How much does this repair typically cost?

Costs vary by damage severity and vehicle type — see the cost table in the article body for detailed 2026 ranges.

Should I file an insurance claim?

Only if damage exceeds 2x your deductible + $1,000. Smaller repairs are usually cheaper to pay out of pocket.

Can I do this repair myself?

For minor cosmetic damage, yes — see DIY sections. For structural or safety-critical repairs, use an I-CAR certified body shop.

How do I find a good body shop?

Look for I-CAR Gold Class certification, 100+ Google reviews at 4.5+ stars, and get 3 written estimates before committing.

How Much Does It Cost to Repaint a Hood in 2026?

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Hood repaint is a common job because hoods get rock chips faster than any panel. Cost varies by paint quality tier and color complexity.

Contents

Cost Breakdown Recommended: DIY products that save shop money Get 3 free quotes from local body shops What Drives the Cost Should You File Insurance?Paying too much for auto insurance?Related Guides Related Guides Related guides you may find useful

Cost Breakdown

Recommended

Recommended: DIY products that save shop money

A body shop charges $150-$650 minimum. If your damage matches any of these categories, a $15-$60 Amazon product handles it in an afternoon.

For paint scratches

Meguiar’s ScratchX 2.0 Scratch Remover

Handles clear-coat scratches. 5-minute hand application saves $150-$450 vs. shop scratch repair.

Check on Amazon →

For small dents

Anyyion 89-Piece PDR Kit

Complete paintless dent removal kit. Pulls door dings without a shop visit.

Check on Amazon →

For paint chips

Dupli-Color Perfect Match Touch-Up Paint

OEM-matched touch-up. Save the $150-$300 shop chip repair.

Check on Amazon →

Beginner DIY kit

3M Auto Body Repair Kit

Complete first-timer kit for basic body work. Under $60.

Check on Amazon →

Item	Cost
Basic repaint (Maaco tier)	$300-650
Mid-tier body shop repaint	$600-1,200
Premium panels-off repaint	$1,200-2,400
+ Metallic / pearl paint	+$200-800

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Get 3 free quotes from local body shops

We match you with verified shops. Response within 24 hours.

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What Drives the Cost

Vehicle make/model: Luxury and EV vehicles run 2-4x standard.
Paint quality tier: Production shops vs mid-tier vs restoration-grade.
Sensor content: Modern cars with ADAS need recalibration after most repairs.
Parts sourcing: OEM vs aftermarket vs used varies 30-60%.
Labor rate: $50-92/hr depending on metro.