Bumper damage is the most common type of car damage you can encounter. After all, this component is meant to absorb shock and protect your vehicle from the impact of a collision or other accidents. But whatever the reason for the damage is, the cost of bumper repair is something that every car owner dreads.
But here’s the catch: damaged bumpers can’t always be repaired. Sometimes, they need to be fully replaced.
In this case, you’re probably wondering, how much will each cost and which is the cheapest option. In this post, we’ll answer this question together with other info you need to know about bumpers.
Bumper Repair vs. Replacement: Which One Do You Need?
The cost of the solution to your damaged bumper actually depends on your needs. It’s either your bumper can still be repaired or it already needs replacing.
Overall, the best people to determine this is your trusty automotive body shop. They can assess the damage and advise you about the best option.
But in general, here’s what you can expect:
You Need Bumper Repair If…
When you get into a fender-bender, the first thing that may come to your mind is to get a car bumper repair. However, it’s not always a possible solution. Usually, repairs are only possible in the following cases:
- It’s just minor damage. If the damage on your bumper is minor, say small dents or just a small scuff, repairs are usually possible. Technicians have effective methods for restoring your bumper while ensuring that it’s still structurally strong to handle the impact.
- There are small cracks or splitting. Small cracks on your bumper can still be repaired, especially if it’s just superficial. An auto body technician can simply fill the cracks, sand them, and then polish them to look good as new. Aside from making your bumper look good again, this method will also restore its structural integrity.
- The damage is superficial. To be fair, bumpers are fairly strong and can take a good beating. So if the damage is just chipped paint or a scratched coat, a repair would be enough to fix it. A technician would just have to sand the area, prime it paint it again, and end it with a nice polish.
You Need Bumper Replacement If…
If the damage didn’t fall into the conditions above, then bumper repairs may not be the solution you need. A replacement might be necessary, especially in these situations:
- There’s extensive damage. If your bumper is crumpled, has large cracks, or is totally out of shape, the auto shop may recommend a replacement. These conditions are beyond repair. And even if the technicians can restore the shape of your bumper, it won’t have good structural integrity.
- There’s serious structural damage. If the damage to your bumper is already massive, you’re better off getting a replacement. It’s because this level of damage already weakened your bumper, which means it no longer has the strength to cushion another impact.
- Your bumper is already old. Much like any component of your car, your bumper will sustain wear and tear. If it’s cracked, faded, and too flimsy, you should consider a replacement instead of further repairs.
The Cost of Car Bumper Repair
The cost of repairing car bumpers varies, depending on the exact condition of your car. In general, common bumper dents will cost around $100 to $300 to repair. But if the damage is more extensive, the cost can be as much as $1,000+.
To know the exact cost, you have to consider the following:
- Severity of Damage. Bigger damage translates to higher repair costs. It’s because technicians will have to do more labor and use more materials to restore your bumper’s condition. This is why some car owners would just opt for a replacement if the repair cost is already close to the price of a new bumper.
- Type of Bumper. One of the biggest factors that will affect the cost of repairs is the type of bumper and car you have. Plastic bumper repair is usually the cheapest, especially on a common car model. But if you have a fiberglass bumper or an expensive car model, you should expect the repairs to be equally pricey.
- Labor Costs. Where you get the repairs will also affect the final price tag. Usually, repairs in major cities will cost more due to the higher cost of living. Aside from that, highly skilled and experienced technicians may charge higher fees due to the training and certifications they have to undergo.
- Additional Repairs. In some cases, your bumper may not be the only thing that has damage. For example, the paint on surrounding areas may also need touch-ups or there are scratches on the headlights that need to be buffed out. All these will add up to your final bill.
It’s important to note that the average cost of car bumper repair can range anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on the factors mentioned above. Obtaining multiple quotes from reputable auto body shops will give you a better understanding of the specific costs associated with your particular situation.
The Cost of Car Bumper Replacement
If you opt for a bumper replacement, you should expect to shell out around $800 to $2,500 on average. This price can be higher for sports cars and other expensive models. It’s because the auto body shop needs to order the replacement from the car manufacturer, which takes time, effort, and added fees.
In that case, you’ll save more money if you’ll go for after-market replacements over OEM options. However, this may affect your car warranty coverage.
In general, these factors will affect your bumper replacement cost:
- Type of Bumper. Similar to rear or front bumper repair, the bumper type will also influence the cost of the replacement. You’ll save a lot of money on plastic bumpers but it may not be as durable as fiberglass or carbon counterparts (which, by the way, are more expensive).
- Vehicle Make and Model. As we’ve mentioned earlier, luxury cars often have equally luxurious costs when it comes to bumper replacement. After all, you wouldn’t want to install a cheap plastic bumper on a Porsche or Bugatti, right?
- Labor Costs. Again, the labor cost will add up to the price of bumper replacement. Usually, rare or luxury cars may require more labor hours due to the complexity of installation and the specialized approach it needs.
Which Is Cheaper: Professional or DIY Repair?
Whether it’s a bumper repair or replacement, one question often asked is whether it’s cheaper to do DIY work. Sure thing, you can have big upfront savings with a DIY bumper repair or replacement. But the real cost will catch up on you in the long run.
For example, if the bumper damage is due to an accident, your car needs more than just repairs. It requires a comprehensive inspection that goes beyond the bumper. This is best done by professionals who can certify whether your vehicle is still road-worthy or not.
So before you venture into a DIY project, here’s what you need to consider:
- Your skill and experience. Have you replaced a bumper before? Or at least done any form of car repair? If not, then you’re better off bringing your car to an auto body shop. While you’ll pay a fee, you’re guaranteed that your vehicle will be repaired properly.
- Tools and materials. Repairing or installing a new bumper requires more than just a few screwdrivers. Professional auto body technicians use special equipment on which they are trained and certified to handle.
- Time and convenience. Never underestimate the time and effort it takes to repair a bumper. In some cases, it may take a few days for professionals to finish all the needed work. So if you don’t have the time to go through this hassle, you should tap the help of an expert instead.
Does Car Insurance Cover Bumper Repair or Replacements?
Let’s address another big question that’s probably bothering you: does your car insurance cover bumper repair costs?
The quick is both yes and no. The following circumstances will determine which one applies to you:
- Liability Insurance. If you’re not at fault, the driver who caused the damage to your bumper will cover the cost under their insurance. That is if the person will actually take responsibility.
- Collision Coverage. If the bumper damage is due to a collision, you should check your policy if it includes a collision coverage clause. You may also have to consider who is at fault, not to mention that deductibles may apply.
- Comprehensive Coverage. If you have this coverage, there’s a high chance that your insurance covers either bumper repair or replacement. It can also cover non-collision damages like vandalism or weather-inflicted incidents.
When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call your insurance provider. They can advise you further about how your coverage can help with the cost.
Conclusion
Whether you need bumper scratch repair or an entire replacement, it’s important to consider the cost. This way, there won’t be any surprises once it’s time to settle the bill in the auto body shop.
Also, always trust a professional when it comes to repairing damages to your car. While DIY efforts work to some extent, it may not be the best choice for heavily damaged bumpers.