Paintless dent repair, where a technician pushes the metal back out from behind with no filler or new paint, usually costs $75 to $300, according to Lemonade, an insurer. It only works if the paint isn’t cracked. Lemonade’s size chart starts lower, at $50 to $125 for a quarter-size door ding. When the paint is damaged or the metal is sharply creased, the dent needs filler and paint, and that usually costs $200 to $1,000 or more.
Not sure which repair yours needs? Look at the paint. If it isn’t cracked or chipped, paintless repair is likely an option. For a number on your own car, upload photos to the Instant Estimator.
These links open a shop’s appointment request form. An assistant such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini can fill one in with your vehicle and the damage, so the form opens ready for your name and number. The shop confirms the time with you.
The ZIP code, vehicle, damage, day and time are examples. Use your own.
Size sets the starting price. Depth, location, and the condition of the paint move it from there.
| Dent | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Quarter-size or smaller (a typical door ding) | $50–$125 |
| Golf ball-size | $125–$250 |
| Baseball-size | $250–$450 |
| Larger than a baseball | $450+ |
| Large dent that’s creased or on a body line | $600–$1,500+* |
Size ranges from Lemonade (September 2025), which don’t separate paintless repair from traditional bodywork. *The last row is ThePricer’s price for paintless repair of a large dent that is creased or on a body line, one of the styled creases in a panel. ThePricer is a cost roundup site, not claims data, so treat that row as rough. Other sources land a little differently. J.D. Power puts most quarter-size dents at $50 to $200 and dents six inches or wider at $200 to $350. The Zebra puts paintless repair at $50 to $500 per dent.
More than one dent? Each additional one adds about $40 to $75, according to J.D. Power. Hail is priced differently, by counting dents per panel: see what hail damage repair costs.
The paint is the first thing that decides which one you get. If it’s intact, paintless repair is usually on the table. If it’s cracked, the panel needs paint.
A 2018 AAA Midstates estimate put paintless repair at about 65% less than traditional bodywork. It’s also the better result when it works, because the original paint is never sanded off.
A kit is worth trying only on a shallow, round dent in the middle of a flat steel panel. DIY dent kits cost about $15 to $50, according to Lemonade, and J.D. Power puts the range at $6 to around $200. Most pull the dent out with suction cups or glue tabs. For a crease, a dent on a body line, or anything with damaged paint, skip the kit and get a quote from a collision center.
Deductibles typically run from $100 to $2,000, according to Progressive. If the repair costs less than yours, the insurer pays nothing, so get a number first.
Which coverage applies depends on the cause. Hail, a falling branch, and vandalism fall under comprehensive coverage, the optional part of a policy that pays for damage that isn’t from a crash. A dent from hitting a pole or another car falls under collision coverage, which is also optional. A liability-only policy covers neither. If another driver dented your car and you know who, their insurance may pay.
A claim can also raise your premium. The Zebra found average premiums of $185 a month with no claims and $201 after one comprehensive claim.
Common questions about dent repair and insurance.
Paintless dent repair usually costs $75 to $300, according to Lemonade, an insurer, and it only works if the paint isn't cracked. Lemonade puts a quarter-size ding at $50 to $125, and a dent that needs filler and paint at $200 to $1,000 or more.
Often $50 to $125 for a quarter-size ding, by Lemonade's figures. J.D. Power puts most quarter-size dents at $50 to $200, plus $40 to $75 for each extra one. Door dents are often easier to reach than others, which helps keep the price down.
Usually, when it's an option. It keeps the factory paint, and a 2018 AAA Midstates estimate put it at about 65% less than traditional bodywork. It only works when the paint is intact and the technician can reach the dent.
No. Paintless repair won't work when the paint is cracked or chipped, the metal is creased or stretched too far, there's rust, or tools can't reach the back of the panel. Those dents need filler and paint, or a new panel.
Often not for a small one. Deductibles typically run from $100 to $2,000, according to Progressive, and if the repair costs less than yours, the insurer pays nothing. Dents from hail or a falling branch fall under comprehensive coverage, the optional part of a policy that pays for damage that isn't from a crash. A dent from hitting something yourself falls under collision coverage.
For a small dent with the paint intact, a mobile dent technician uses the same paintless methods a collision center would. Once the paint is damaged or the dent needs filler, the car needs a collision center with a paint booth.
Prices on this page are general ranges, not quotes. Your vehicle and market can land outside them. Insurance coverage varies by policy and state.
Upload a few photos to the Instant Estimator and see a preliminary estimate before you call anyone.
