ›A small dent in your car — whether it's due to a collision or other accident — may not seem like a big deal after it happens, but that dent can cause further issues to your car or truck and should be taken care of by an experienced collision repair specialist as soon as possible.
Can dent be covered in insurance? ›Yes, you can claim insurance for car scratches and dents in India. However, it is advisable not to do so as it may become an expensive deal for your future motor insurance premiums.
What is a minor dent scratch? ›🔧 Minor dents/scratches: it refers to small dents and scratches around the car.
What is considered a deep dent? ›A deep dent is one that you can lay your finger into. Deep dents often have sharp points. A sharp dent on either the top or side seam can damage the seam and allow bacteria to enter the can. Discard any can with a deep dent on any seam.
How can I fix my dent myself? ›- Try the plunger method. You know how powerful a plunger can be with your plumbing problems? ...
- Use hot water for dented bumpers. Bumper plastic is hard for good reason. ...
- Hammer out the dent. ...
- Pop out the dent with a hair dryer and compressed air. ...
- Buy a dent removal kit.
Hammering out the damage requires access to both sides of the dent: the underside and the outer surface. To get to the back of the dented metal, you need to remove door panels or fenders. You'll hammer against the dolly, as it stabilizes the taps made inside the dented surface from the outside of the sheet metal.
Do dent pullers work on big dents? ›VERSATILE. This suction gripper and dent remover pulls out dings and large dents on metal and even plastic. It is reusable and can be used on large and difficult areas where a smaller suction cup puller couldn't reach.
What does make a huge dent in mean? ›
: to decrease something slightly or to make something somewhat weaker. We tried our best to fix the problem, but nothing we did seems to have made a dent. often + in. It's going to take more than a new law to make a dent in the city's drug crime. a vacation that won't put too big a dent in your wallet.
How big is too big of a dent in a can? ›Discard: Deeply dented cans. If you can lay your finger in the dent, that's too deep.
Does heat help pull dents? ›To do the job you'll need a hair dryer, or heat gun and a can of compressed air (like that used to blow dust out computers). Use the dryer or gun to heat up the dent and an area a couple of inches around the perimeter of the dent area of the dent. Keep the heat source moving to avoid damaging the paint.
Can a dent get bigger? ›As with an article of clothing with a small hole, a hole that will eventually grow, a dent has the same effect. The dent may be small today but with each passing day, it grows larger. Eventually, you will have a dent that's doubled in size.
How much does it cost to fix a car scratch? ›If the scratch is deep and has severely damaged the car's paint, you may need to take your car to a body shop for repair. This can be expensive, with costs ranging from ₹5,000–₹15,000 or more depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the scratch.
How much does it cost to fix a dent in a car UK? ›As the table shows, the average cost of repairing a small car dent ranges from £60 to £200+ and is estimated to take between one to two hours to complete. What is this? In contrast, a medium to large car dent is likely to cost between £120 to £500+ to repair and could take between one to two days to repair.
Is it worth reporting a scratch on a car? ›If the repair costs are less than your car insurance deductible, it makes sense to pay for the damage out of pocket. On the other hand, if the damage is more extensive and costly, it may make sense to file a claim for any dents or scratches that need to be repaired.
What happens if you scrape someones car? ›Some insurance companies may require you to report any damage or collisions no matter how severe. If it's more than a scratch, you should probably file a police report. While most law enforcement won't actually come to the scene physically, they may still take your information for an accident report.
How do you tell how deep a scratch is on your car? ›When you run your fingernail over the scratch, you need to feel how deep it is. If it's no greater than the thickness of a piece of paper ( or your fingernail does not catch the scratch ), it's likely that only the clear coat is damaged.
Can I pop out a dent? ›First, heat the dent with the hairdryer approximately six inches away for about 30 seconds. Then cover the dent with a piece of aluminum foil and rub dry ice over it. The rapid change from hot to cold should make the dent pop out within a minute or so.
Can I remove a dent myself? ›
You Can Do It Yourself
However, if you're willing to give it a try, in many cases you can fix your car's dents quite effectively yourself using some not very expensive dent-removal tools. But first, you must assess the damage to know what you're dealing with.
Not only can you unclog a drain with a plunger, but you can also get out small- to medium-sized dents out of your car too. Just splash some water on both the plunger and the dent and start pushing and pulling until it pops out. Make sure to use a cup plunger (for sinks), not a flange one (for toilets).
Can toothpaste remove car scratches? ›Toothpaste is a mild abrasive, so it can help remove minor scratches and scuff marks from your car's paint job. Just squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a soft, clean cloth and rub it into the scratch or scuff mark.
Does Vaseline remove scratches on car? ›If you have a minor surface scratch on your car, you can try using petroleum jelly to repair it. First, clean the damaged area with soapy water. Then, apply petroleum jelly to a cotton swab and rub it into the scratch. A few things can minimize the appearance of the scratch until you can get it repaired.
What happens if you don't fix a dent in your car? ›Dents may also result in paint damage. While it might not look too bad at first, exposure to harsh weather, car washes, and general wear and tear will cause the paint to deteriorate by cracking, flaking, and peeling. If you don't fix a dent quickly, you might end up needing a complete paint job or wrap.
Does a dent in a car matter? ›If you do not fix the dent and get the area repainted, your car will soon start rusting. Therefore, it is important to deal with dents before any major issues arise. Long-term damage to the paint.
Why are car dents so expensive? ›A dent in a car can be made by any number of things, including a rock or a door frame. The problem with these dents is that they are often too deep to simply be removed by hand. This requires special tools and equipment that can be expensive for the average person to purchase and use.