What is PDR and when should I use it?

PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) uses specialized tools to push dents out from behind without painting. It's faster, cheaper, and preserves original paint — but only works when paint is intact and the dent has no crease.

How much does PDR cost vs traditional bodywork?

PDR typically costs $75–400 for small to medium dents. Traditional bodywork with repainting runs $200–1,500+ depending on size, panel, and paint type.

When can't PDR be used?

PDR won't work if the paint is cracked or chipped, if there's a sharp crease in the metal, or if the dent is on a panel edge. In those cases, traditional bodywork is required.

🚗Dent & Scratch Repair Cost Comparator

Compare PDR and traditional bodywork costs for your damage type, size, and panel.

Damage Type

Damage Size

Panel Location

Paint Type

How Repair Method Costs Are Compared

The right repair method depends on the damage type and severity. PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) is the cost-effective choice when paint is intact — no filler, no repainting, and the repair is often invisible. Scratches or creased metal require traditional bodywork with filler and paint matching.

US cost benchmarks: PDR small $75–300, medium $200–500, large $400–900. Traditional bodywork small $200–600, medium $500–1,200, large $1,000–3,500. Pearl/3-stage paint adds 20–30% due to the complexity of matching the clearcoat layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I file an insurance claim for this repair?

If the repair cost exceeds your deductible and the premium increase from filing a claim, insurance makes sense. For minor dents under $500, paying out-of-pocket often works out cheaper.

Can I touch up paint scratches myself?

DIY scratch pens work for very light surface scratches. Deeper scratches that reach the primer or metal need professional attention to prevent rust formation.

How Repair Method Costs Are Compared

Frequently Asked Questions

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