Paintless dent repair vs. traditional body work
When PDR is the right call, and when you need full panel repair and refinishing.
Paintless dent repair (PDR) sounds like magic - a technician massages a dent out from behind the panel and the factory paint stays untouched. When it works, it is faster, cheaper, and preserves your vehicle's value better than traditional body work. But it is not the right answer for every dent.
When PDR is the right call
PDR is ideal for hail damage, shopping cart dings, door dents from the car next to you, and minor creases where the paint has not cracked. If the metal is still smooth and the finish is intact, a skilled PDR technician can restore it to factory condition in a few hours.
When you need traditional body work
If the paint is chipped, cracked, or scratched through to bare metal, PDR cannot fix it on its own. Sharp creases, deep dents, dents on a body line, and damage near the edge of a panel usually require traditional repair: filler, sanding, primer, and a fresh coat of color-matched paint.
Cost difference
PDR typically runs $75-$300 per dent depending on size and location. A traditional repair on the same panel - pulling the dent, applying filler, sanding, and refinishing - usually starts around $500 and goes up from there. Insurance often covers either method when a claim is involved.
Resale value
Because PDR preserves the factory paint, a Carfax-savvy buyer cannot tell the panel was ever damaged. Repainted panels show up on paint meters and can knock value off at trade-in. If preserving original paint matters to you, always ask if PDR is an option first.
Not sure which one you need? Bring the car by Focus On Cars and we will tell you honestly - even if the answer is the cheaper option. Free estimates, no pressure.