Auto body repair & detailing: big dent, 4 inchs, auto body shop

Question
Hey i have a 2000 gmc sierra just recently a van hit and ran my truck and the dent is about the size of a baskatebal pushed in about 3 to 4 inchs with paint scuffed up.My first question is if I pulled the dent out a ways before I went to the body shop it would cost less???? the other is could you give me a rough estimate of how much you think it might bost. Its about the size of a baskatball about 8 inches long pushed in a good 3 or 4 inches and paint is scuffed and scractched.if you can help me out at all that would be awesome man. thanks for your time. ill get you some pics and see what you think

Answer
Hi KC,

I wouldn't try doing anything to the dent. Typically the biggest cost in repairing is the paint time. If you damage the paint more by trying to remove it yourself it may end up costing more. I would take it to a auto body shop that specializes in Paintless Dent Repair as well as regular auto body work. That way if it can be repaired without needing paint it will cost you substantially less. As far as the cost, I'm not real sure.   

Gary