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Did you come back from shopping to find a dent in your car? Or misjudge your space as you pulled into the garage? Whether it’s a small or large dent, it can be unsightly and reduce your resale value. You may ask, “how much to fix a dent in a car?” Or wonder if it’s possible to do it yourself (DIY). Your price and dent removal method depend on a few factors, so explore your options before deciding.
The best way to get a dent out of a car is to schedule a visit with a collision center or auto body shop. Trained technicians can actually save you money by removing the mark without damaging the paint or causing rust in the future. However, there are many DIY tricks that you can find online if you’re the type of person who likes a challenge.
To remove a dent, auto technicians start by cleaning off the surface and assessing the damage. This also helps them determine the dent repair cost. It may be less expensive to replace the part on your car than to remove the dent in some cases.
Next, many auto repair shops use one of the following methods:
Your total dent removal cost can vary greatly depending on several factors. Get a few bids from different collision or auto body shops before making a decision. Like the cost to fix a scratch on a car, the price of a dent repair differs according to:
Technicians may use a dent repair cost estimator to determine what to charge you. This tool lets technicians input the size and depth of the dent. Some applications use your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to assess the accessibility of the dent. Other auto body shops compute the price manually by taking each aspect above into consideration.
The dent repair cost may range from $50 to $2,500. Although that’s a broad range, most small dents that are roughly an inch in size may cost around $50 to $125. Small indentations may come from a flying rock or piece of hail. Dents stemming from a collision are typically larger and cost $150 or more.
Higher-end prices come from dents on parts with sensors like a bumper, dents involving multiple panels, or a need to replace parts or panels. Expensive removal may include repainting, sanding, or touch-up repairs.
DIY dent removal tools or kits start at $4 for a simple dent puller and may cost as much as $800 for a PDR kit. On average, you can expect to spend around $50 for a versatile kit that comes with several different tools. However, you may damage the paint and require a touch-up paint kit, which can run you from $5 to $70. Some DIY measures may worsen the damage, requiring professional intervention and additional cost.
Small dents may cost $100 or less to fix. At this price, it can be a good idea to get it fixed if you’re bothered by the dent’s appearance or want to sell your car. But, doing it yourself may cause paint damage. Plus, even a repaired dent can result in rust down the road. You may pay roughly the same amount for a professional repair, which can give you greater peace of mind.
If you want to trade-in your car to a dealership, a dent may lower its value. The dealer usually intends to repair the dent before reselling a used vehicle. As long as the dent is small, it won’t be a significant drop in value. Still, removing the dent for a small fee is a good idea before trading in your vehicle.
When selling your car, even a small dent can decrease the perceived value of a vehicle. The damage also may increase the time it takes to make a sale. People may be put off by a dent or worry that other hidden damage exists. Consider how much the dent removal costs versus your desired selling price. Often, it’s a good idea to fix a small dent before selling your car.
Although a dent and the cause can be distressing, it can be an easy and low-priced fix. Before worrying over the price, talk to your local auto body shops and get a few estimates. Knowing your costs will help you decide if it’s worth removing a dent.
This article is for educational purposes only and provides general auto information. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other content. For specific advice about your circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.
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