10/17/2026
For a golf-ball-sized dent, paintless dent repair typically runs $150–$400, while traditional body and paint work runs $350–$1,000, depending on the panel and paint damage. If the paint is intact, paintless dent repair (PDR) is usually the best first option. If the paint is cracked, you’ll need standard body and paint work. Your final price depends on an inspection and, if you file a claim, your deductible.
TL;DR:
- Aluminum panels can raise repair costs by 30–50% over steel, while restricted access, body lines, and creases can add labor.
- With a $500 deductible, a $250 PDR quote leaves you paying out of pocket; a $1,000 conventional repair may yield about $500 in coverage.
- Get an indoor inspection under PDR lighting, then compare written quotes that list trim removal, paint, materials, extra charges, warranty, and turnaround.
- Cracked or flaking paint, severe creases, or inaccessible panels can rule out PDR, while aluminum requires a shop experienced with that metal.
See typical U.S. golf ball dent repair costs, compare PDR at $150–$400 with body shop work, and learn how paint condition affects your quote.