PDR Pricing

PDR technology

Repair using the Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) method removes metal deformations without disturbing the factory paint coating. The technology uses specialised tools to restore the panel's original shape precisely, so the vehicle keeps its original paint and market value.

Depending on the panel's construction, the repair can be carried out:

• from the inner side, by appropriately working the metal
• using the glue method from the outside, when access from inside is limited

Scope of the price list

The prices shown cover only the PDR repair work itself.

They do not include the cost of:

• removing and refitting trim and equipment
• replacing single-use parts
• replacing parts
• additional materials

The above operations are quoted separately, in line with the vehicle manufacturer's technology and applicable standards based on expert systems.

Damage categories

For calculation purposes, three groups of damage are distinguished:

• dents up to 40 mm
• dents from 41 to 70 mm
• dents over 71 mm

Larger damage is settled separately from the number of small dents.

Aluminium panels

Repairing aluminium panels requires more work and a different technology.

For aluminium panels a 25% surcharge applies, which is already included in the relevant price list items.

Hybrid repairs

If the repair technology requires combining the PDR method with traditional body-and-paint work, the PDR repair value for the painted panel may be adjusted accordingly. Where a panel is both PDR-repaired and repainted, a -20% adjustment applies.

The remaining operations are settled according to a cost estimate prepared in expert systems such as Audatex, DAT or Eurotax.

Dismantling parts

Where access to the damage is difficult, it may be necessary to dismantle, among others:

• the headliner
• windows
• roof rails
• lights
• the bonnet
• the boot lid
• doors
• interior trim

All dismantling must be documented photographically.

Damage documentation

Properly prepared photographic documentation is the basis for calculating repair costs, determining the repair technology and later verifying the scope of damage. All inspections should be carried out to uniform standards that allow the vehicle's actual condition to be reconstructed at every stage of claim handling.

• damage should be inspected using a large reflector board with three light strips, ensuring that all panel deformations are clearly revealed
• each dent should be marked with a half-circle marker, allowing it to be identified and correctly counted when analysing the documentation
• for dents over 41 mm in diameter, each item of damage should be given an individual number and documented with a measuring ruler
• if a single panel has a very large number of dents (over 100), a sampling method may be used by marking half or a quarter of the panel surface (e.g. the bonnet or roof) and then determining the total number of dents by multiplying the result by the appropriate factor
• the initial documentation should include photos of the vehicle from four sides, a photo of the VIN, the data plate and the odometer reading on the instrument cluster
• for each damaged panel, take a general photo covering the whole surface together with the visible marker annotations and the number of identified dents
• then document the panel under the reflector board so that all damage is clearly visible in the reflection of the light strips
• for each panel take at least three photos documenting the extent of damage, increasing the number of photos for more complex damage to a level allowing full technical assessment
• repeat the above procedure for every damaged panel of the vehicle

After the inspection, a detailed technical assessment is prepared, covering the classification of panels for PDR repair, hybrid repair, body-and-paint repair or replacement, as well as identifying aluminium panels, the required dismantling and all additional technological operations.

Documenting large dents

Dents exceeding 41 mm should be documented individually by:

• a photo of the whole panel
• a photo with a measuring scale
• a photo using the reflector board
• an individual number for each item of damage

Polishing

If, after the repair, a localised correction of the paint surface is required, this can be carried out as part of the PDR process at the technician's discretion.

Final provisions

During inspection and repair it must be borne in mind that the repair classification is dynamic. At every stage of the process — from inspection, through dismantling, to the actual repair — a panel may be reclassified from PDR repair to a hybrid repair, traditional body-and-paint repair or replacement, if, after the damage is exposed or additional operations are performed, circumstances emerge that prevent repair in line with PDR technology and the vehicle manufacturer's requirements. Such circumstances include, among others, cracked paint, over-stretched metal, disrupted paint structure or broken glue bonds.