Bumper Repair & Replacement Costs: Here’s What to Expect
All About Bumpers
Bumper Repair vs. Bumper Replacement
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace a Bumper?
- Bumper Repair Costs
- Bumper Replacement Costs
- Labor Costs
- Using Insurance vs. Paying Out of Pocket
All About Bumpers
Front and rear bumpers are some of the most practical parts of a vehicle. From minor bumps to major collisions, bumpers are designed to absorb impact and protect the rest of the vehicle from extensive damage.
With this great responsibility comes great consequences, as bumpers are one of the most commonly damaged parts of a vehicle — especially in collisions with other vehicles. Behind the bumpers are components that can also become damaged:
- Lights: Fog lights, license plate lights, headlights and turn signals.
- Warning Signals and Sensors: Car cameras, parking sensors, airbag sensors, backup sensors, vehicle lane changing sensors, collision warning sensors and weather sensors.
- Trim and Molding: Decorative attachments to the front and/or rear bumper.
Just like you would get a medical evaluation after being in a car crash, it’s always the safest bet to get your car checked out too. Even if you only notice a few minor dents and scratches on the bumper, there could be more extensive damage that isn’t visible until it is checked out by a technician. In serious accidents, there may also be damage to the wheels, grille, frame and structural support.
Bumper Repair vs. Bumper Replacement
If your bumper is damaged, you have several options. Minor issues can usually be repaired, but more serious damage could require a new replacement bumper. The choice between bumper repair or replacement will come down to the extent of the damage.
Typically minor scratches, dents and chips can be easily repaired using specialized tools found in an auto body shop. The shop will also repaint or blend any repaired areas on the bumper to make sure it is an exact color match to the rest of the vehicle.
Bumper replacement is often recommended if there is severe damage, like deep cracks and holes or if the bumper is falling off the vehicle. However, new technologies have made more repairs possible. To know what’s possible with your bumper, schedule an appointment to have your bumper (and any underlying damage) evaluated.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace a Bumper?
Bumper repair and replacement costs will vary based on where you live, the extent of the damage, the type of vehicle and many other factors. Here’s a look at how much it costs to both fix and replace a bumper.
Bumper Repair Costs
Bumper repair costs will depend on
- The extent of the damage
- The make, model and year of the vehicle
- The bumper material (most are plastic with an aluminum or steel reinforcement bar)
There are several different types of repairs that can solve bumper damage:
Traditional Dent Repair
According to Insurify, the cost to repair a rear bumper dent can range from $150 to $600.
Paintless Dent Repair
Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a method of using specialized tools to pull out dents without damaging the paint. This option is often less expensive and quicker than traditional dent repair, but it isn’t the best choice for damage that has ruined the surface and paint. It’s also not available for plastic bumpers that require more than simple buffing.
Cracks, Holes and Punctures
These repairs involve filling cracks, sanding down the area and using adhesives to patch holes. Cash Cars Buyer reports the average costs to be between $325 and $425.
Scratches
Light scratches are typically quick fixes while deep scratches may result in severe paint chips that reveal the metal or plastic of the bumper. Cash Cars Buyer lists the range of scratch repairs as $50 to $600.
Bumper Replacement Costs
The costs to replace a bumper on a passenger vehicle will depend on:
- The make, model and year of the vehicle
- If it is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket bumper
According to Cost Helper, a new bumper for a passenger car can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000. Installation and painting the new bumper can cost between $200 and $600. Bumpers for pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles will have higher costs.
Labor Costs
Hourly labor rates at dealerships and auto body repair shops vary all across the country. In some instances, you may even find a range of rates throughout the same city.
AAA reports that auto body repair shops in their Approved Auto Repair network charge between $48 and $215 per hour. Repair shops use several factors to establish labor rates:
- The skill levels and certifications of the technicians
- The makes and models of vehicles that are serviced (luxury vehicles have higher costs)
- The type of repair shop (independent vs. dealership)
- Business and facility overhead
Using Insurance vs. Paying Out of Pocket
Should you use insurance or pay out of pocket for your bumper repair or replacement? To answer this question, you need to determine:
What is Your Deductible?
If your bumper has minor damage, the repair costs may be lower than your insurance deductible. In this instance, you may choose to pay out of pocket to fix the damage, which will also help you avoid an insurance claim that could possibly raise your rates.
Were You At Fault?
In most scenarios, high bumper repair or replacement costs are the result of a collision with another vehicle. If you were at fault for the accident, you will need to check your insurance coverage to weigh your options. Collision coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle and the other party’s vehicle. If you don’t have collision coverage, you are responsible for paying for all repairs.
If you were not at fault, you can contact the other driver’s insurance company to claim the bumper repair or replacement costs. When you bring your vehicle to an auto body shop for repairs, they can coordinate the repairs with the necessary parties to ensure that your damage is taken care of in the most stress-free manner possible.
