⚠️ Why a tech's quote may differ: This estimate reflects visible damage from the consumer's perspective. A professional inspection often reveals restricted access, metal type, depth and body line proximity — factors that affect real pricing. Use this as your baseline before calling a shop.
Hail Damage Estimator
Industry-standard PDR pricing matrix · Real estimates from seasoned PDR professionals
1Vehicle type
Full size vans, SUVs, extended cab trucks: +25% on roof/roof rail only
2Tap damaged panel on the diagram
SELECTED: None
3Average dent size
Damage exceeding half-dollar size: $40 per dent additional
4Dent count on this panel
25Moderate
1300
5Panel modifiers (select all that apply)
Tall vehicle (+25%) only applies on roof / roof rail panels
Current Panel Cost
$0
This Panel
Total Vehicle Estimate
$0
TAP A NEW PANEL ON THE DIAGRAM TO ADD MORE
⚡ Pro Tip
R&I Labor Calculator
Remove & Install pricing · Tap a panel to see what needs R&I
What is R&I? Remove & Install labor required to access dents from behind a panel. Headliner, glass, trim, weatherstripping, etc. R&I is separate from the actual dent repair.
1Labor rate per hour
$/ hour
Typical range: $50-$150/hr · Adjust for your market
2Vehicle type
3Tap a panel to add R&I
SELECTED: None
4Components for this panel
Check what applies · Edit hours per item
Current Panel R&I
$0
0 hours
Total R&I Labor
$0
0 hours · $75/hr
TAP ANOTHER PANEL ABOVE TO ADD MORE
Build a Dent or Hail estimate first to apply R&I
📍
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Frequently Asked Questions
Real answers from seasoned PDR professionals · No fluff · No sales pitch
About Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless Dent Repair — or PDR — is a method of manipulating metal back to its original factory shape without the need for sanding, body filler, or repainting. It is one of the most precise and non-invasive forms of auto body repair available today, and when done correctly, leaves absolutely no trace that a dent ever existed.
PDR works through two primary techniques. The first is accessing the back side of the panel and using specialized tools to meticulously push the metal back to its original position. The second is the glue pull method, which uses hot melt glue and specially designed tabs to pull the dent outward from the front of the panel — used when the back of the panel cannot be accessed. Both methods require a high level of skill and years of hands-on experience to master.
Is My Car a PDR Candidate?
A dent is generally a good PDR candidate when there is no excessive paint damage, the panel can be accessed from behind with a tool, or the dent is in a position where glue pulling is possible. Even dents where the metal appears mangled may still be repairable — some technicians work wonders with difficult damage. When in doubt, always consult with a professional before assuming a dent cannot be fixed.
✅ Good candidates: Round or oval dents, door dings, hail damage, minor creases without paint cracking.
PDR has its limits. Dents that are NOT good candidates include those with excessive paint damage such as cracking, chipping, or deep scratches through the paint. Dents with no access from behind and no possibility of glue pulling, excessively stretched metal, or dents where the metal is too mangled beyond recovery will typically require traditional body shop repair.
❌ Not PDR candidates: Paint cracked or chipped through to bare metal, severe collision damage, deeply gouged panels, or areas with structural damage.
Yes — PDR absolutely works on aluminum panels. However, aluminum requires more force and significantly more time to repair than steel, which is reflected in the pricing. A common misconception is that aluminum is soft and easy to work with. Think of it less like a soda can and more like 20 soda cans stacked on top of each other — it is rigid, springy, and requires a highly skilled technician with the right tools and technique.
Common aluminum vehicles: Late-model Ford F-150, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, and most newer luxury brands use aluminum-intensive body panels.
Yes — and this is one of the most common myths in the industry. The idea that body line dents cannot be repaired with PDR is a 20-year-old misconception. With the advancements of modern PDR tools and techniques, most skilled technicians are fully capable of repairing dents on or near body lines. It does require additional time, precision, and expertise — which is why body line dents carry a pricing upcharge — but they are absolutely repairable in most cases.
About Our Pricing
PriceMyDent's pricing is compiled from PDR shops and technicians across the nation, giving consumers and professionals a fair, honest, and research-backed ballpark estimate. Our goal is simple — give every car owner a realistic number before they ever pick up the phone, so they can make an informed decision.
PDR pricing varies from dent to dent based on a wide range of factors — size, depth, location, panel type, access, and the overall difficulty of the repair. PriceMyDent is a pricing guide designed to give you an honest ballpark — not a guaranteed final price. PDR is also a highly skill-based trade. Unlike most repairs, a technician gets only one shot at a dent — there is no undoing a mistake. Like any skilled trade or professional career, pricing also reflects how much a technician values their craft, experience, and time.
Think of it like a contractor: Two plumbers can charge very different rates for the same job based on experience, reputation, and location. PDR is no different.
PDR vs. Body Shop
PDR repairs the dent without sanding, body filler, or repainting — the factory paint is preserved entirely. Results are also significantly faster than a body shop, often completed same-day. That said, body shops serve a critical role for damage that PDR cannot address — severe collision damage, paint damage, structural repairs, and anything that requires filler or refinishing. PDR and body shops are not competitors — they each have their place, and a good tech will always be honest with you about which one your car needs.
No — in fact, the entire goal of PDR is to preserve your factory paint. Factory paint is a one-time deal. It is more resilient, more durable, and more consistent than any repainted panel will ever be. Car owners and enthusiasts value factory paint because once it is gone, it cannot be replicated to the same standard. PDR protects that investment by restoring the metal without ever touching the paint surface.
PDR almost always results in better resale value. Because the factory paint is preserved and no body filler or repainting is involved, the vehicle retains its original factory condition. In most cases a PDR repair also does not appear on a Carfax or vehicle history report — whereas a body shop repair often does, which can significantly reduce a vehicle's trade-in or private sale value.
Bottom line: PDR keeps your car at factory condition. A repainted panel is never quite the same — and buyers and dealers know the difference.
Insurance & Claims
Most major insurance companies cover PDR repair. However, whether to file a claim is ultimately the car owner's decision. For hail damage specifically, comprehensive coverage almost always applies. For single dents from door dings or minor impacts, it may not be worth filing depending on your deductible amount and the repair cost.
For the most part, no — hail damage falls under comprehensive coverage, which is considered a non-fault claim and typically does not raise your rates. However, this can vary depending on your insurance provider, your state, and your policy. Always check with your insurance company before filing to understand how it may affect your specific policy.
Important: Always verify with your insurer first. Policies vary widely between providers and states.
It depends on your deductible. If your deductible is higher than the cost of the PDR repair, it does not make financial sense to file a claim — you would be paying more out of pocket than if you just paid the tech directly. However, if the repair cost exceeds your deductible, filing a claim is worth considering. Use PriceMyDent's estimate as your starting point to compare against your deductible before making a decision.
Simple rule: If repair cost is less than your deductible → pay out of pocket. If repair cost is more → consider filing a claim.
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Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 2026
Overview
PriceMyDent ("we", "us", or "our") operates pricemydent.com. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our website. We are committed to protecting your privacy.
Information We Collect
PriceMyDent is a free estimation tool. We do not require you to create an account or submit personal information to use the calculator. We may collect anonymous usage data such as pages visited, browser type, and general location through standard analytics tools to help us improve the site.
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Estimates Disclaimer
All estimates provided by PriceMyDent are for informational purposes only. They are based on general industry pricing data and do not constitute a formal quote. Actual repair costs may vary based on location, vehicle condition, technician, and damage severity. Always obtain a professional in-person inspection for final pricing.
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Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
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