Paintless dent repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What paintless dent repair is

A technician uses specialized tools to push or pull a dent out from behind the panel, keeping the factory paint intact with no filler and no repainting. You need it for hail damage, door dings and small dents where the paint is not cracked or chipped.

Signs you need it

  • You see a dent or ding in a body panel with the paint still intact
  • The dent came from hail, a shopping cart or a door in a parking lot
  • The paint is not cracked, chipped or scratched at the dent
  • The dent is on a panel that can be reached from behind
  • A quote for a conventional repair seems to involve repainting an intact panel

What the pro does

  • Looks at the dent under strong light to see its shape and depth
  • Checks whether the paint is intact and whether the panel can be reached from behind
  • Removes trim or a panel cover if needed to reach the dent
  • Uses tools to push or pull the metal back to its original shape a little at a time
  • Checks the finish under light and reattaches any parts removed

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number and size of the dents
  • Whether the dent is on a panel that is easy or hard to reach from behind
  • Whether the paint is intact, since cracks or chips can rule out this method
  • Whether the dent crosses a body line or edge that is harder to repair
  • Whether the panel is aluminum or a material that needs different tools
  • Whether the car has a hail claim that needs documentation

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number and location of each dent
  • Whether each dent can be repaired without paint work, and why
  • Any trim or panel removal and reinstallation
  • Whether the repair affects the paint warranty or finish
  • What happens if the paint cracks during the repair

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can this dent be repaired without painting, and how do you know?
  • What happens if the paint cracks while you are working on it?
  • Do you have the tools for this panel?
  • Will you check the finish under light before you hand the car back?
  • Do you document the damage for an insurance claim?
  • Will you reinstall any trim or lights you remove?

Red flags

  • Says every dent can be repaired without checking the paint and the panel
  • Will not show the dent under strong light
  • Uses heat or force on a panel without explaining the risk to the paint
  • Leaves trim or panels off after the work

What you can do yourself

Do not try to push a dent out from behind the panel yourself, since you can crack the paint or damage hidden wiring. You can wash the car, photograph the dents in good light, and get written estimates before you call an insurer. Hire a pro for any dent you want repaired without paint work.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for paintless dent repair. Check with your state or local licensing agency about any business registration that applies to repair work in your area.

Paintless dent repair questions

Can every dent be fixed this way?

No. Dents with cracked or chipped paint, sharp creases or damage to the panel edges often need conventional body work.

Will the paint still match?

Yes, when the paint is intact, the factory finish stays in place. That is the main reason people choose this method.

Is hail damage covered by insurance?

It depends on your policy. Ask the repair shop to document the damage in writing so you can file a claim if you choose to.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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