Shop Advisor Support

Frequently Asked Questions

PDR estimating, carrier guidelines & field reference

How do I determine dent size for estimating? ▶

Use coins or magnetic discs that completely cover the outer circumference of the damage using the reflection of a straight edge. The dent size used should represent the majority size present on the panel. For example: if a panel has 50 dimes, 15 nickels, and 5 quarters — estimate as 70 dimes.

When should I use Conventional Repair vs PDR? ▶

Consider conventional repair when damage exceeds PDR capability: paint is broken on the panel, damage is excessive, or the dent count/size exceeds the matrix ceiling for that panel. Panel replacement should be considered when it's the most cost-effective repair option.

What are standard markup rules across carriers? ▶

+25% for Aluminum panels. Most carriers allow this. +25% for High Strength Steel (HSS). Widely accepted. +25% for Double Panels (roof rails, limited access areas) — varies by carrier. Maximum 35% markup when 2+ additions apply (most carriers enforce this cap). Only ONE markup per panel is generally allowed — apply the highest applicable.

How are Oversized Dents handled? ▶

Damage exceeding a half-dollar in size is classified as an Oversized Dent (OS). Add $50 per OS dent as a separate line item — do not include in the dent count. Double Oversized (DOS) — dents exceeding 2x half-dollar — add $100 per dent. Most carriers (State Farm, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, Progressive) follow this standard.

What photos are required for a hail claim? ▶

Standard photo requirements across most carriers: 4 corners of vehicle, VIN, odometer, prior damage, and hail damage with and without markings. Use a black and white grid to show dent size and depth. For CAT claims, the VA Adjuster will direct specific photo requirements.

What is R&I and when do I add it? ▶

R&I (Remove & Install) is labor time to remove and reinstall parts to access a panel for PDR. Use CCC estimating guides for published R&I times. Common R&I items: Hood liner, headliner, sunroof/rack, trunk liner, tail light, wheel liner, moldings, door glass. Add R&I as needed when parts must be moved to complete repairs.

What is Corrosion Protection and when do I charge it? ▶

Corrosion protection is added when necessary to protect bare metal exposed during PDR. Most carriers allow $10 per panel, up to $30 maximum per vehicle. State Farm, USAA, Farmers, and Progressive all follow this guideline. Add when applicable.

What happens when dent count exceeds the matrix? ▶

When damage exceeds the matrix ceiling, carriers handle it differently. State Farm uses MCE (Most Cost Effective) — PDR can be negotiated case by case. USAA uses MCA (Most Cost Appropriate). Progressive uses CR (Conventional or Replace). Farmers and Allstate allow manual line entries beyond the matrix. Document thoroughly and supplement as needed.

How do I handle a CAT event supplement with Allstate? ▶

Use Virtual Assist (VA) to request supplements. Supplement requests must be itemized. The sublet vendor estimate/invoice must be clear with counts and R&I labor. Use the "Import Workfile Copy" feature to download the Allstate estimate via Estimate Share. For payment concerns, use CCC Quick Chat.

What is the vehicle inspection standard before estimating? ▶

For proper hail inspection: vehicle must be clean, dry, indoors, with proper lighting. Do not estimate on a wet or dirty vehicle — this affects dent visibility and sizing accuracy. Document all pre-existing unrelated damage in the Prior Damage section of the estimate.

PDR Best Practices

Inspection standards, markup rules & estimating guidelines

Inspection Standards

Vehicle must be clean, dry, and indoors with proper lighting
Use coins/magnetic disk to size dents — must cover full circumference
Use reflection of straight edge to assess depth
Dent size = majority size on the panel
Document all prior damage separately

Estimating Guidelines

List PDR by panel — never as a single line item
Include dent count and dent size on every line
PDR pricing should not exceed panel replacement cost
Use CCC estimating system for R&I times
Add Corrosion Protection ($10/panel, max $30) when applicable

Markup Rules

+25% for Aluminum panels
+25% for High Strength Steel (HSS)
+25% for Double Panels / limited access
+25% for Large SUVs, trucks, full-size vans (roof)
Maximum 35% when 2+ markups apply — ONE per panel (Allstate, Progressive, USAA)

Oversized Dents

OS dent = larger than half-dollar — add $50/dent separately
DOS dent = exceeds two half-dollars — add $100/dent
OS/DOS dents are NOT included in panel dent count
Document OS dents as a separate line item with count

