How Much Does Panel Beating Cost?

Have you ever had a dent in your car? Seeing that dent can be disheartening, whether it was a fender bender or a runaway shopping cart. What follows next is often a search for a solution: panel beating. But you might be wondering, how much does it cost to fix a dent in a car? 

Panel beating costs vary, but for most cars, the cost is usually between $400 and $3,000 or higher. Common factors that impact the cost are the car type and the types of parts needed to repair the car.

Whether you’ve just discovered a dent or are curious about the related costs, keep reading to learn about the factors that affect panel beating pricing.

What is panel beating? 

It is a process that restores damaged car panels or body hardware to bring back to their original shape and structure through welding, filling and sanding. 

How does a panel beating repair damaged vehicles?

Panel beating tackles several problems, from small dents and scratches to major collision and rust damage, ensuring your vehicle looks and works well on the road. Considering the car panel repair cost, entrusting your damaged car to a skilled panel beater is essential to maintain its appearance, structure, and resale value.

If you’re looking for panel beating services, you’ll notice that prices can vary greatly depending on where you are. To give you an idea, here’s a table with the average panel beating cost per location. If you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, or Perth, knowing these ballpark figures can help you plan your vehicle repairs wisely.

City	Average panel beater cost
Sydney	$400–$700
Brisbane	$350–$500
Melbourne	$500–$700
Perth	$520–$550

How does panel beating work? 

Panel beating is a comprehensive service involving important steps to fix your vehicle. First, the panel beater checks how bad the damage is. They might need to take things apart to reach the problem area. Then, they use tools like welding and sanding to repair the damaged panel carefully. 

After that, the panel is primed and painted to match the rest of the vehicle. Finally, everything is put back together to finish the job. 

If you recently got in a fender bender and are wondering how much it costs to panel beat a car, you must understand the type of repair you’ll need. 

Whether you’re considering removal and re-fit or parts replacement for your vehicle, our price guide can help you understand the average cost of panel beating and how much you need to prepare. Take a look to get an idea of what to expect for each type of repair.

Type of repair	Average cost
Removal and refitting	$160 to $310
Paint	$400 to $515
Part (luxury vehicle)	$255 to $3,000

How much does panel beating in the back door cost?

The cost of panel beating a door, especially the back one, can be between a few hundred and several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the dent. Repairs may involve applying a body filler or reskinning and respraying. For an accurate estimate, reach out to your local auto body centre.

It’s difficult to provide an exact panel beating cost because many factors can affect it. We’ve compiled the most common variables affecting panel beating costs so you can understand how the total project cost may differ.

Make, model, and age of vehicle

If you bring a rare car, like a classic sports car, with extensive damage to your panel beater, your vehicle may need rare or custom parts and take longer to fix due to its complexity. These special requirements can result in higher labour costs. Additionally, older vehicles may have worn-out components that need replacement, increasing panel beating expenses.

Additional complications beyond the body

Sometimes, unexpected problems arise during the repair. Your panel beater might find more damage inside the car that needs fixing, or they might need a special kind of expensive paint. These extra issues and requirements can raise the final bill more than expected.

Insurance type covering car service costs

You might still face higher costs even with comprehensive insurance coverage that includes panel beating. Some insurance policies have a maximum reimbursement limit, so you should check your policy to understand your coverage. If your car’s damage exceeds this limit, you’ll have to pay the extra repair or service costs out of pocket, increasing your expenses.

Extent of damage

If your car has been involved in a major collision, it could damage multiple panels and structural components extensively. Repairing such severe damage requires additional materials, labour, and time compared to minor dents or scratches, significantly increasing your panel beating costs.

Paint availability and requirement

Finding a matching paint for your car repair can be challenging due to availability issues. Your panel beater might need to source custom paint or mix multiple colours to achieve the desired shade. This process can be more expensive than readily available paint,  increasing your panel’s costs.

Panel beating service type

Your project cost might increase if you choose a specialised panel beating service that offers advanced techniques like paintless dent repair or custom fabrication. Although these services provide superior results, they are often more expensive than standard methods, raising your overall repair costs.

Paint damage requiring repair

With car dents, chances are you’ll need to repaint them to on top of repairs. Moreover, If your car’s paint is damaged by harsh weather or vandalism, you might need paint repair. This process involves careful sanding, priming, and repainting, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, increasing panel beating costs.

Work duration

If your car requires extensive panel beating and repair work, it may take longer than initially estimated. The extended duration increases labour costs, leading to a higher overall bill for the panel beating service.

While the factors mentioned above can help you budget for a panel beating service, it’s crucial to understand that the final price can vary greatly to prevent surprises when you receive the bill. It can also be helpful to consult a panel beater and request an accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Repairing a scratch on a car may cost less than $100, but only if the scratch is a light one. A deeper scratch can cost up to $1,000. The average cost of dent and scratch repair is about $2,000.

