Dents in your car are always annoying, regardless of whether they are self-inflicted or the fault of others. Fortunately, there are smart ways to repair a dent without having to replace or repaint a part (also called PDR=Paintless Dent Repair). Find out what the average dent repair cost in the UK is here. Plus: Get free dent repair estimates!
What does dent repair cost in the UK?
The average cost of dent repair/removal in the UK varies depending on the size and complexity of the dent and ranges from £50 – £500, but for larger, complex damage the cost can be over £1,000. Typically, small dent repairs (e.g. caused by stone chips or hail) cost between £50 – £150. The cost of such a repair is relatively low and can be completed quickly.
The cost of large dent removal is often in the range of £200 – £500. Here, steel pins are usually welded to the area to be repaired and then pulled out with a special device. The area is then filled and repainted.
On average: small dents £50 – £150, large dents £200 – £500
The costs for such a repair can also run into the four-digit range. Due to the high amount of work involved, it can sometimes even be cheaper to replace the damaged part of the bodywork completely. This is especially true for older vehicles.
In most cases, however, the dent repair cost (even for larger dents) is significantly lower than the costs that would be incurred for a regular car part replacement. For comparison, replacing a car door including painting can easily cost £1,000 – £2,500 depending on the car model.
Which dent removal repair is possible and optimal in your case can be determined by a professional in a workshop after assessing the damage. The figures on this page are estimates including VAT, which may of course vary.
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Mobile dent repair: Is a repair at my home possible?
Yes, that is possible. Mobile dent repair is offered by many companies. The repair can be done comfortably at home in the driveway or garage, which saves organisation and time.
What does mobile dent repair cost in the UK?
As a rule, the mobile dent repair costs are similar to those in the workshop and range from £50 – £500, depending on the dent. Some companies charge an additional £50 for travel, but since many companies also specialise in mobile dent repairs, there is often no extra charge.
Dent repair costs vary depending on the dent and the place on the car
How much a dent removal costs and how long it takes depends on its type as well as its position. For example, there is a difference between major accident damage and minor damage such as hail damage or stone chips. In addition, it also matters whether the bonnet, car door, car roof, tailgate or wing has a dent.
Paintless dent repair (PCR):
In paintless dent repair (also called smart repair), the dents are pulled out or pressed out from the inside. A dent that is easily accessible disappears after about one hour without painting.
Dent repair for hail damage:
Here, the dent is pressed out, but does not need to be painted because the paintwork is not damaged. This work is considerably more demanding and should be carried out by a professional to avoid further damage.
Dent repair on car door or mudguard:
In the case of a large dent on a car door or mudguard, however, the door or mudguard must be removed, straightened and possibly welded. The price for such a repair is correspondingly high. It is therefore sometimes cheaper to replace the part straight away. This work is very demanding, requires a lot of know-how and can take up to half a working day.
Dent repair on bonnet:
The work on the bonnet is less complex than on the mudguard, as it is much easier to remove. For this reason, the work can often be completed in 3-4 hours.
Dent repair: How long does the mechanic need?
With regard to the waiting time, it is again difficult to make general statements. For small dent repairs, 1-2 hours can be planned. If no parts are to be replaced, the garage can often start work immediately. Large dent repairs often take several hours and accident damage to the car sometimes a whole day.
The situation is different when spare parts have to be procured for rare or special vehicles. These are often obtained directly from the manufacturer if no other sources are available. This means you have to wait several days.
Can I do the dent repair myself and save on the costs?
With small, simple dents, this can work if you have the necessary experience. For large dents, special steel pins have to be made, the dent has to be welded on and then carefully pulled out. A lot of defects can occur here, such as overstretching or paint chipping.
The condition can sometimes be made worse by self-repair. Therefore, only remove small scratches yourself – most dent repairs, especially larger dent repairs, should be left to professionals.
