Several factors are considered when estimating the cost of a car dent repair. Factors like the size of the dent, severity of the damage, location, and repair method all play major roles in the cost and duration of the repair.

Getting a car dent fixed at an auto body shop can cost anywhere from $50 to $2500. But typically, small and shallow dents cost around $125 on average while larger dents can cost around $200-$500. These numbers are very broad and can vary greatly based on your situation. This is why it is best to consult with several professionals before making any decisions.

Factors included in a car dent estimate

As we mentioned above, several factors are considered when estimating the cost of a dent repair. It is always suggested to get quotes from several different body shops before making a decision. Some factors of a car dent estimate include:

• Size – Larger dents that cover more area on the vehicle cost more to repair than smaller dents.
• Depth – Shallow dents can oftentimes cost less than deeper dents, especially if the paint is not damaged. Shallow dents may even be an easy DIY repair.
• Dent location – Dents that are hard to reach, on high-strength materials, or dent repairs that require removal of parts will cost more. 
• Make and model – Luxury vehicles are typically more expensive to repair than less expensive brands.
• The repair shop – Among car dealerships, auto body shops, and mobile services, typically car dealerships will cost the most. Also consider things like local labor costs, competition, and availability of parts. 

How to fix a car dent

The best way to get a car dent fixed is to take your vehicle to a collision center or auto body shop. Trained technicians can repair the damage to your car without the risk of further damage to the vehicle. Otherwise, if you are up to the task, there are some DIY methods for fixing dents.

Can you fix a car dent yourself?

There are many methods for repairing car dents yourself, from using household techniques to dent repair kits. These methods can cost anywhere from a couple of dollars to $75. Small dents can be fixed using dent pullers or other similar methods, but the complexity of the repair goes up exponentially if the dent is any larger than a few inches. Repairing dents yourself can be a great way to save money, but it is important to note that when repairing car dents yourself you run the risk of further damaging your vehicle. In some situations doing repairs yourself may invalidate your vehicle’s warranty, and damages caused may require professional intervention which will result in additional costs.

How do professionals get rid of dents?

There are several methods technicians can use to repair the dents on your vehicle. The two most common methods are traditional dent repair and paintless dent repair or PDR. Please consult your local collision repair shop to see what type of repair is best for you.

What is traditional dent repair?

Traditional dent repair involves pounding the dent out of your car’s external body and then sanding down the area. Then layers of bonding material are applied to the area to reshape and replicate the car’s original form. After the bonding material is set, the area is sanded and then painted to match the rest of the car. 

What is paintless dent repair?

Paintless dent repair or PDR is a process of removing dents without the need to repaint. Special processes are used to determine the original contour of your car’s bodywork, and then technicians apply pressure to the metal to carefully restore everything to its original shape. Paintless dent repair is typically quicker and more cost-effective than traditional methods.

Looking for dent repair in Wilmington, NC?

Ultra Color Collision and Paint offers Wilmington’s most state-of-the-art dent repair services with over 50+ five-star reviews and is known as a Platinum Level auto painting and auto collision shop in Wilmington, North Carolina. Visit our website and get your free dent repair estimate today.