Is it worth getting a dent fixed?
Asked by: Antonio Quigley | Last update: January 11, 2026Score: 5/5 (32 votes)
Is it worth it to fix dents in a car?
The Impact of Dents on Vehicle Value
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.
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 worth filing a claim for a small dent?
Even if the cost to repair a minor problem is only slightly higher than your deductible, many insurance companies will raise your rates after making a claim. So, even if it'll cost, say, $1500 to fix a dent from a shopping cart crashing into your car door, it's not usually wise to make a claim.
What happens if you don't fix a dent?
Even if a dent looks minor when it first happens, leaving it over time could lead to it getting worse. Any cracks in the paintwork could get bigger, and there's also a risk of rust developing if moisture gets to the metal underneath. These can be much greater problems to sort out in the long run.
$600 Dent Repair VS a Cheap Hot Glue Gun
What dents are not fixable?
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.
Why is dent removal so expensive?
This requires special tools and equipment that can be expensive for the average person to purchase and use. So, while it may seem like a dent removal company should charge less than the cost of buying new panels or a new door for your vehicle, this isn't always the case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
Can car dents be popped out?
Heat the dent with a hairdryer until it's warm to the touch. Spray cool compressed air ( $20 or less) over the warm plastic if the dent is small. The dent should pop out on its own. Attach a dent puller ( $20 or less) if the dent is larger, or if a small dent doesn't pop out with cool air.
How expensive is it to fix a car dent?
But having a dent repaired, and repainting your car can be a time-consuming and costly hassle. The cost of the average dent repair is between $125–$500+, but the actual cost to repair your dent will depend on the process, the type of car you drive, and other factors.
Is it OK to drive 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.
Can a dent be fixed in a day?
A small, shallow dent from a run-in with a shopping cart may only take an hour to repair, while a significant bumper crack repair could take a full day or more. The size and shape of the dent play a role in how long the repair process takes, as does the integrity of the car's paint job.
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 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.
Should I make 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.
When can a dent not be repaired?
Generally, deep dents will stretch the car's metal and cause some disturbance to the paint job. If you notice any flaw in the paint, PDR will likely not be suitable for your repair. If you don't, ask your dent repair specialist to assess the damage and determine if PDR will work for your vehicle.
Does full coverage insurance cover dents?
What type of car insurance covers scratches or dents? There are two types of auto insurance that typically cover dents, dings and scratches: collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage will cover damages to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.
Are dents worth repairing?
Fixing a tiny dent in your car isn't just a minor touch-up; it's an essential step in maintaining its value, appearance, and safety. Whether it's a small ding from a car door or more significant damage, opting for professional dent repair, especially paintless dent repair (PDR), is a savvy choice.
How much should I spend on dent?
So, how much should you spend on rent? Generally, experts recommend spending no more than 30% of monthly pre-tax income on housing. However, it's not always that simple. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, between 2017 and 2021, over 40% of renter households (19 million) spent more than 30% of their income on rent.
How long does it take to fix a dent in a car?
Standard dent repair can take anywhere from a couple days to 2 weeks. The biggest factor that contributes to the repair timeline is paint work – that is why paintless dent repair can happen so fast. Once the damage is repaired and the surface is perfectly smooth, the technician can begin painting.