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A car is one of your pride and joys. A car cannot remain dent-free throughout its lifetime. An unsightly dent, no matter how small, on your vehicle can be very frustrating, particularly if your car is brand new. You know your driving skills, but you don't control anyone else's.

Whenever you return to the parking lot, you could find that someone has dented your car. To resolve the issue, you should reach out to a car dent repairing service instead of experimenting. In this article, we're going to explain dent repair and what you can expect to pay for your car.

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Dent in a Car?

In 2022, average dent repair costs range from $125 to $500 and sometimes it goes up to $500 plus. A number of factors determine the actual cost, such as the process, the vehicle kind, and other variables. It's very difficult to say the average cost because dent repair cost depends on the types of damage.

The more intense the damage is the more you have to pay. For small or minor damage, the average cost of repairing is anywhere near $50 to $200 for minor dents. This is the most common type of dent on a vehicle.

Next is Moderate Dent Repair: Dents of these types are less common than minor dents and are often caused by minor collisions. Due to our recent study, the average cost to fix the moderate dent is $2,000 to $5,000.

Last but not least, we have severe dent repair. Dents that result from large collisions tend to be deeper and more involved than other types. To fix the severe dent you have spent anywhere up to $10,000 which is a very costly repair.

Dent Repair Cost Summary

Considering the following estimate for 2022, the repair costs of an auto dent are as follows:

Small Dent Repair	$50-$200
Traditional Dent Repair	$150-$300
Paintless Dent Repair	$150-$250
DIY Dent Repair	$50
Average Dent Repair Cost	$125-$500

Find the Best Auto Dent Repair Method for Your Needs

The three most common methods for repairing dents are as follows. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are some limitations and they can be applied to specific cases. Below are their costs for each.

1. Traditional Dent Repair – Professional Work

To repair a traditional dent, the technician must pound it out as much as possible while trying to make it conform to the original vehicle shape. In the end, the body is sanded down to the primer, repainted, and reshaped to a suitable shape.

It can often be more expensive to repair dent using this method while it is a standard way of repairing dents. Compared to replacing a piece of the body, it is generally more cost-effective. However, it is still quite expensive for many of us.

A traditional demerit repair requires a higher level of expertise to make it right, and this includes the shape and color matching of the vehicle. The cost of a traditional dent repair ranges between $150 and $300 on average, according to the 2022 analysis.

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2. Paintless Dent Repair – Most Affortable

The Paintless Dent Repair or PDR technique eliminates the need to repaint a vehicle as a result of dents and dings. Planning takes up a significant amount of time in PDR. Technicians analyze the dents to determine if PDR is feasible.

Next, any obstructions in the way of the technician are removed in order to gain access to the ding. The technician reforms the metal back to its original shape after gaining access to it. PDR seems like it is the only tool available for dent repair, but there are certain situations in which it cannot be used.

A PDR method will not work on dent paint that has already been damaged. PDR is also ineffective if the body damage has thinned the metal due to the misshapen metal. PDR, while requiring a skilled tradesman, is often much cheaper than traditional repair as it is precise and requires far less labor.

In comparison to other dent repair methods, paintless dent repair is less expensive.

According to the auto market data, the average cost of a paintless dent repair is $150 to $250. Depending on labor rates, smaller dents like door dents, the auto repair shops take the price ranges between $50 to $125.

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3. DIY Dent Repair – Budget Friendly

To cut the cost in half, DIY is the best method but it's not that much easy. Here you can cut the labor costs to zero. If the dent is small and you have all the basic tools as well as time then you can hand on this work. You don't need any special tools for small dents.

Sometimes you need to separate the body panels or entire panel and have to perform the paint job. If you have a luxurious car then we advise you not to do this alone. You may fix the dent but it'll not shine as the professionals do.

These can usually be removed with a dent removal kit, which generally costs around $50. So all you need is to have a dent removal kit to do this job. It is the most cost-effective way to fix a dent in your car at home.

NOTE: If you are inexperienced, it is strongly recommended to not try this by yourself.

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When Should You Take Your Car in for Dent Repair? [Four Tips]

There are too many factors that directly affect the overall cost. For better understanding try to give a short brief about each factor.

# Density of the Damage

Dents generally fall into three different severity categories. In most cases, minor dents can be repaired on a DIY basis without the need to hire a qualified technician. After that, we come to moderate dents.

To repair larger dents up to two inches in depth, a technician with training and experience is necessary.

Finally, but not least! Severe damage or extensive damage needs to be repaired. A severe dent requires time and skill to repair because it is large and deep. An auto body shop must handle these, which is labor-intensive.

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# Location

If needed, accessing the other side of the dent is challenging if it is on the outside of the vehicle. In most cases, it will be cheaper to remove a dent if access is easy to the area.

# Number of Dents

Adding more dents to the vehicle will increase the cost. You have to pay the auto body repair shop more to repair a car when it has too much dent.

