How much does it cost to remove a dent?

If you drive a car frequently, the reality is it will probably end up with damage at some point. And while that damage can vary drastically from a few minor scratches or dents all the way to irreparable structural damage, it’s always good to know that you’ll be able to fix what comes your way.  

As with most types of vehicle damage, car dents can vary from only a few centimetres to two feet wide. And, as you can imagine, the cost of dent and paint repair will depend largely on the size of the damage, as well as where the damage is.  

So, if you’re asking yourself, “How much does it cost to remove a dent?” this article could help you. We’ll cover: 

• How much does it cost to remove a dent? 
• How much does it cost to remove a dent with paint? 
• How long does dent and paint repair take?
• Is dent removal a legal requirement? 
• How much does a scratch and dent policy cost? 

How much does it cost to remove a dent? 

As mentioned previously, how much it costs to fix a dent in your car’s bodywork will depend on a few factors, including:  

• The size of the dent  
• The depth of the dent  
• The type of car  
• Where the dent is  
• Which garage you choose  

However, while there might be variance, here are some ballpark figures that will give you a better idea of the kind of prices you can anticipate. 

Type of dent repair	Cost
Small car dent repair	Up to £200
Medium to large car dent repair	Up to £500+
Complex dent repair	Up to £2,000+
Paintless dent removal	Up to £220

Figures from Household Quotes (July 2023)

How much does it cost to remove a dent with paint? 

Dent repairs alone can cost anywhere from £200 to £2,000+. However, when repairing a dent also requires repainting the panel, the prices can increase slightly.  

So, what can you expect to pay to remove a dent with paint? 

Type of dent with paint repair	Cost
Paint scratches and scuffs	Up to £150
Deep paints scratches (below the paint layer)	Up to £210
Complicated dents with paint repair	Up to £2,000+

Figures from Household Quotes (July 2023) 

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Also see: Is scratch and dent insurance worth it?

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How long does dent repair take? 

When you send your car into the garage, it’s helpful to know just how long it’s going to take, particularly if the vehicle is your main form of transportation.  

Depending on the extent of the damage and the specific work that needs to be done, your car could be in the garage for potentially three days or more. However, only complex dent and paint repairs should take this long.  

For minor to moderate damage, your garage shouldn’t need more than one to two days to fix a dent. Some mechanics might even be able to have your car in and out on the same day.   

Is dent removal a legal requirement? 

If you’re wondering whether to get a dent removed or just leave it, you’ll be glad to know that, in most cases, dents are considered cosmetic damage. So, while they might not look great and can deteriorate over time, there is no legal requirement to fix a dent unless it has impacted the structural integrity of the car.   

However, it is important to know that dents can impact the value of your car, meaning selling a dented car might be difficult. And with exposure to harsh weather conditions and day-to-day wear and tear, over time, dents can deteriorate and even rust, leaving your car looking worse.   

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Also see: What to do if someone scratches your car

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How much does a scratch and dent policy cost? 

With consideration to how much dent and paint repair can cost without the assistance of insurance and the high likelihood of this type of damage, purchasing a scratch and dent policy could be a good idea.  

For the most part, whether or not you get a dent in your car’s bodywork is out of your control and can be caused by tree branches, animals, other drivers and bad weather conditions. And while you could leave those dents in place to save some money, do you really want to? 

But how much does minor damage protection cost? The price will depend on what cover you need and the provider you choose. However, if you’re looking for an affordable and comprehensive policy, Save More Money’s Scratch and Dent Insurance is one to consider.  

With small payments spread out monthly from just £15 per month and with the option to remove your excess for just £1 more, Save More Money’s Scratch and Dent policy could give you the peace of mind that you can afford to fix damage to your car. And since one minor claim can cost up to £200, you’ll only have to claim once to save money. 

Get a quote for the Save More Money Scratch and Dent policy here.