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How to Pay for Paintless Dent Repair

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Paintless Dent Repair

Fix that door ding without draining your savings by timing the shop's slow season.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $250 before anything else
Across the 0% window $13.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $250 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A door ding is an eyesore that catches every bit of light, but it doesn't have to ruin your bank account. Paintless dent repair is a specialized craft that pushes the metal back into place without needing new paint or body filler.

Shops are often empty during the coldest winter months, so that is when they are most likely to offer a deal. You can usually get a single panel repair done for about $250 if you ask during their downtime.

The 0% window is a deadline, not a gift. If you still have a balance once the 18 months are up, the bank will start charging interest on whatever is left, which defeats the purpose of the plan.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for winter

    Call local shops when the weather is bad and business is slow. Ask if they have any specials for minor door dings to fill their schedule. You will get a much better price when they need the work.

  2. 02

    Get a firm quote

    Send a clear photo of the dent to the shop before you drive over. Ask if they can give you a flat price for the repair. Avoid shops that won't give you a number until they see the car.

  3. 03

    Use your card window

    You can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to cover the cost. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This lets you break that $250 bill into monthly payments of $13.89 over the 18-month window.

  4. 04

    Set up autopay

    Divide your bill by the number of months you have left in your intro window. Set up an automatic payment for that amount so you never miss a due date. This keeps your plan on track without any extra effort.

  5. 05

    Check the work

    Inspect the door under bright, direct light before you pay. Make sure the body lines look smooth and the reflection is not distorted. If you aren't happy, speak up before you leave the shop.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will a dent repair show on my carfax?

Usually, no. Because paintless dent repair doesn't involve replacing parts or painting, it isn't considered structural or body work that gets reported to insurance or history databases.

Can I fix the dent myself?

You can buy kits online, but it is easy to make the damage worse or crack your paint. Unless you have experience, it is usually cheaper to pay a pro $250 than to pay a body shop to fix your DIY mistake.

Does the size of the dent matter?

Yes, size and location are everything. A dent on a flat surface is easy, but one on a sharp body line or near the edge of a door is much harder to fix and will cost more.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can end your 0% offer early and trigger interest charges. Always pay at least the minimum on time to keep the deal in place.