How Much Does a Dent Repair Cost with Paint: A Complete Explainer

Did you know that over 70% of collision repair shops have adopted digital estimating software to streamline their services? (Source: World Metrics)

With vehicle maintenance and repair costs soaring by 28% in the past three years, (WSJ)

understanding dent repair methods is more critical than ever. 

Whether it's a minor parking lot ding or significant collision damage, choosing the right repair approach can save you time and money. 

In this article, we'll explore various dent repair techniques, and factors influencing their costs, and provide average price estimates to help you make informed decisions about maintaining your vehicle's appearance and value.

Types of Dent Repair Methods

Dent repairs vary based on the damage and whether the paint is affected. Some methods focus on restoring the panel without painting, while others require extensive refinishing.

Traditional Dent Repair (Body Filler & Paint)

• Used for deep dents where paint is cracked or damaged.

• Involves filling the dent, sanding it down, priming, repainting, and clear-coating.

• Common in auto body shops and more expensive due to labor and materials.

Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)

• Best for minor dents with no paint damage.

• Uses special tools to push the dent out from behind the panel.

• Less expensive than traditional repair since it skips painting.

Factors That Affect Dent Repair Costs

Not all dents cost the same to fix. Several factors, such as dent size, location, and vehicle type, influence the final repair bill. Understanding these can help you estimate costs more accurately.

Size and Depth of the Dent

• Small dents (coin-sized) are cheaper to fix.

• Large or deep dents need more work, increasing labor and material costs.

Dent Location on the Vehicle

• Dents on flat surfaces (doors, hoods) are easier and cheaper to repair.

• Edges and reinforced areas (roof, fender curves) require more precision, raising costs.

Type of Vehicle & Material

• Luxury and specialty vehicles have more expensive paint and materials.

• Aluminum panels are harder to reshape, making repairs costlier than steel ones.

Extent of Paint Damage

• Small paint chips may only need touch-up paint.

• Large paint damage requires blending and repainting, which increases the price.

Average Cost Estimates for Dent Repair with Paint

Here is the breakout of the average cost:

Small Dents (1-2 inches, minimal paint damage)

💰 Cost: $50–$200

• Typically repaired with PDR or minor touch-up paint.

• Example: Shopping cart dings or hail damage.

Medium Dents (2-6 inches, moderate paint damage)

💰 Cost: $200–$1,500

• May require sanding, filler, and full repainting.

• Example: Door dings or minor fender benders.

Large Dents (6+ inches, severe paint damage)

💰 Cost: $1,500–$10,000

• Often involves deep bodywork and full panel repainting.

• Example: Collision damage requiring panel replacement.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Labor Rates – Varies by shop and location, averaging $75–$150 per hour.

• Paint Matching & Blending – Ensures a seamless color match, adding $200+ to costs.

• Panel Replacement – If a dent is too severe, a new panel may be needed, increasing costs significantly.

Ways to Save on Dent Repairs

✔️ Compare Estimates – Get quotes from multiple shops to find the best price.

✔️ Choose PDR When Possible – It’s cheaper and preserves your car’s original paint.

✔️ DIY for Minor Dents – Small dings can sometimes be fixed with a DIY dent repair kit.

✔️ Check Insurance Coverage – If the dent is from an accident, your policy may cover the repair.

Dent repair costs depend on many factors, especially when paintwork is needed. Getting the right repair ensures your car stays in great condition while protecting its resale value.

Always weigh your options, compare prices, and choose a repair method that suits your needs.

Flex Auto: Your Trusted Choice for Dent Repair & More

When it comes to dent repairs with paint, precision and quality matter. At Flex Auto, we specialize in restoring your vehicle’s appearance with expert dent removal, bodywork, and professional paint matching.

Whether it's a minor ding or a severe dent, our skilled technicians ensure seamless repairs that blend perfectly with your car’s original finish.

Beyond dent repairs, we offer collision repair, bumper fixes, paint correction, ceramic coating, window tinting, and auto detailing.

Whether you need a quick fix or a full-body restoration, Flex Auto delivers top-tier craftsmanship and outstanding results. Visit us today or book online and let us bring your vehicle back to perfection.