PDR vs Body Shop: Complete Comparison
Understanding your repair options is crucial for making the right decision. This comprehensive guide compares paintless dent repair (PDR) with traditional body shop repairs across all key factors.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) | Traditional Body Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $75-$400 per dent 50-70% cheaper | $300-$1,500+ per panel Full panel refinish |
| Repair Time | 30 minutes - 2 hours Same-day service | 2-5 days minimum Paint curing required |
| Paint Preservation | 100% original paint Factory finish intact | Repainted surface Color matching required |
| Resale Value Impact | No negative impact No paint work on record | May reduce value Paint work reported |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee typical No re-denting | 1-2 years typical Paint warranty only |
| Insurance Claims | Often below deductible No claim needed | Usually requires claim Higher costs |
| Damage Types | Dents, dings, hail Paint must be intact | All damage types Paint damage, rust, etc |
| Environmental Impact | Minimal No chemicals or waste | Significant Paint, solvents, VOCs |
When PDR is the Right Choice
✅ Best For:
- Minor to moderate dents without paint damage
- Hail damage (multiple small dents)
- Door dings from parking lots
- Maintaining original factory paint
- Lease return or resale preparation
- Budget-conscious repairs
- Quick turnaround needed (same day)
❌ Not Suitable For:
- Paint is cracked, chipped, or scratched
- Dent is on a body line or extreme edge
- Metal is stretched beyond repair threshold
- No access behind the panel (double-wall areas)
- Rust or corrosion present
- Previous body filler or poor repairs
- Structural damage or frame issues
Damage Type Comparison
| Damage Type | PDR | Body Shop | Best Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small door ding (1-2") | ✅ $75-150 | ❌ $300-500 | PDR (50% savings) |
| Medium dent (2-4") | ✅ $150-300 | ❌ $500-800 | PDR (60% savings) |
| Large dent (4-6") | ✅ $250-400 | ❌ $800-1200 | PDR (70% savings) |
| Hail damage (multiple) | ✅ $200-600/panel | ❌ $1000+/panel | PDR (60-70% savings) |
| Paint scratch/chip | ❌ Cannot repair | ✅ $300-800 | Body Shop (required) |
| Crease/sharp dent | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Always | Get PDR assessment first |
| Dent on body line | ❌ Rarely possible | ✅ Yes | Body Shop (usually) |
| Collision damage | ❌ Cannot repair | ✅ Full repair | Body Shop (required) |
Detailed Cost Breakdown
PDR Costs
- Small Dent (Quarter-sized)
- $75 - $150
- 1-2 inches diameter, shallow depth
- Medium Dent (Baseball-sized)
- $150 - $300
- 2-4 inches diameter, moderate depth
- Large Dent (Softball-sized)
- $250 - $400
- 4-6 inches diameter, deeper damage
- Hail Damage (Per Panel)
- $200 - $600
- Depends on number and size of impacts
- Full Vehicle Hail Repair
- $2,500 - $7,000
- Severe hailstorm with 50-100+ dents
Typical Savings: 50-70% vs Body Shop
Most repairs completed same day, no deductible needed
Body Shop Costs
- Small Dent Repair
- $300 - $500
- Includes body filler, sanding, paint
- Medium Dent Repair
- $500 - $1,000
- Panel work, primer, multi-coat paint
- Full Panel Refinish
- $800 - $1,500
- Complete panel repaint with blending
- Hail Damage (Per Panel)
- $1,000 - $2,500
- Full panel replacement/refinish often required
- Full Vehicle Hail Repair
- $8,000 - $20,000+
- May total the vehicle if over 70% value
⚠️ Hidden Costs
Paint depreciation, insurance claim record, rental car fees (3-5 days)
Real-World Decision Scenarios
Scenario 1: Parking Lot Door Ding
Situation:
2" door ding on driver's door, paint intact, no crease
Recommended: PDR
- • Cost: $100-150 (vs $400-600 body shop)
- • Time: 30-45 minutes same day
- • Result: Perfect factory finish preserved
Cost-Benefit Analysis
PDR: $125 average, same day, no paint work
Body Shop: $500 average, 3 days, repainted door
Savings: $375 + faster + better quality
Scenario 2: Hailstorm Damage
Situation:
25 dents across hood, roof, trunk from golf ball-sized hail
Recommended: PDR
- • Cost: $3,000-5,000 (vs $12,000-18,000 body shop)
- • Time: 1-2 days vs 2-3 weeks
- • Insurance: Lower claim, faster processing
Cost-Benefit Analysis
PDR: $4,000 average, 2 days, all original paint
Body Shop: $15,000 average, 3 weeks, multiple panels repainted
Savings: $11,000 + much faster
Scenario 3: Scratched & Dented Fender
Situation:
3" dent on front fender with 2" paint scratch through to primer
Recommended: Body Shop
- • Cost: $600-900 for dent + paint repair
- • Time: 3-4 days for proper paint cure
- • Result: Paint damage requires body shop anyway
Why Body Shop?
Paint is compromised, so PDR's main advantage (paint preservation) doesn't apply
Body shop can fix both dent and paint in one service
PDR can't fix paint damage
Scenario 4: Lease Return Preparation
Situation:
3-4 small dings before lease turn-in, avoiding excess wear charges
Recommended: PDR
- • Cost: $300-500 total (vs $1,200 lease penalty)
- • Time: 1-2 hours same day
- • Result: Passes lease inspection, saves $700+
ROI Analysis
Lease penalty: $300/dent = $1,200
PDR repair: $125/dent = $500
Net savings: $700 + clean lease record
The Bottom Line
of dents can be fixed with PDR at 50-70% cost savings
PDR repairs vs 3-5 days for body shop paint work
of original factory paint preserved with PDR method
Not sure if PDR is right for your damage?
Take Our Free Assessment