 As for dents, the location of the dent and the extent of the damage matters. A dent caused by hail on a car door could cost between $80 and $400. A large dent on the entire side of your car could cost from $600 to as much as $1,200. 

Smashed car parts will generally cost you the most to fix. For instance, a smashed front side or a smashed bumper costs typically between $1,000 and $2,000. A significant dent on the whole front part of your car would cost between $2,000 and $5,000. 

Another thing to consider is whether parts must be removed or replaced. Removing an entire car part would raise the cost significantly in most cases. In the worst of circumstances, you might have to lift a component that cannot be removed easily or remove a part that is large and bulky. In such cases, you may have to pay several thousand dollars for the total cost of your repair

Check if they offer repair warranties

A reputable panel beater always stands behind its workmanship by offering a guarantee or warranty. This provides assurance to customers, fosters loyalty, and encourages return visits for future repairs. 

Ask if they provide a quote

Whether it’s car detailing or repair, having a clear understanding of your expenses is important. Similarly, when considering panel beating costs in Australia, obtaining a quote is essential. A credible panel beater will be willing to provide an accurate quote after carefully inspecting the damage. 

While the full extent of the damage may only become apparent after dismantling the vehicle, an expert panel beater should offer a detailed smash repair quote and address any pricing inquiries before starting repairs.

Make sure their specialisation matches your needs

If your damaged vehicle is vintage or luxury, choose a panel beater with expertise in handling such cars. Hiring an expert mechanic ensures that your vehicle receives the specialised care it deserves to reduce any possible risk of permanent damage from substandard work. It’s best to look for panel beaters who can confidently handle your specific make and model. 

Ask around about their reputation

Before hiring a panel beater, take the time to ask for recommendations and check online reviews. This can avoid potential headaches in the future and safeguard your vehicle from subpar repairs. Remember, when it comes to panel beaters, quality often outweighs cost. Prioritise excellence over affordability to ensure the best results for your vehicle.

How to save money when hiring a panel beater

To cut costs when hiring a panel beater, assess their repair methods. An experienced one will offer a customised quote for your vehicle’s specific damage. While sending a photo may seem convenient, it may miss hidden damage. It’s best to have the panel beater inspect the vehicle in person for an accurate cost assessment.

To save money on repairs, consider these two tips. Firstly, request genuine parts that may have a higher upfront cost but offer long-term savings due to their better quality and durability. Secondly, shop around for automotive services to compare labour costs and find competitive rates without compromising quality.

How to create an accurate estimate:

• Go to the mechanic for an inspection
• Request genuine car parts for the repair
• Consider the cost of high-quality paint.

Licencing and qualifications:

In New South Wales, panel beating work is required to be completed at a licensed car repair premises. Certificate III is not required in New South Wales.

In Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria there is no specific license requirement for a panel beater. However, some employer’s may require a Certificate III before they will hire a worker. 

Certificate III is an accreditation course for automotive workers. The course requires an apprenticeship delivered as a combination of on-the-job experience, informal training and off-the-job training at a school or education centre.

In Western Australia, a panel beater is described as someone who aligns the chassis of a vehicle or repairs or aligns a panel or body component of a car. The panel beater is required to have a Certificate III license to perform this work.

Now that you already have an idea of the factors that affect the cost of panel beating, it will be easier for you to make the right decisions according to your budget and needs. This decision may include finding the right professional for your project. 

To ensure quality repairs, consult a professional panel beater for an accurate quote, considering factors such as vehicle make and model, insurance coverage, and work duration.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

Why is panel beating so expensive?

Panel repairs can be costly, ranging from $300 to $6,000 or higher, depending on the damage. For instance, the cost of panel beating a car’s front may differ from other parts. 

It’s crucial to consult a professional panel beater for an accurate assessment and quote before starting repairs, especially for rear and front damage, to avoid potentially costly repairs due to hidden deeper structural issues.

Is it worth it to fix dents in a car?

Yes, it is, especially if you use your car daily. Regular driving can result in dents and dings, which affect the car’s appearance, reduce its resale value, and increase the likelihood of rust. Fixing car dents is crucial for preserving the vehicle’s overall condition. 

So, when considering panel beater cost for small dent repairs, don’t hesitate to consider its worth because fixing those dents is key to keeping your vehicle in good shape. 

How many hours does it take to repaint a car?

On average, a body shop typically spends between 40 and 80 hours to completely paint a vehicle. Factors such as the car model, bodywork required, preparation, and paint application influence the car’s timeframe for repainting. 

How much does it cost to repaint a car in Australia?

Typically, repainting a car ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, on average. Luxury or high-performance vehicles and larger cars may cost more, sometimes exceeding $5,000.