"How much will it cost?" is the first question every PDR customer asks, and the most honest answer is: it depends. But here's exactly what it depends on, so you can walk into any estimate with a clear mental model.
What drives PDR pricing
Dent count
A single dent is priced as a single dent. Hail damage is priced by a dent map — small, medium, large — per panel. More dents, more hours, more money.
Panel difficulty
Not every panel is equal. A flat hood or trunk lid is relatively easy access. A quarter panel with reinforced inner structure, a pillar behind trim, or a roof with a headliner and airbag package costs more because of teardown time.
Access
If we can reach the dent from behind through an existing opening, it's cheaper. If we need to remove trim, drop a headliner, or pull a door card, that's additional labor.
Dent size and sharpness
A dime-sized dent from a parking-lot ding is usually a flat-rate fix. A deep, sharp dent with a stretched metal "crown" takes more time because we work it slowly to avoid cracking the paint.
Typical ranges
| Scenario | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single door ding | $75 – $150 |
| Small hail damage (15–30 dents) | $500 – $1,200 |
| Moderate hail damage (whole vehicle) | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Severe hail damage (every panel) | $4,000 – $10,000+ |
These are rough guides, not quotes. Your real estimate comes from a hands-on inspection under angled lighting.
How insurance changes the math
If your vehicle is covered by a comprehensive policy, hail damage is almost certainly covered. You typically pay only your deductible ($250–$1,000), and the carrier covers the rest. We bill the carrier direct.
In some states, we may also be able to help reduce or cover your deductible where allowed by law — ask us during intake.
When PDR isn't the cheapest path
If the paint is cracked, or the metal has stretched severely (deep creases, sharp folds), PDR stops being the optimal tool. At that point, a traditional repaint on the affected panel may cost less. We'll be honest with you about that at estimate time.
Want a real number for your vehicle? Book an estimate with a few photos — most quotes come back inside the hour.