The Business
Paintless dent repair (PDR) preserves factory paint while removing dents, making it a premium alternative to body shop work. Door dings run $75-150, larger dents $200-500. After hailstorms, skilled PDR technicians can earn $2,000-5,000/day doing insurance work. The skill takes 3-6 months to develop properly.
How to Start
Take a PDR training course ($1,500-3,000 for 2-3 weeks). Buy a starter tool set ($1,500). Practice on salvage panels before taking customer work. Market to auto dealerships for lot damage (recurring, predictable work). Join PDR networks for insurance hail work — one storm can net $20-50K in a week.
Equipment Needed
- ▸PDR rod set
- ▸Glue pulling kit
- ▸LED light board
- ▸Finishing tools
- ▸Dent lifter
Licensing
None
Monthly Search Volume
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“PDR techs who chase hail storms can make $30K–$50K in a single week after a bad storm. That sounds insane but it's real. You follow the weather apps, drive to the affected city, and insurance pays most of it for car owners.”
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