Photo Requirements

4 corners of vehicle (all angles)
VIN and odometer
Hail damage: with AND without markings
Black and white grid for dent size/depth
Prior/unrelated damage documentation

Conventional & R&R

Consider conventional when paint is broken or damage is excessive
Consider R&R when it's more cost-effective than PDR
Apply markup only to the PDR portion on combo repairs
Document reasoning in estimate notes

State Farm PDR Matrix

PDR Pricing Matrix for State Farm Paintless Dent Repair Agreement · MCE = Most Cost Effective

Official Notes

Estimate using size category representing the majority of dents

Necessary R&I based on times in Collision Estimating Guides

Corrosion Protection: $10/panel, max $30/vehicle

OS dents (> half-dollar): add $50/dent as separate line item

+25% Aluminum panels (max ONE upcharge per panel)

+25% HSS (High Strength Steel) panels when requested

+25% Double-layered panels & limited access (incl. roof rails)

+25% Roof on full-size vans, SUVs, extended cab trucks

Very Light — Medium · 1 to 50 Dents

Panel	Very Light 1 to 5 dents				Light 6 to 15 dents				Moderate 16 to 30 dents				Medium 31 to 50 dents
	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
	Hood	80	100	125	150	125	175	200	250	200	225	275	350	300	350	425	500
Roof	100	125	150	200	175	225	250	325	250	300	350	425	375	425	525	600
Deck Lid	80	100	125	150	125	150	200	250	175	225	275	300	275	325	400	475
Roof Rail	85	100	125	150	125	150	175	MCE	200	250	275	MCE	300	400	MCE	MCE
Fender	80	100	125	150	125	150	175	200	175	225	275	300	275	300	350	375
Door	80	100	125	150	125	150	175	200	175	225	250	300	275	300	350	MCE
Quarter	80	100	125	150	125	150	175	200	175	225	250	300	275	325	400	475
Cab Corner	80	100	125	150	125	150	175	200	175	225	250	300	225	250	300	375
Cowl, Other	100	125	150	175	150	175	200	225	200	225	250	275	MCE	MCE	MCE	MCE

Heavy — Ceiling · 51 to 250 Dents

Panel	Heavy 51 to 75 dents				Severe 76 to 100 dents				Extreme 101 to 150 dents				Limit 151 to 200 dents				Ceiling 201 to 250 dents
	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
	Hood	375	400	500	625	450	550	650	750	550	650	MCE	MCE	650	800	MCE	MCE	725	825	MCE	MCE
Roof	475	550	675	800	575	675	800	900	650	750	950	1100	850	950	1150	1450	950	1150	1350	1550
Deck Lid	400	450	500	600	450	550	650	MCE	550	650	MCE	MCE	650	MCE	MCE	MCE	750	MCE	MCE	MCE

Hood, Roof, and Deck Lid shown for heavy/extreme ranges. All other panels: negotiate MCE at 51+ dents.

Allstate PDR Matrix

2026 Updated · DIME / NKL / QTR / HALF · 0 = Off Matrix

1 to 50 Dents

Panel	1–5 Dents				6–15 Dents				16–30 Dents				31–50 Dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Hood	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	400	300	350	425	525
Roof	100	125	150	200	175	225	250	400	250	300	375	525	375	450	550	675
Trunk / Liftgate	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	400	300	350	425	525
L Front Fender	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
L Front Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
L Rear Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
L Quarter	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	OM	300	325	550	650
L Roof Rail	100	125	150	200	150	200	250	350	250	300	450	550	450	550	550	650
R Front Fender	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
R Front Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
R Rear Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
R Quarter	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650
R Roof Rail	100	125	150	200	150	200	250	350	250	300	450	OM	450	550	550	OM
Custom / Other	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	300	325	550	650

