Whether you're rushing to work or on the school run, noticing a dent in your car door is never a fun experience.  

Perhaps you're wondering whether the door dent is worth fixing. The answer isn't always so simple. Typically, fixing a car door dent depends on several factors, including the size, location, and overall condition of your vehicle.  

In this article, we'll discuss the potential costs of repairing doors, whether they are worth fixing, and the general options available. Scroll down and get in the know now. 

Is it worth fixing a car door dent?  

Your budget and your car's current condition and age are the main factors to consider.  

Depending on the severity, it might be worthwhile to have the damage repaired, especially if the repair costs are fair and the dent is not too big or has caused issues with expensive parts such as headlights, windows, etc.  

On the other hand, it might be more economical to just live with the dent. Or replace the car door totally if the dent is too big or the cost of the repair is too high.  

How much does it cost to fix a dented car door? 

A dented car door can be repaired for a variety of prices.  

You might be able to get a little ding fixed for as low as £50. However, the price could be significantly greater if the dent is large or situated in a challenging place.   

Repairing a dent can sometimes cost nearly as much as replacing the entire car door. This is especially true if the dent is significant or if other damage, such as scratches or dents, is present.  

But more about the cost of a car door dent below. 

Average cost to repair car door dents  

On average, the cost to remove a car dent per panel is between £220 to £450.  

The price to remove a car dent will vary depending on a number of variables. These include: 

• The size and depth of the dent 
• Where it is on the panel 
• The make and model of the car 
• How easy it is to access the dent 
• Whether the paint has been damaged 
• Your location 

List of average car dent repair costs 

Car dents come in all shapes and sizes, as do their repair costs. Here’s a list of ballpark average costs to repair various dents:  

Split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at 1000s of trusted garages and dealerships with Bumper. 

Does a dent decrease your car’s value?  

Yes, a car's worth might depreciate by 5% to 10% as a result of dents.  

This can have a substantial effect on the resale value. A collision repair firm can estimate the cost of repairs and the amount that each damage reduces the car's worth. 

Due to how they affect a car's overall appeal to potential purchasers, dents can reduce its value and cause sellers to undervalue it when they sell it. Small dings and dents can mount up, significantly impacting the car's evaluation rating.   

Therefore, if dents result in a large amount of depreciation, it is crucial to think about having them rectified before trying to sell your car.  

Difference between dent repairs and paintless dent repairs  

There are two main options for repairing dents in car doors: traditional dent repair and paintless dent repair. Understanding the difference between these two options can help you make an informed decision about how to repair your car door.  

Traditional dent repair 

Traditional dent repair involves sanding, filling, and repainting the affected area.  

This method is typically more time-consuming and costly than paintless dent repair. But, it may be necessary if the dent is too large or the paint has been damaged.   

The cost of traditional dent repair will depend on the size and location of the dent, as well as the cost of labour and materials.  

Paintless dent repair 

On the other hand, paintless dent repair (PDR) is a less invasive option.   

This involves using specialised tools to massage the dent out of the car door without damaging the paint. It is generally less expensive than traditional dent repair, and it can often be completed in a shorter amount of time.   

The cost of paintless dent repair will depend on the size and location of the dent and the skill level of the technician performing the repair.  

PDR generally targets small areas of damage, allowing your car to return to its original dent-free state without needing significant repairs or part replacements. Traditional dent repair may be necessary if the dent is too large or if the paint has been damaged. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on the dent's size and location, budget, and priorities.

Overview of paintless dent repairs costs 

Starting prices for paintless dent removal are about £90 per panel.  

Before beginning, your professional dent removal specialist will be able to provide you with a price so you are informed of the charges.  

The cost of paintless dent removal per panel will increase if your car has multiple damaged locations. You should expect to pay an additional £15–£45 for bodyline scratches.  

Factors that affect paintless dent repair costs: 

• Material of the body panels 
• Cause of the dent 
• Diameter and depth of the dent 
• Age and origin of the pain 
• Temperature on the day of the damage 
• Paint colour 
• Location of the damage 

How much does paintless dent removal cost for hail damage?  

For hail damage, you can expect an initial charge of about £45 plus roughly £20 for any further dents in the same panel that could have occurred. The final price is affected by the state, type of car, dent's location, size, and insurance coverage.  

How long does car dent removal take? 

Usually, car dent removals take from two to five hours. So, you can drive home on the same day. 

However, note that significant dents or dents in awkward locations will take longer to repair. Small dings and scratches only take a couple of hours.  

Does a dented car door need to be replaced?  

Your dented car door doesn’t need to be replaced if the dents are reasonably small and can be fixed using either traditional or paintless dent repair methods. You may even be able to do it yourself with a dent puller and a hairdryer.   

It is advised to take the dent to an auto body repair company if it is too big for a DIY fix.  

A qualified technician can reverse smaller dents in the shop using suction cups and a slide hammer. If the damage is more extensive and has compromised the vehicle's structure, a full door replacement may be advised.  

Does car insurance cover car dents? 

Cosmetic car insurance packages cover car dents and dings. These can be added to your existing car insurance policy or taken out as separate packages. Some drivers opt for these to fix cosmetic damage without affecting their no-claims bonus.  

If you don’t have insurance for superficial damage, you’ll have to pay the repairs out of your own pocket.  

Check your existing policy details or reach out to your insurance provider if you’re unsure whether you’re covered. 

Car door dents - The bottom line 

Car door dents aren’t any driver’s favourite subject, but they’re usually harmless and can be an easy fix. In some cases, you don’t even need to rush to get them fixed, so you can rest assured that you won’t have an expensive bill in your immediate future. 

However, if you need to fix a car door dent, Bumper can help remove the strain off your wallet. 

Split the cost of repairs into interest-free monthly instalments at thousands of service partners across the country with Bumper.  

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.