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It doesn't take much to dent a car — we've all been there. A car door in a tight parking space, a supermarket trolley, a low-speed knock. Even a sudden hail shower can be enough to leave its mark.

Some dents are mainly cosmetic, but others also damage the paintwork, which is when the job can become more expensive. Either way, most people want to know the same thing: is it a quick fix, and how much is it likely to cost?

This guide explains typical car dent removal costs in the UK, including paintless dent removal, larger dent repairs, and the extra things worth budgeting for before you hire a specialist for the repair.

How much does car dent removal cost in the UK?

In the UK, the cost of car dent removal can vary quite a bit depending on the damage. As a guide, paintless dent removal starts at around £90 per panel, while more complicated dent repair with paint can cost around £450.

As a range, the average car dent removal cost per panel is usually somewhere between £220–£450, depending on the size of the dent, how easy it is to access, and whether the paint has been affected.

Get car dent removal prices near you

If you want an accurate idea of car dent removal prices near you, it’s worth getting a few quotes from checked local specialists.

A written quote should make clear whether the repair is paintless, whether repainting is needed, and what labour is included.

Dent removal costs at a glance

• Car dent repair cost per panel: around £335

• Paintless dent removal cost per panel: around £220

• Paintless dent removal starts from around £90 per panel

• Clear-coat scratch repair: around £78

• Paint scratches and scuffs: around £150

• Deep paint scratches: around £210

• Dent repair with paint for more complicated damage: around £450

• Bumper dent repair labour: around £60 per hour

• Average bumper repair cost: around £810

Understanding different types of dent repair and their costs

Not every car dent is ironed out in the same way. Some dents can be eased out without repainting, while others need extra bodywork and paint to get the finish right again.

These are some of the most common options for dent removal and their typical costs.

Paintless dent removal cost

Paintless dent removal is usually the most cost-effective option when the paint surface is still intact.

As a guide:

• Smaller, straightforward dents may start from around £90 per panel

• The average cost of paintless dent removal per panel is normally around £220

This method is often used for smaller dents where a technician can work the metal back into shape without repainting the whole area.

Dent repair cost with paint

Once a dent has broken through the paint layer, the job usually becomes more expensive. It's important to get this type of dent fixed as soon as possible as it can cause the metal to rust.

Average prices tend to sit around:

• Paint scratches and scuffs: £120–£180

• Deep paint scratches: £180–£240

• More complicated dent repair with paint: around £450

Large dent removal cost

Larger dents usually take longer to repair and often involve more dismantling or reshaping work.

Typical prices you might see:

• Labour for large dent removal: around £60 per hour

• A dented bumper repair can range from £300–£1,320

If the structure behind the visible dent has been affected, the repair can take much longer and the final price will usually rise.

What affects the cost of car dent removal?

The figure you're quoted for the cost of car dent removal depends on several key factors, including:

• Size and depth of the dent: shallow dents are usually easier and cheaper to repair than deeper or sharply creased dents

• Location on the panel: some dents are much easier to access than others

• Damage to the paint: if the paint is cracked, chipped or scratched, the repair usually costs more

• Make and model of the car: some cars are harder to work on, and some finishes are more expensive to match

• Access to the dent: if trim, bumpers or internal panels need removing, labour time can rise

• Type of repair method used: paintless dent removal is usually cheaper than a more traditional repair with paint

• Where you live: labour rates are often higher in larger towns and cities

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Additional costs to budget for

If you're concerned about the cost of car dent removal, it can be helpful to understand the full picture to avoid any nasty surprises.

The dent itself is usually the headline job, but there can be extra costs on top, depending on the repair. The additional costs to watch out for include:

• Paintwork repair: if the dent has broken the paint surface

• Bodyline damage: expect to pay an additional £15-£45

• Dismantling trim or padded sections: where extra access is needed

• Extra labour time: especially for larger bumper or panel repairs

• Multiple damaged areas: if more than one panel needs attention

• Hail damage on the same panel: some repairs may start with an initial fee of about £45, plus around £20 for each additional dent on that panel

What should be included in a dent removal quote?

A good quote should make clear exactly what sort of repair you're being quoted for. If anything in the quote feels vague, ask them to talk it through.