# Make and Model

Repair costs vary greatly depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Repairing luxury vehicles will be a lot more costly than repairing domestic commercial vehicles. As a result of the car's materials as well as its paint, this is the case.

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What if my car was severely damaged by hail?

When your car is heavily dented by hail, you can sell it to earn extra money instead of paying upwards of $10,000 for dent repair. You may have to pay a very high dent repair cost for an expensive model, especially if hail damage occurs all over it.

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A Step-by-Step Guide of Auto Dent Repair: Like a Professional

Here is a guide for professionals so that they can learn and apply them early. To do so, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: First you have to evaluate the damage. The technician will measure the size and location of the dent. Paintless dent repair is usually the best method to use.

Step 2: Then, tap out the dent with a hammer, dolly, and dent puller as close to the original panel line as possible. Take care not to tap out the dent higher than the original panel line.

Step 3: You need to prepare a smooth surface. As Body Filler doesn't stick well to paint, you first have to remove it from the dent. To remove all paint from the dent and surrounding area, use an abrasive pad or 36-40 grit speed file paper. Remove wax and grease from the surface using Prepwash Wax and Grease Remover. Apply a Rust Converter to any rusted metal.

Step 4: Next you must apply filler properly. Ensure the body filler and hardener are mixed uniformly. Use an applicator to apply the filler to dented areas. Let it cure for 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: After that, sand back the filler down to its original level. Use a coarse grit speed file paper and sandpaper up to 120 grit for best results. Filler and spot putty may have to be applied several times to larger dents before a good finish develops.

Step 6: In the final step, you should remove all wax and grease from all surfaces before you paint. Tape the surrounding area to prevent overspray. To fill any traces of sanding left in the repair, apply Surface Primer or Primer Putty.

It is possible that a light sanding with dry and wet paper of 2000 grit and a final polish will be necessary for the best result.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Fix Chipped Paint on a Car?

Advantages of Paintless Dent Removal – Techniques & Benefits

This method is cost-efficient and comparatively easy on your bank account. Comparatively to traditional auto dent repair, it does not take long. As a matter of fact, the repairing is done in less than an hour. They will almost always take one day, even if they take a long time.

The product does not need to be repainted or filled, which makes it hassle-free. The conventional method involves the release of certain chemicals into the atmosphere during re-painting; paintless repair does not emit these chemicals into the atmosphere, which makes it an environmentally friendly method.

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Does Car Insurance Cover Scratches, Dents and Minor Damage?

Your car insurance will cover minor damage, such as scratches or dents, under collision coverage. When you cause a small amount of damage to your car, you shouldn't file a claim and then face a hike in your premium, especially if the vehicle is older or less expensive.

Paying for the damage out of your own pocket would save you more money in the long run instead of getting it fixed. In the event that you file an insurance claim, your insurer may consider the accident to be your fault, leading to higher insurance premiums later.

You should think about whether repairing minor damage to your car would exceed your deductible, or if simply accepting cash as payment would make more sense in this situation.

Related: How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Side Mirror on a Car?

Should You Make a Claim with the Insurance Company?

When it comes to this question, there is no one right answer; it depends on your own circumstances. Before an insurance claim, you should look at the auto insurance policy first. Your premium will be increased when you renew, regardless of whether you submit a claim.

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The following are the most frequently asked questions by the people about (Auto Dent Repair): FAQs

Can I do paintless dent repair myself?

If you want to do the task then you need some specialized tools to perform the task. If you want to have the job done properly, you should consult a professional. It's a good option for people who want to save money and who aren't perfectionists, but we recommend you try your skills on a junker rather than your pride and joy.

What can't be fixed with paintless dent repair?

Paintless dent repair with this technique has become very popular, yet there are some damages such as vandalism of the outer coat of paint that this technique cannot fix. If that is the case, then re-painting would be necessary.

How long does it take to repair a car dent?

When you hire a dent removal service for your car, you will receive the dent removal service within 5-7 days, and sometimes within two weeks for traditional dent repair, depending on the size and intensity of the dent. Paintless repair, in contrast, does not require a lot of time to complete, depending on the same factors.

Do the damaged spots and dings vanish completely?

If you want your dent repairing service to succeed, it must be effective. A professional will not return a damaged car the same way it was before it was fixed. A perfect repair will eliminate all defects completely.

Is it worth fixing car dents before selling?

A dented car can sometimes increase its value, which will help you get more money for it if you decide to sell it. Furthermore, repairing dents before selling a car can expedite the sale process. In addition, the car may simply not appeal to them because of its design.

Can hot water fix a dent?

Sure. Hot water can pop out dents in plastic body panels that have a small concave die. However, a dent puller or a suction mount may be needed in certain situations to help it along.

"One Mind" with a Dent Repair

Hopefully, this guide will help you reduce the costs associated to fix a dent in a car. If you have any questions or experiences to share, please don't hesitate to ask. As part of our resource blog, we also fix auxiliary ports, car alarms installation, fix speedometer, and air ride suspension. So don't forget to read them.

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