DentThe honest answer: it depends on the dent. But unlike most PDR companies that dodge the pricing question, we'll give you real numbers. Here's what paintless dent repair actually costs in the Charlotte NC area — and what factors affect your price.
Typical PDR Pricing in Charlotte
| Dent Type | Typical Cost | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small door ding (coin-sized) | $75 – $150 | 15 – 30 min |
| Medium dent (golf ball sized) | $150 – $300 | 30 min – 1 hr |
| Large dent (softball+) | $300 – $600 | 1 – 3 hrs |
| Crease / body line damage | $200 – $800 | 1 – 4 hrs |
| Multiple dents (same panel) | Discounted per-panel rate | Varies |
| Hail damage (full vehicle) | $1,000 – $5,000+ | 1 day |
These ranges reflect what most Charlotte PDR specialists charge. Your exact cost depends on a few key factors we'll break down below.
What Affects the Price of Your Repair
Dent Size and Depth
This is the biggest factor. A shallow, round dent the size of a quarter is a straightforward repair. A deep, complex dent the size of a fist requires significantly more time and skill. Depth matters more than diameter — a large but shallow dent is often easier (and cheaper) to repair than a small but deep one.
Location on the Vehicle
Dents on flat, accessible panels like the hood or door are typically easier to repair. Dents near edges, body lines, or reinforced areas (like near a door handle or along the fender lip) require more precision and take longer — which affects cost.
Number of Dents
If you have multiple dents — especially from hail — most PDR technicians offer per-panel pricing rather than per-dent. This brings the overall cost down significantly compared to pricing each dent individually.
Vehicle Type
High-strength steel and aluminum panels (common on newer trucks, luxury vehicles, and electric cars) can be more challenging to repair. The metal's properties affect how it responds to the PDR process, which can impact pricing.
PDR vs Body Shop: The Cost Difference
PDR typically costs 50–75% less than traditional body shop repair for the same dent. Why? Because body shops need to sand, fill, prime, color-match, and repaint — all of which require expensive materials and additional labor hours. PDR uses only hand tools and skill.
For a detailed side-by-side breakdown, read our PDR vs body shop comparison.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
The fastest way to get a price for your specific dent is to text us photos. Here's how to get the most accurate estimate possible:
- Take a photo of the dent straight-on, showing its full size
- Take a second photo at an angle so we can see the depth
- Place a coin or credit card next to the dent for size reference
- Text all photos to 704-713-4663
Dents smaller than a half dollar can usually be estimated from photos alone. Larger or more complex damage may need a quick in-person look — which we do for free at your location.
Want an exact price for your dent? Text photos to 704-713-4663 — we reply within minutes.
Does Insurance Cover PDR?
Yes — especially for hail damage. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover PDR as the preferred repair method. If your dent was caused by hail, we work directly with your insurance company to handle the claim. Read our full hail damage insurance claim guide for the step-by-step process.
For dents caused by parking lot incidents or minor collisions, it's often more cost-effective to pay out of pocket rather than filing a claim — especially if the repair is under your deductible.
Lease Returns and Resale
If you're turning in a lease or selling your vehicle, fixing dents with PDR before the inspection is one of the best investments you can make. Dealerships charge top dollar for "excess wear and tear" — often 3–5x what a PDR specialist would charge for the same repair. Our lease return guide covers this in detail.
The Bottom Line
PDR in Charlotte typically runs $75–$600 for most common dents, with hail damage ranging from $1,000–$5,000+. The best way to know your exact cost is to text us a photo — it takes 30 seconds, and you'll have an answer within minutes.