A typical dent removal quote should include:

• Initial assessment of the damage

• Labour

• Whether the repair is paintless or includes repainting

• Preparation work

• Any dismantling needed for access

• Finishing work

• Confirmation of what is excluded

How long does dent removal take?

The time needed for dent removal depends on how deep the dent is and whether the paint is damaged.

On average:

• Surface dents often take around 2 to 3 hours

• A dented bumper repair can take 3 to 4 hours or more, depending on the damage

• Deeper dents may take around 3 to 5 hours

• Average dent removal work usually takes around 2 to 5 hours

Larger or more complicated dents can take longer, especially if extra dismantling or paintwork is involved.

Dent removal cost calculator

For a rough idea of prices before arranging quotes, use our dent removal cost calculator.

Remember, your final price will usually depend on the size of the dent, whether the paint has been damaged, the location on the panel, and whether paintless dent removal is possible.

Job Estimate Calculator

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate quote, it’s always best to ask a local dent repair specialist to assess the damage properly before work starts.

Can you remove a car dent yourself?

It's tempting to try a DIY dent fix, especially if the damage looks minor. But dents are one of those repairs where it's very easy to make things look worse.

Minor cosmetic fixes are often possible, but DIY methods can:

• Stretch or distort the metal

• Damage the paint

• Make a later professional repair more difficult

• Lower the finish quality

For most people, it makes more sense to get a professional opinion first, especially if the car is relatively new or the dent is in a very visible spot.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

How can you keep dent repair costs down?

There are a few sensible ways to stop the cost of car dent removal creeping higher than it needs to.

First of all, get dents looked at early before rust or paint damage gets worse, and ask if paintless dent removal is an option (the cost of paintless dent removal is normally cheaper).

It’s worth comparing a few quotes from local dent repair specialists so you can get a feel for what a fair price looks like.

Dent removal cost checklist

• Check whether the paint is damaged as well as the panel

• Ask if paintless dent removal is possible

• Find out whether the price is per panel or by labour time

• Check if extra labour is needed for access or dismantling

• Compare quotes from checked local specialists

• Make sure the quote explains what is and isn't included

When should you speak to a dent repair specialist?

If the dent is noticeable, the paint is damaged, or you are unsure whether rust could become a problem, it's normally worth getting advice sooner rather than later.

A checked local specialist should be able to tell you:

• Whether the dent can be repaired paintlessly

• Whether paintwork is needed

• How visible the repair is likely to be

• Whether the cost is worth it compared with leaving it alone

This expertise can stop a smaller cosmetic issue from becoming a more expensive repair later on.

Find a dent repair specialist near you

If you're ready to get quotes, comparing checked local dent repair specialists is the best way to understand the typical car dent removal prices in your area.

A good repair specialist should be able to assess the damage properly, explain the most suitable repair method for your vehicle, and give you a clear written quote before any work begins.

FAQs

How much does car dent removal cost in the UK?

Car dent removal costs in the UK vary depending on the size and complexity of the damage. As a guide, dent repair can range from around £90 for smaller paintless repairs to around £450 for more involved dent repair with paint.

What is the average cost of paintless dent removal?

The average cost of paintless dent removal is around £220 per panel, although smaller jobs can start from about £90 per panel.

How much does paintless dent removal cost?

The cost of paintless dent removal depends on the extent of the damage and the car’s metal. Aluminium panels can often increase the price by around 25%. On average, expect to pay around £220 per panel.

How much does it cost to repair a dent with paint damage?

If the dent also damages the paint, the repair cost usually rises. Paint scratches and scuffs tend to cost £120–£180, deep paint scratches £180–£240, and more complicated dent repair with paint is often around £450.

How much does bumper dent repair cost?

Bumper dent repair labour is usually around £60 per hour, while a more involved bumper repair can average around £810.

How long does dent removal take?

Dent removal usually takes between 2 to 5 hours, depending on how deep the dent is and whether the paint is damaged.

Is paintless dent removal cheaper?

In many cases paintless dent removal is cheaper because it avoids repainting and is often quicker to complete.

Can I fix a car dent myself?

DIY dent repair is possible, but it is easy to make the damage worse. For most people, professional repair is the safer option, especially if the dent is visible or the paint has been damaged.

How much does paintless dent removal cost for hail damage?

Paintless dent removal cost for hail damage could cost an initial fee of about £45 plus approximately £20 for each additional dent in the same panel.

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