51 to 300 Dents

Panel	51–75 Dents				76–100 Dents				101–150 Dents				151–200 Dents				201–300 Dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Hood	400	475	550	650	475	600	700	800	600	750	OM	OM	700	900	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
Roof	475	575	700	825	575	700	850	975	700	850	1000	1200	850	1000	1250	1500	1075	1275	1500	OM
Trunk / Liftgate	400	475	550	650	475	600	700	800	600	750	1000	1200	700	900	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
L Front Fender	OM	OM	650	900	OM	OM	750	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
L Front Door	OM	OM	650	900	OM	OM	750	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
L Rear Door	OM	OM	650	900	OM	OM	750	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
L Quarter	OM	OM	650	900	OM	OM	750	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
L Roof Rail	OM	OM	700	850	OM	OM	900	1000	OM	OM	1000	1250	OM	OM	1200	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
R Front Fender	OM	OM	750	950	OM	OM	950	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
R Front Door	OM	OM	750	950	OM	OM	950	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
R Rear Door	OM	OM	750	950	OM	OM	950	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
R Quarter	OM	OM	650	900	OM	OM	750	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
R Roof Rail	OM	OM	700	850	OM	OM	900	1000	OM	OM	1000	1250	OM	OM	1200	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM
Custom / Other	OM	OM	750	950	OM	OM	950	1050	OM	OM	1000	1500	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM	OM

OM = Off Matrix — negotiate most cost effective option for PDR or replacement.

Allstate 2026 Add-ons

+25% Double Panel / Aluminum / HSS / XL

+35% Double Panel + Aluminum combined

+25% Truck / SUV / Van (roof)

$50/dent Oversized dent

$100/dent Double Oversized dent

Panel Markup requires line note explanation

CAT claims — use Virtual Assist for supplements

Farmers Insurance PDR Matrix

March 2026 · DIME / NKL / QTR / HALF · Blank = Not Applicable

Very Light — Medium · 1 to 50 Dents

Panel	Very Light 1 to 5 dents				Light 6 to 15 dents				Moderate 16 to 30 dents				Medium 31 to 50 dents
	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
	Hood	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	375	300	350	425	515
Roof	100	125	150	200	175	225	250	375	250	300	375	475	375	450	550	625
Deck Lid	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	375	300	350	425	515
Quarter Panel	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	300	275	300	375	400
Roof Rail	100	125	150	200	150	200	225	250	235	275	375	—	385	475	500	—
Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	215	200	225	250	275	285	315	325	350
Fender	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	215	200	225	250	275	285	315	325	350
Metal Sunroof	75	80	100	125	100	125	150	175	150	200	—	—	200	225	275	—
Cowl	100	125	150	200	150	200	250	300	175	225	250	300	200	250	275	350
Other	75	100	125	175	125	165	190	225	175	225	250	—	200	250	275	—

Heavy — Ceiling · 51 to 300 Dents

Panel	Heavy 51 to 75 dents				Severe 76 to 100 dents				Extreme 101 to 150 dents				Limit 151 to 200 dents				Ceiling 201 to 300 dents
	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
	Hood	400	475	550	650	475	575	675	775	575	715	—	—	675	850	—	—	700	875	—	—
Roof	475	575	700	825	575	675	825	950	675	800	950	1150	835	975	1225	1475	1050	1250	1500	—
Deck Lid	400	475	550	650	450	550	675	—	575	725	—	—	675	—	—	—	725	—	—	—

Hood, Roof, and Deck Lid shown for heavy ranges. All other panels: use matrix + manual line entry if it makes sense.

Markups & Other Considerations (March 2026)

+25% Aluminum panels

+25% High Strength Steel (HSS)

Can exceed matrix — use matrix + manual line entry

$50/dent Oversized dent (> half-dollar)

+25% Large SUV / truck / van roof (may warrant)

No markup on exotic vehicles, door or glue pulls

+25% Double panels incl. roof rails (when entire panel is double)

Combination repair: apply markup to PDR portion only

$10/panel Corrosion Protection (max $30/vehicle)

R & I Considerations — Add If Needed

Hood &/or Liner

Headliner &/or Sunroof — Rack

Trunk Lid &/or Liner

Tail Light &/or Wheel Liner

Belt Molding &/or Trim Panel

Headlamp &/or Wheel Liner

Sunroof &/or Rack

Cowl, Etc.

