Keeps your factory paint · usually done in days
Paintless dent repair (PDR): the right fix for most hail
PDR pushes the metal back from behind the panel with specialized tools, so the factory paint never gets touched. No filler, no repaint, no color-match risk, and it's usually done in days. Here's when it works and when it doesn't.
How it works
A tech removes trim or a headliner to reach the back of the panel, then works each dent out with steel rods and glue-pull tabs while reading the reflection in a PDR light board. A good tech leaves no trace. On hail, that's hundreds of individual pushes per car, which is why hail PDR is priced by dent count.
When PDR is the right call
The paint is intact (no cracks, no chips at the dent). The dent is on a flat or gently curved area a tech can reach from behind. The metal isn't stretched: dime-to-quarter dents from hail, door dings, shopping carts and small knocks. Most hail falls in this category, which is why hail repairs are often cheaper and faster than people expect.
When it isn't
Cracked or chipped paint: pushing the metal won't fix the paint, so that panel gets conventional repair and refinish. Dents on a sharp body line or a panel edge. Very large or deep dents where the metal has stretched. Aluminum panels with heavy damage. Panels we can't get behind (some roof rails, double-wall quarter panels). On a hail car it's normal to PDR the roof and trunk and conventionally repair a hood with cracked paint.
What it costs
A single door ding: $75 to $200. A panel with light hail: $300 to $900. A full hail car done mostly by PDR: see the cost page for ranges by severity. PDR is cheaper than conventional repair almost every time it's possible, and it keeps the factory paint, which matters for resale and for a leased car.
How to photograph hail damage
- Shoot at an angle, not straight onHail dents disappear in a straight-on photo. Stand at the corner of the car and let the sky or a building reflect across the roof, hood and trunk; the dents show up as ripples in the reflection.
- One photo per panelRoof, hood, trunk, then each side. Four photos is plenty for a first number; we count exact dents when the car is here.
- Shade beats sunPark under a carport or in the shade. Direct sun washes out the dents.
A Best Deal estimator reviews every hail estimate personally before it goes out. Free, no obligation.
Visit the shop
5511 N 51st Ave, Suites 108 & 109
Glendale, AZ 85301
Open every day, 7 AM – 6 PM
Get directionsCommon questions
Does PDR hurt the paint?
No. The paint is never touched. The risk is only with cracked paint that was already there, which is why we inspect every dent before choosing PDR.
Is PDR permanent?
Yes. The metal is returned to its original shape, not filled. There's nothing to shrink, crack or fade.
Can you PDR a dent that was already repaired with filler?
No. Once a panel has filler, PDR will crack it. That panel is a conventional repair.
How long does hail PDR take?
Light hail: two to three days. Moderate: about a week. The headliner and trim come out, the dents are pushed one by one, then it all goes back together and gets inspected under the light.
Everything about hail damage, in one place
Hail guides
Send a few photos. We'll take it from there.
Upload pictures of the damage for a preliminary price range, or call and talk to someone at the shop.
Visit the shop
5511 N 51st Ave, Suites 108 & 109
Glendale, AZ 85301
Open every day, 7 AM – 6 PM
Get directions