Expert Dent Repair Without Repainting Your Vehicle

Paintless Dent Repair, or PDR, is a specialized technique used to remove dents and dings from a vehicle without disturbing the factory paint. It works by using precision tools—typically rods or picks—that access the backside of the damaged panel. A technician applies controlled pressure to massage the metal back to its original shape. For areas that are harder to reach, special glue tabs can be used on the exterior to gently pull the dent out. The goal is to restore the panel’s original contour without fillers, sanding, or repainting. Since there’s no need for new paint, the repair is faster, more cost-effective, and maintains the factory finish.

PDR is best suited for small to medium-sized dents where the paint has not been cracked or chipped. Common examples include door dings, hail damage, minor creases, and low-speed parking lot impacts. The ideal dent is shallow, round, and located on a flat or gently curved surface, like a door or hood panel. PDR works well on both steel and aluminum panels, though aluminum may require additional time and finesse. If the paint is intact and the dent isn’t on a sharp crease or near the edge of a panel, it’s likely a good candidate for PDR.

Yes. Not all dents qualify for paintless dent repair. If the paint is cracked, chipped, or if the dent is too deep and has stretched the metal, PDR may not be the best option. Damage near reinforced edges or seams—like the lip of a door or wheel well—can be more difficult to access or reshape. Sharp creases, collision damage, or dents with prior body filler may also require traditional bodywork. That said, a trained technician can often surprise you with what can still be fixed using PDR, especially with modern tools and techniques.

The time required depends on the size, depth, and location of the dent. Most small door dings or hail dents can be repaired in one to three hours. If your vehicle has multiple dents or panels involved—like after a hailstorm—the repair may take one to two days. Compared to body shop repairs that may take a week or more due to painting and curing times, PDR offers a much faster turnaround. At A+ Dent Medic, we’ll give you an accurate time estimate upfront, and in many cases, you’ll be back on the road the same day.

Yes, paintless dent repair is generally more cost-effective than traditional repair methods. Since there’s no need for body filler, sanding, or paint, the labor and materials involved are significantly reduced. Small dents may cost as little as $175–$300, while larger or more complex dents may range higher. Traditional repairs often involve multiple steps and higher parts and labor costs—sometimes totaling several hundred dollars for even minor damage. Plus, PDR helps you avoid hidden costs like paint mismatch or diminished resale value due to panel replacements.

No. One of the biggest advantages of paintless dent repair is that it preserves your vehicle’s original factory finish. The tools used in PDR apply pressure behind the panel rather than disturbing the exterior surface. Since no paint, filler, or sanding is involved, there’s no risk of mismatched paint, overspray, or paint shrinkage over time. This helps retain your car’s resale value and ensures the repaired area blends in flawlessly with the rest of the vehicle.

Yes. When done correctly by a trained technician, PDR is a permanent solution. The dented metal is reshaped to its original form, and it will not “pop” back in the future. There’s no chance of the damage returning unless the panel is hit again. The repair won’t degrade or change over time like some filler-based repairs might. A+ Dent Medic uses industry-grade tools and processes to ensure lasting results with no shortcuts.

In many cases, yes. Most comprehensive auto insurance policies cover paintless dent repair—especially for hail damage. Since PDR is typically less expensive and preserves the vehicle’s value better than conventional repairs, many insurance companies prefer it. If you're filing a claim, you’ll usually just need a damage inspection and estimate, which A+ Dent Medic can provide. We also work directly with insurance adjusters to make the process as smooth as possible, ensuring your claim moves forward quickly.

Typically, no. Because paintless dent repair doesn’t involve panel replacements, paintwork, or collision repairs, it generally doesn’t get reported to Carfax or other vehicle history services. That’s a major benefit for resale value—your car’s report stays clean, which can help you retain more of its value when trading in or selling. However, if the repair was filed under an insurance claim, the incident itself may still be noted depending on the insurer’s reporting policies.

Yes, using a professional is highly recommended. While DIY dent repair kits may seem convenient and inexpensive, they come with significant risk. Without the right tools and experience, it’s easy to crack the paint, over-pull the dent, or cause rippling in the metal. These mistakes often result in more expensive repairs down the road. A+ Dent Medic technicians are trained to evaluate dent depth, panel material, and tool access, delivering precise results that a DIY kit simply can’t match.