The Bumper Replacement & Repair Process
To give you an idea of what to expect, here is how Key Collision Centers handles the bumper repair and replacement processes:
- Our technicians perform a free estimate on a part-by-part basis to determine if repair or replacement is the best option for you and your vehicle.
- After coordinating the work with your insurance company, we order all necessary parts. Whether we use OEM or aftermarket parts will be dictated by your insurance policy.
- When you bring your vehicle in to be fixed, the bumper is removed and disconnected from all components (lights, warning systems, sensors, etc.).
- If the bumper is being repaired, a technician uses specialized tools to fix any scratches, dents, cracks and holes. The bumper is painted using an exact color match to make it look as good as new.
- If the bumper is being replaced, we attach the new one (after making sure there is an exact paint match) and connect it to all of the necessary components.
- After our thorough inspection, your vehicle is ready to go home!
How to Save Money on Bumper Repairs & Replacement
It’s important to go to an auto body repair shop that you trust for your bumper repairs or replacement. You do not have to use the repair shop that your insurance suggests — you have a right to choose where you get your car repaired.
You can also get estimates from a few repair shops. It may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but keep in mind that the lowest price doesn’t always equal the highest quality service.
If you need a new replacement bumper, you may consider an aftermarket part instead of an OEM part. These can be more affordable, but they run the risk of being lower quality.
Disclaimer: All example pricing in this blog post is for baseline and contextual purposes only. Every vehicle is different, and every type of damage is different. The only way to determine the actual cost of repairs is for an expert to perform an evaluation of your vehicle’s damage.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Replace a Bumper? ›
According to Cost Helper, a new bumper for a passenger car can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000. Installation and painting the new bumper can cost between $200 and $600. Bumpers for pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles will have higher costs.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a bumper? ›Bumper repair is more affordable but may take more time to complete. Bumper replacement is faster but will be more expensive.
Can plastic bumpers be repaired? ›Many plastic bumper parts can be repaired, especially bumper covers, which are commonly damaged on a vehicle. By saving your bumper, the technician will also be able to blend the appended paint more efficiently and accurately.
Can I drive with a damaged bumper? ›We don't recommend driving with a damaged bumper or lights. It can be unsafe if your vehicle is in another accident.
Can you fix a dent in a bumper without replacing it? ›Yes, you don't need to replace a dented plastic bumper in case there are minor dents or scratches. You can easily try repairing the dent with a heat gun, hot water, or even a suction dent puller. However, if the bumper is cracked or broken in several places, you may need to get it replaced at a professional body shop.
Is it worth replacing a front bumper? ›Bumper replacement is often recommended if there is severe damage, like deep cracks and holes or if the bumper is falling off the vehicle. However, new technologies have made more repairs possible.
How much is a bumper job? ›Average Bumper Repaint Cost
In most cases, the average cost will be around $500. It might seem steep, but you must factor into the price of the paint, prep work, and the technicians' expertise.
Yes, we can fix a cracked bumper. Depending on the severity of the crack, your bumper may need to be replaced.
Can I fix my own bumper? ›Yes, you can and should repair a damaged bumper. For one thing, it's a matter of safety and, in some places, it's the law. But it's also an inexpensive upgrade to your car that you'll also love seeing. A damaged bumper is as hard to hide as a bad haircut, and as important for you to fix as a broken tooth.
Can I fix my bumper by myself? ›Although bumper covers are typically made of semi-flexible plastic, you can fill, sand, paint and buff bumper dings and dents the same way as any steel auto body part. Patching can save you money, compared with complete bumper cover replacement, and it's an approach that's DIY friendly, too.
How long will it take to fix a bumper? ›
Bumper repairs usually costs between $200 and $500 depending on the extent of damage and it usually takes between 1 to 3 days.
At what speed does a bumper get damaged? ›Many impacts tests have shown that even when the impact exceeded 17 mph, the collision does not cause any observable bumper damage. Accordingly, at speeds of 17 mph or greater, the occupants can suffer injury even if the bumper looks fine.
How long does it take to fix a damaged bumper? ›It might also sometimes happen that the bumper type required for a particular car model might be out of stock at the dealership. Conventionally, bumper repair takes not more than 3 days, and sometimes if the repair is small this time can reduce to a day too.
Does pouring hot water on car dents work? ›Yes, it can help remove dents from both metal and plastic bumpers. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully pour the water over the surface of the dent to heat up the metal. Allow the metal to flex and return to its original shape.
Can you pop out a bumper dent? ›Use a rubber-tipped dowel or specialty tool (like the one shown in the illustration, readily available online) to push out the dent from the interior until it begins to pop back into its intended shape. You may need to gently work on any small indents with the tool to get a smooth surface.
