Does a dent affect trade in value?
Asked by: Lisette Nitzsche | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 5/5 (14 votes)
How much do dents affect trade-in value?
If either is an issue, it's likely the dent devalues the vehicle by 5 to 10% of its worth. Dents that are noticeable will likely cost more in said depreciated resale value than the cost of simply repairing it.
Can I trade my car if it has a dent?
Yep. There's no problem trading a damaged car. You should always give full disclosure to the person or place you're trading to of what is wrong with the vehicle.
Does a dent count as damage?
Car body damage can go from small scratches to a state of total disrepair and those unsightly dings and dents are somewhere in between, but they still are unappealing and can be damaging to a vehicle.
Is it better to fix dents before selling a car?
Many buyers like the original paint, even with minor scratches. But if it is a major dent and if it is likely to drive the potential buyers away, it is better to get it fixed.
1 tip to Double your trade in value.
Do dealerships remove dents?
Can Dealerships Handle Collision Repairs and Body Work? Yes. Dealerships have their own service departments with trained technicians that can handle repairs and body work for the makes and models they sell.
Is it worth fixing cosmetic damage on car before trade in?
Fix any cosmetic damage.
Small dents, scratches, and scuffs can make a big difference in how much your car is worth. Getting these fixed before you trade in your car will give you a better chance of getting top dollar.
How much does it cost to fix a dent in a car?
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.
Do you have to tell insurance about a dent?
If it costs $2,000 to repair the dents and your deductible is $500, you would pay $500 and your insurance will pick up the rest. However, you should always notify your insurance if you get into an accident with another driver, even if the damage is minor.
Will a dent fail inspection?
Minor dings and dents aren't typically counted against you in a vehicle inspection. If the damage is extensive enough, however, it may become a potential obstacle to passing.
Does dent repair go on Carfax?
Nope! Because paintless dent repair leaves your vehicle's original finish intact, we're not required to report the repair to CARFAX. This is excellent news for your vehicle's resale value and one of the leading reasons to choose paintless dent repair over other options.
Will a dealership take a trade in that needs repairs?
This includes vehicles that are not in perfect condition. As long as the dealer thinks it is possible to fix the vehicle and resell it for a profit, it will be accepted as a trade-in. Even if your vehicle doesn't run, it can be towed to the dealership to complete the trade-in.
Can I trade my car in if it has a dent?
Can you trade in a car with damage if it needs major repairs? Yes. But in this case, it's not worth it to fix the vehicle if the repairs are costly.
What is the market value of dent?
Price of DENT today
The live price of Dent is $0.00133 per (DENT / USD) with a current market cap of $133.00M USD. 24-hour trading volume is $15.08M USD. DENT to USD price is updated in real-time. Dent is +4.61% in the last 24 hours with a circulating supply of 100.00B.
Is a dent in a car a big deal?
If there's any damage to the vehicle's paint or body panels, the dent can lead to moisture damage including rust and flaking paint. Larger dents or crease dents from objects like a tree branch may hide structural damage to the body of the car, which is a major safety concern.
Can a dealership fix a dent?
Does a dealership do collision repair work? Dealerships have service departments that deal with collision repair work, but often the repair work is done outside of the dealership and that's because of time and cost limitations.
Is it worth filing a claim for a small dent?
If the repair costs are less than your car insurance deductible, it makes sense to pay for the damage out of pocket. On the other hand, if the damage is more extensive and costly, it may make sense to file a claim for any dents or scratches that need to be repaired.
How much is a car with dent worth?
An average accident can decrease a car's value instantly (and permanently) by 10 – 25% annually, whereas an accident that only creates light damage (such as light scratches or small dents that don't impact the paint) will only decrease its value by 5-15%.
Is it worth getting dents out of car?
Small dents may seem minor, but they can detract from the overall look of your vehicle. Fixing these blemishes ensures that your car retains its sleek and well-cared-for appearance, which can be especially important if you use your vehicle for professional purposes or simply take pride in its appearance.
How much does it cost to bump out a dent?
Cost Estimates for Minor Bumper Dents
On average, you can expect to pay around $150 to $250 for professional paintless dent repair, but the rear or front bumper dent repair cost can be as little as $50 for light dents. The out-of-pocket costs will also depend on the company or mechanic you choose to fix your vehicle.
How do you pop a dent out of a car?
Hair Dryer and Compressed Air:
Once the metal is warm to the touch, quickly spray it with compressed air held upside down, so it comes out as a freezing liquid. The rapid change in temperature from hot to cold should cause the metal to contract and the dent to pop outwards.
How much does a dent affect trade-in value?
The extent to which a dent affects the trade-in value of a vehicle can vary depending on several factors. Generally, small dents may result in a minor reduction in trade-in value, ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the location, visibility, and extent of damage of the dent(s).
Will a dealership take a trade in with damage?
Absolutely, you can trade in a damaged car, but the important detail to keep in mind is the impact this will have on the trade-in value.
Should I fix up my car before trade in?
Large or financially costly repairs like rebuilding or replacing a transmission, replacing a cooling system, and more, are best avoided. Fixing major issues for minor dollars when you trade-in your vehicle as-is with larger issues is part of how dealerships can profit from buying and reselling used cars!