Paintless dent repair (PDR) usually costs about $125 to $300 for a small door ding and $250 to $600 for a medium dent, while widespread hail damage typically runs $2,500 to $10,000. PDR pushes the metal back into shape from behind the panel, so the factory paint stays intact. That matters in Phoenix: original paint holds up to the sun better than a body-shop respray, and it keeps the car's resale value.
Key Takeaways
- Small ding: about $125 to $300. Medium dent: about $250 to $600. Large or creased:$500 to $1,500 or more.
- Hail damage: about $2,500 to $10,000 for widespread damage, and severe claims can exceed $15,000.
- PDR only works if the paint is not cracked or chipped. Broken paint needs conventional bodywork.
- Hail is usually a comprehensive insurance claim, minus your deductible.
Paintless Dent Repair Cost by Dent Size
| Damage | Typical price range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Small door ding | $125 to $300 | Parking lot door ding, shopping cart tap |
| Medium dent | $250 to $600 | Fist-size dent on a door or fender |
| Large, deep or creased dent | $500 to $1,500 or more | Dent across a body line, sharp crease |
| Widespread hail damage | $2,500 to $10,000 | Dozens to hundreds of dents on roof, hood and trunk |
| Severe hail, multi-panel | Can exceed $15,000 | Hundreds of dents, oversized impacts, trim and headliner removal |
Ranges are from ThePricer's July 2026 PDR cost guide, not our own price list. A dent has to be seen in person to quote; call or stop by the shop for a firm number.
What Changes the Price of PDR
- Depth and creases: sharp, deep dents take longer to work out.
- Body lines: a dent crossing a body line can add about 25% at shops that price that way.
- Aluminum panels: aluminum is harder to reshape than steel and often costs more.
- Access: removing trim, tail lights or a headliner to reach the back of the panel adds time.
- How many dents: several dents on one panel often cost less per dent because they share access.
When PDR Works and When It Does Not
| Good fit for PDR | Needs conventional bodywork |
|---|---|
| Door dings and small dents with intact paint | Cracked, chipped or missing paint |
| Hail dents on roof, hood and trunk | Stretched metal from a hard impact |
| Shallow creases you can reach from behind | Dents on panel edges that were previously filled or repainted |
Hail Damage in Phoenix
Monsoon storms can bring hail to the Valley with little warning. If your car is hit:
- Photograph every panel in daylight before any repair.
- Call your insurer. Hail is generally covered under comprehensive coverage, minus the deductible.
- Ask for PDR. When the paint is not broken, PDR keeps the factory finish instead of filler and repaint.
- Protect it afterward. Paint protection film does not stop hail dents, but it protects the restored factory paint from rock chips and sun. See our PPF cost guide.
PDR FAQ
How much does paintless dent repair cost?
About $125 to $300 for a small door ding, $250 to $600 for a medium dent and $500 to $1,500 or more for a large or creased dent, per ThePricer's 2026 guide. Hail damage across a whole car typically runs $2,500 to $10,000.
Is paintless dent repair worth it?
When the paint is intact, usually yes. It keeps the factory paint, avoids filler and repainting, and is generally faster and cheaper than conventional body repair.
Can PDR fix hail damage?
Yes, in most cases where the paint is not cracked. PDR is the standard method for hail repair on intact paint.
Does insurance cover hail damage on a car?
Hail is generally covered under comprehensive coverage, minus your deductible. Check your own policy.
Can PDR fix a dent with chipped paint?
PDR can reshape the metal, but it cannot repair broken paint. Chipped or cracked paint needs touch-up or refinishing as well.
Get a Dent Repair Quote
Send a photo or bring the car to our North Phoenix shop and we will tell you whether PDR will work before any work starts.
(480) 296-6311 Auto Detailing Paint Protection FilmImpeccable Detail • 23015 N 15th Ave STE 106, Phoenix, AZ 85027 • Local shuttle and after-hours drop-off • Affirm and Afterpay financing • Locally owned since 2017
