You got a little too close to the curb or the person next to you decided to ding your door in the parking lot. Owning a car means dealing with unexpected dents and dings—both from Mother Nature and other drivers. Unfortunately, dents in your vehicle are nothing short of an eyesore and can also diminish resale value. But don’t worry. As long as you have a reputable local auto body shop in New Jersey like Elmer’s Auto Body close by, you can have those dents repaired in no time. Of course, that also raises the question of cost, so let’s take a look at how much it costs to repair dents.
What Causes Dents?
Dents can be caused by various incidents and scenarios. Some common causes include:
- Minor Collisions: Bumping into another vehicle or a stationary object can leave dents on your car’s body.
- Door Dings: In busy parking lots, opening doors of nearby vehicles can lead to small dents on the side of your car.
- Hailstorms: Hailstones can cause numerous dents on the surface of your vehicle during severe weather events.
- Accidents with Shopping Carts: Errant shopping carts can inflict dents on your car’s exterior, especially in crowded shopping areas.
- Low-Speed Collisions: Minor accidents, even at low speeds, can result in dents.
What is the Average Auto Dent Repair Cost?
The cost of dent repair varies depending on several factors. For small, shallow dents of about an inch in size, you might spend around $125 for repairs. Larger dents can start at $150 and go up if the dent is deep or located in a complicated area to fix. Dent repair costs can range from as low as $50 to as high as $2,500, depending on the dent’s size and complexity.
Factors That Influence the Cost for Dent Removal
Several key factors come into play when determining the cost of dent removal:
- Size: Larger dents cost more to fix than smaller ones, especially if there’s additional damage to your car.
- Dent Location: Dents in hard-to-reach areas, on high-strength steel materials, or spanning multiple parts or panels will increase the repair costs.
- Depth: Deeper dents will require more work and thus cost more to remove.
- Your Location: Dent repair costs can vary based on your area’s prices and the auto shop you choose.
- Make and Model: Luxury vehicles usually incur higher repair costs compared to budget-class cars.
Options for Dent Repair
Now that you know the answer to “How much does dent repair cost?”, it’s time to discuss how to go about getting those dents and dings removed. When it comes to dent repair, you have a few options to consider:
- Traditional Dent Repair: This method involves pounding the dent out of the car’s external body and then sanding down the area. It is more economical than replacing panels but should only be done by a professional to avoid further damage and warranty issues. Traditional dent repair is recommended for larger, more extensive damage caused by collisions or severe hail damage.
- Paintless Dent Repair (PDR): PDR is a process where a skilled technician uses specialized tools to reshape the dented area from the inside, without affecting the paintwork. This method is ideal for small to medium-sized dents with intact paint and is usually more cost-effective than traditional repair.
- DIY Dent Repair: For small, shallow dents, you may try DIY dent repair kits or tools, which can be more affordable, starting at around $4. However, be cautious as improper techniques may worsen the dent, leading to costlier repairs in the long run.
Can You Visually Estimate the Cost of Dent Repair for Your Vehicle?
Estimating the cost of dent repair for your vehicle can be a bit challenging as it depends on several factors specific to your car and the extent of the damage. However, you can follow these steps to get a rough idea:
- Assess the Size and Location: Identify the size and location of the dent. Small dents are generally less expensive to fix, while larger or multiple dents will increase the cost.
- Determine the Depth: The depth of the dent matters too. Deeper dents may require more extensive repair work, impacting the overall cost.
- Research Local Auto Body Shops: Reach out to local auto body shops and inquire about their dent repair pricing. Many shops offer free estimates, so take advantage of this service.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first estimate you receive. Collect quotes from different shops to compare prices and services.
Again, remember the factors that influence the cost of auto dent removal services in New Jersey. For example, larger dents that have a greater depth are going to require more extensive repairs compared to smaller dents that can be removed with PDR.
Looking for an NJ Body Shop with Auto Dent Removal?
Dent repair costs can vary significantly based on various factors, and it’s essential to consider the size and location of the dent, as well as your car’s make and model. On average, it’s around $150, but that cost can go above $2,000. While some small dents can be fixed with DIY methods, it’s best to leave complex repairs to the professionals, like those at Elmer’s Auto Body. When you bring your vehicle in to one of our four locations for collision or dent repair, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Each member of our team is certified and experienced in techniques like paintless dent repair, ensuring that your car’s appearance will be as good as its pre-accident condition upon its return. Give us a call today or fill out the contact form to set up an appointment.