GEICO Insurance 2024 PDR Matrix

DIME / NKL / QTR / HALF · RR = Repair or Replace

Very Light — Medium · 1 to 50 Dents

Panel	Very Light 1–5 dents				Light 6–15 dents				Moderate 16–30 dents				Medium 31–50 dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Hood	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	250	175	200	250	325	275	325	400	475
Roof	100	125	150	200	175	200	250	300	200	250	325	400	300	350	450	525
Deck Lid	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	250	225	250	300	325
L Quarter	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	325	225	250	300	375
L Roof Rail	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	300	225	250	300	300
LR Door	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	300	225	250	300	300
LF Door	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
LF Fender	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
RF Door	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
RF Fender	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
R Roof Rail	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
RR Door	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	325	400
R Quarter	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	275	225	250	300	300
Metal Sunroof	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	300	325	375	450	525
Cowl / Other	75	90	125	140	100	150	175	200	175	200	225	300	325	375	425	525

Heavy — Ceiling · 51 to 300 Dents

Panel	Heavy 51–75 dents				Severe 76–100 dents				Extreme 101–150 dents				Limit 151–200 dents				Ceiling 201–250 dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Hood	350	400	475	600	425	525	650	750	625	750	800	RR	725	800	950	RR	725	800	950	RR
Roof	375	425	525	650	475	575	700	825	725	800	950	1150	725	800	950	RR	725	800	950	RR
Deck Lid	325	375	425	475	425	525	625	775	525	625	675	775	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
L Quarter	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
L Roof Rail	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
LR Door	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
LF Door	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
LF Fender	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
RF Door	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
RF Fender	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
R Roof Rail	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
RR Door	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
R Quarter	325	375	375	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
Metal Sunroof	325	375	425	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR
Cowl / Other	325	375	375	RR	425	525	625	RR	525	625	675	RR	625	750	800	RR	625	750	800	RR

Roof Max · 251 to 300 Dents

Panel	Roof Max 251–300 dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Roof	1150	1475	1850	RR

GEICO 2024 Add-ons

+25% Roof of Minivans, SUVs, Ext. Cab Trucks, Crossovers

+25% Aluminum or High Strength Steel (HSS)

+25% Double Panel (includes Roof Rails)

+30% Double Panel + Aluminum or HSS

$50/dent Oversized damage exceeding half-dollar size

RR = Repair or Replace

Progressive PDR Matrix

January 2025 · DIME / NKL / QTR / HALF · CR = Repair or Replace

1 to 75 Dents

Panel	1–5 Dents				6–15 Dents				16–30 Dents				31–50 Dents				51–75 Dents				R&I
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	If Needed
Hood	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	400	300	350	425	525	400	475	550	650	Hood/Liner
Roof	100	125	150	200	175	225	250	400	250	300	375	525	375	450	550	675	475	575	700	825	Liner/Sunroof/Rack
Deck Lid	75	100	125	150	125	175	200	300	200	250	300	400	300	350	425	525	400	475	550	650	Deck Lid/Liner
Quarter	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	375	300	325	400	525	400	450	550	CR	Tail Light/Trim Panel
Roof Rail	100	125	150	200	150	200	250	300	200	225	250	CR	300	325	CR	CR	400	450	CR	CR
Door	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	CR	300	325	350	CR	400	450	475	CR	Trim Panel
Fender	75	100	125	150	125	150	175	225	200	225	250	CR	300	325	350	CR	400	450	475	CR	Headlight
Cowl / Other	100	125	150	200	150	200	250	400	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	Cowl, Etc.

76 to 400 Dents

Panel	76–100 Dents				101–150 Dents				151–200 Dents				201–300 Dents				301–400 Dents
Panel	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF	DIME	NKL	QTR	HALF
Door	500	600	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR
Hood	475	600	700	800	600	750	850	1000	CR	CR	CR	CR	900	1100	CR	CR	1100	1300	CR	CR
Deck Lid	475	600	700	800	600	750	850	CR	700	900	1025	CR	900	1100	CR	CR	1100	CR	CR	CR
Quarter	500	600	725	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR	CR
Roof	575	700	850	975	700	850	1000	1200	850	1000	1250	1500	1075	1275	1500	CR	1225	1625	2025	CR

76–400 range shown for Hood, Roof, Deck Lid, Door, and Quarter only. All other panels: CR at 76+ dents.

Progressive Additions (01/25)

+25% Extended panel repairs

+25% Aluminum & HSS / UHSS panels

+25% Double panels (excludes roof rails)

Maximum 35% upcharge when 2+ additions apply

$50/dent Oversized (exceeds half-dollar, less than two half-dollars)

$100/dent Double Oversized (exceeds two half-dollars)

+$10/vehicle Corrosion Protection when applicable

Additional charges may apply on body lines, creases & contours

CR = Repair or Replace