How much does it cost to fix a dented hood?
Typically, fixing a dented hood costs roughly $150 to $2,000, depending on the repair method and damage extent.
For context, the price you pay hinges on whether the dent can be treated with paintless dent repair, whether the paint is damaged, the hood’s material, your location, and the shop’s labor rate. Below are the common paths car owners take and the typical price ranges you can expect.
Cost factors
Several elements influence the final bill for a dented hood, from the dent’s size and location to the need for repainting and color matching. The car’s make/model can also affect part availability and labor time.
Repair options and typical costs
Prices vary by method. The following options cover common scenarios faced by car owners seeking to fix a dented hood.
Paintless Dent Repair (PDR)
Paintless dent repair is used when the dent is accessible and there is no paint damage. It usually costs less than traditional methods, but results depend on the dent’s shape and location.
- Small to medium hood dents without paint damage: generally around $150–$350 for a single dent, with larger or more difficult dents potentially reaching $350–$600.
- Common limitations: if the dent is stretched, creased, or affects the paint finish, PDR may not be feasible.
PDR is typically the most affordable option when it’s suitable, but its viability depends on the damage and paint condition.
Traditional dent repair and repaint
When the dent involves paint damage, creasing, or difficult access, traditional bodywork plus repainting may be required. This path is more costly and takes longer.
- Conventional repair and repaint for a hood panel: roughly $300–$1,500, depending on dent size, labor time, and paint matching.
- Additional considerations: color matching, blending into adjacent panels, and potential clear-coat refinishing can affect total cost.
Traditional repair can restore appearance but typically costs more than PDR, especially if the paint needs to be touched up or fully repainted.
Hood replacement
For severe damage, warped metal, or paint issues that make repair impractical, replacing the hood may be recommended. Costs here combine parts, paint, and labor.
- Hood part: $200–$1,000+ depending on whether it’s aftermarket, used, or OEM for your vehicle.
- Painting and labor: $200–$800 or more, depending on color complexity and shop rates.
- Estimated total: typically $500–$2,000+ for the full replacement, including parts and painting, with rare cases higher for specialty vehicles.
Replacing the hood has the highest price tag but ensures a uniform finish and function when repair isn’t feasible.
What to expect when getting a quote
Understanding the quote process helps you compare fairly and avoid surprises. Here’s how shops typically price the job and what to ask.
- Request a no-obligation inspection and a written, itemized quote that breaks out parts, labor, paint, and any shop fees.
- Ask whether the dent qualifies for PDR, and whether paint damage would necessitate repaint or full hood replacement.
- Inquire about color matching guarantees or warranties on the repair or replacement work.
- Seek multiple quotes (at least 3) to compare prices, timeframes, and included services (e.g., warranty, detailing, or blending across panels).
Comparing quotes helps ensure you’re paying a fair rate and choosing the approach that best preserves your hood’s finish and resale value.
Summary
In most cases, fixing a dented hood falls into three broad paths: paintless dent repair for small, paint-free dents; traditional repair with repaint for dents with paint damage or tricky access; and hood replacement for severe damage. Price ranges vary widely by dent size, paint condition, vehicle make, and local labor rates—roughly $150–$350 for simple PDR, $300–$1,500 for conventional repair, and $500–$2,000+ for replacement when including parts and painting. To get the best result, obtain several written quotes with clear itemizations and confirm any warranties or color-matching guarantees.
