Is a car dent a big deal?
Asked by: Eliezer Effertz Sr. | Last update: November 27, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (11 votes)
Is it worth getting dents out of a 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 usually 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.
Is it OK to drive a dented car?
As long as the damage doesn't affect the driveability of the car, any of the required safety equipment (lights, signals, etc.) and the passenger compartment is intact for safety purposes, you should be able to drive the vehicle.
Is it OK to leave a dent on your car?
Our advice is never to leave a dent in your car bodywork untreated. Here are a few reasons why. Even if a dent looks minor when it first happens, leaving it over time could lead to it getting worse.
Do Car Suction Cups Work To Remove Dents?
Are car dents serious?
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.
Do dents devalue a car?
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%.
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.
Will a dented car pass 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.
Do car dealerships fix dents?
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.
Does insurance fix dents?
Your car insurance may cover the cost to repair dents and scratches if you carry comprehensive or collision coverage on your auto policy. Without these coverages, you may be on the hook for repair costs.
How big of a dent can be pulled out?
Paintless dent repair can easily remove dents and dings from vehicle bodies without refinishing or repairing them. It is a non-destructive method that massages the dented part and restores the metal to its original position. With this technique, dents ranging from 3 inches to 10 inches can be easily removed.
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.
Are dents expensive to fix?
The average cost for professional dent repair
Small to medium-sized dents may cost anywhere from $50 to $150 to repair, while larger dents or those that require painting can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Can I trade my car if it has a dent?
The short answer is, yes, it is possible to trade in a vehicle with dents. However, the presence of dents may affect the trade-in value of the vehicle.
Can car dents be popped out?
Heat the dented area of your vehicle with a hair dryer at the highest setting possible. Get it as hot as possible and then use a can of compressed air to blow on the dent. The cold air will contract the plastic and allow the dent to pop out on its own.
Can you drive around with a dented car?
Whether your car is drivable after an accident depends on the extent of the damage and whether it's safe to operate for you and others on the road. If the damage is minor or cosmetic, or doesn't impact the car's safety, you can drive your car after an accident.
Do mechanics remove dents?
Professional mechanics are experts in dent repair and are familiar with what tools to use to effectively fix a dent, whatever the location or size. Some tools they use include: Dent pullers: A dent puller is a tool that is used to pull dents out from the inside.
Is it illegal to drive a dented car?
Traffic Laws and Road Safety Regulations
Driving a car with significant damage may be deemed as the unsafe operation of a vehicle, violating the fundamental principle of road safety. Such unsafe operation can endanger not only the driver but also other road users.
Are dents a big deal?
Dents can weaken the structure of your car, making it more susceptible to accidents or breakdowns. It may not seem like a big deal, but even a small dent can have a major impact on the overall structural integrity of your vehicle.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a curb?
When you make a vehicle insurance claim due to hitting a curb, the rates may go up. This is because it is typically considered an at-fault accident.
What dents Cannot be fixed?
Sharp dents are one of the few dents that most often cannot be removed via paintless dent repair. These dents occur along the body lines of the car and are often deeper than round dents. They are also tighter than round dents, making them harder to repair, especially if they are in a difficult spot.
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.
How much is my car worth with dents?
The simplest gauge of reference is, if the dent is clearly visible from 10 or so feet away, it's probably worth at least having it assessed by a repair shop. Consider also if any body paint has been affected. If either is an issue, it's likely the dent devalues the vehicle by 5 to 10% of its worth.
Is it worth getting dents out of car?
If you plan on selling or trading in your car soon, it may be wise to get the dent fixed immediately. A damaged exterior can significantly decrease the resale value of your vehicle. Additionally, a dent can make your car look older and less attractive, which also affects its value.