Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about paintless dent repair
About PDR
What is Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)?
Paintless Dent Repair is a technique for removing dents from vehicle body panels without affecting the factory paint finish. Skilled technicians use specialized tools to carefully massage the metal back to its original shape from behind the panel.
What types of dents can PDR fix?
PDR works best on dents where the paint is intact, including door dings, minor creases, hail damage, and small collision dents. Dents with sharp creases, stretched metal, or paint damage may require traditional body shop repair.
How long does PDR take?
Most single dent repairs take 30 minutes to 2 hours. Multiple dents or hail damage can take a full day or more. Your technician will provide a time estimate based on your specific damage.
Will PDR damage my paint?
When performed by a qualified technician, PDR preserves your factory paint finish. This is one of the main advantages over traditional body shop repair, which requires repainting.
Costs & Insurance
How much does PDR cost?
PDR typically costs $75-$150 for small door dings, $150-$350 for medium dents, and $500+ for large dents or extensive hail damage. Prices vary by location, damage severity, and technician experience.
Is PDR covered by insurance?
Yes, most auto insurance policies cover PDR under comprehensive (for hail, vandalism) or collision coverage. PDR is often preferred by insurers because it costs less than traditional repair while achieving excellent results.
Should I file an insurance claim for dent repair?
It depends on your deductible, repair cost, and claims history. Our Insurance Claim Navigator quiz can help you decide if filing is worth it for your situation.
Finding a Technician
How do I find a qualified PDR technician?
Look for technicians with certifications from recognized organizations like Vale National or the National Alliance of Paintless Dent Repair Technicians. Ask for before/after photos, check reviews, and verify insurance coverage.
What certifications should a PDR technician have?
Look for I-CAR certification, Vale training certification, or membership in professional organizations like NAPDRT. These indicate formal training and commitment to industry standards.
Do PDR technicians come to me?
Many PDR technicians offer mobile service and can repair your vehicle at your home or workplace. This is one of the conveniences of paintless dent repair.
Vehicle Considerations
Can PDR be done on any vehicle?
PDR works on most vehicles with steel or aluminum body panels. Some limitations include exotic materials, previously repaired areas with body filler, and very old vehicles with brittle paint.
Will PDR void my warranty?
No, properly performed PDR should not affect your vehicle warranty. Since it preserves factory paint and does not modify vehicle systems, it is considered routine cosmetic repair.
Is PDR safe for leased vehicles?
Yes, PDR is ideal for lease returns because it restores the vehicle to like-new condition without repainting. This helps avoid excess wear charges at lease end.
Still have questions?
Try our interactive quizzes for personalized guidance, or contact us directly.