What happens if you don't fix bumper? ›If you don't repair deep scratches, water, dirt, road salt, and debris will reach the metal and form rust. However, nearly all bumpers are made of plastic, so if the scratch is on a bumper, there's no risk of rust. The decision to repair low-risk damage like that will depend mostly upon you.
Should I fix minor bumper damage? ›It is important to fix minor bumper damage when it happens. If damage is not claimed when it happens and in the case of another claim, the claim will be difficult because the insurance provider will want to deny because of original damage.
Can front bumper damage affect the engine? ›Yes, front end collisions may cause engine damage if the impact was severe enough. While it depends on your specific model, most vehicles have a ton of important parts located in the front end. As a result, front end collisions can be seriously damaging to your vehicle.
How does it take to replace a bumper? ›About 3 hours or 3 days. Front bumper repairs are pretty straightforward and it can take only 3 hours to fix the bumper. However, the new paintwork and paint curing can take up to 3 days.
How much does a hole in bumper cost? ›Depending on the severity of the damage, bumper crack repair costs range from $100 to $1,000 on average. Normally, the repair process will take around 2-3 hours to complete. Once more, bumper crack repairs are only appropriate if the damage is minor and cosmetic.
How much is a bumper retainer? ›
How Much Does a Bumper Retainer Replacement Cost? If you are getting an aftermarket bumper cover retainer, you may have to shell out anywhere between $1 and $450. Its pricing is typically affected by factors like its set inclusions, brand, and intended location.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked plastic bumper? ›The typical bumper crack repair cost is between $300-$500 and will largely depend on the severity of the damage. Once the formerly cracked areas are smooth, the operation moves to the repainting. In this case, the more expensive your car's paint is, the higher the repair cost.
Is bumper to bumper same as own damage? ›Whereas a basic or third party policy covers damage to the third party or their vehicle in case of an accident, bumper to bumper insurance offers coverage to your vehicle as well. Bumper to bumper insurance covers the value of the external part of the body, it doesn't take internal parts' value into scrutiny.
Is replacing a bumper hard? ›Most vehicle bumpers are made out of flimsy, cheap materials that damage rather easily with even the slightest bump or tap. Repairing bumpers today is often expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to achieve without substantial labor – of course, depending on the nature of the problem.
What is the difference between a fender and a bumper? ›Many people think that bumpers and fenders are the same part of the car. In actuality, the bumper is a plastic component that covers the front and back of your vehicle, while the fender is a metal structure that frames the wheel well. The majority of the repairs we perform are bumper repairs.
Is bumper damage serious? ›A damaged bumper is unsightly and unsafe. If the damage is slight and didn't harm the structure of your car, you should have it repaired. Otherwise, replacement is your best option. The bumper's purpose is to prevent damage to the car's frame and body in the event of a small collision.
Is bumper damage structural? ›AVOID UNDERLYING BUMPER DAMAGE
A bumper dent isn't always just a bumper dent. Since your bumper protects essential parts of your vehicle, damage to your bumper can mask more extensive structural damage that may not be apparent when inspected by the car owner.
So even a 2-mph bump may not damage the frame or body of a new car, but it can cause a lot of damage to the bumper.
How much is labor to replace a rear bumper? ›Bumper Replacement: $100 and $1,000 (parts), $200 and $600 (paint) Labor Costs: $48 and $215 per hour.
Can you replace a front bumper yourself? ›A rusty or dented bumper can drag down the whole appearance of a pickup that's in otherwise good shape. Having it replaced by a pro will set you back $1,000, but you can save $500 or more in labor and parts by doing the job yourself. It takes only a few hours.
Can you fix a bumper in a day? ›
If the damage is simple, your bumper could be fixed in as little as three hours. However, if the damage is significant, you could be waiting three days for your bumper to be fixed. The best way to find out exactly how long the repair will take is to bring your car to an auto body shop and have the area inspected.
Can dents pop themselves out? ›Will the Dent Pop Out on Its Own? No, a dent will not pop out on its own. In some very rare cases, extreme heat can affect the shape of a dent, but generally, once the dent is there, it is permanent.
Is it OK to leave a dent on your car? ›Even if a dent looks minor when it first happens, leaving it over time could lead to it getting worse. Any cracks in the paintwork could get bigger, and there's also a risk of rust developing if moisture gets to the metal underneath. These can be much greater problems to sort out in the long run.
Does a plunger work on car dents? ›Myth #1: You Can Plunger Your Dents Away
While plunging away your dents appears to be an easy and affordable way to fix your vehicle; the truth is the opposite. It's never a good idea to use a plunger to get rid of dents, as this method has been proven to worsen your dent.
If the damage is simple, your bumper could be fixed in as little as three hours. However, if the damage is significant, you could be waiting three days for your bumper to be fixed. The best way to find out exactly how long the repair will take is to bring your car to an auto body shop and have the area inspected.