Is it cheaper to repair or replace a bumper?
Asked by: Dr. Eloy Sauer DVM | Last update: March 27, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (4 votes)
How much does fixing a bumper cost?
With cracks, holes, and punctures, there will be fill and sanding of the areas. The average cost is between $325 and $425. You can reduce light scratches fairly quickly, but if they are severe enough to cause major paint chipping, the cost can be anywhere from $50 to $600.
Does insurance cover bumper damage?
If you have collision coverage, then you're generally covered for damage to your bumper caused by an accident. If the damage is caused by something other than a collision, like a tree branch falling on it, comprehensive coverage would apply instead.
Should I repair or replace my car bumper?
Minor cracks in your bumper can almost always be repaired. However, make sure to work with a qualified autobody repair shop – bigger cracks are sometimes more cost-effective to replace than they are to repair.
Can a body shop fix a plastic bumper?
Can you repair a plastic bumper or part? Yes, depending on the extent of the damage. Vehicle Repair Technicians use specialist tools to fix scratches, dents, holes and chips on a bumper. They can also paint or blend the repair so it's invisible to the eye.
Don't spend too much money to fix a car bumper
Is it worth fixing a cracked bumper?
Is it efficient? If the bumper is only cracked in one spot or the damage appears less severe, a repair is likely to be the most efficient option. However, more severe cracks and damage to the bumper could take much longer to repair, which typically suggests that a full replacement is needed.
How long does it take a body shop to fix a bumper?
Bumper repairs or replacements are commonly finished in a day (for repairs) to 3 days (for replacement). In most cases, replacing a cracked bumper is preferable over repairing it because cracks affect the bumper's integrity and ability to absorb the force of an impact.
Do car dealerships fix bumpers?
Yes. Dealerships have their own service departments with trained technicians that can handle repairs and body work for the makes and models they sell.
Is it OK to drive with broken bumper?
We don't recommend driving with a damaged bumper or lights. It can be unsafe if your vehicle is in another accident.
Do mechanics fix bumpers?
If your plastic bumper has cracks, mechanics can weld the plastic or use strong glue to fix it. They can also match paint colors to cover up chips and scratches, which looks much better than a damaged bumper and costs less than getting a new one.
Will my insurance go up if I hit a bumper?
An at-fault accident can increase your auto insurance rates for at least three years, depending on your state and insurer. A driver with a recent at-fault accident pays more a year on average for a full coverage policy than a driver with no traffic violations.
Will a damaged bumper pass inspection?
Minor dings and dents aren't typically counted against you in a vehicle inspection. If the damage is extensive enough, however, it may become a potential obstacle to passing.
Do you have to pay less for car insurance if you are younger?
What age does car insurance go down? Car insurance costs will decrease as you age because younger drivers are seen as riskier by insurers given they are inexperienced and statistically more likely to file claims. The biggest drop is typically from 18 to 19, when the average rate drops by around $1,595.
How much will insurance pay for a bumper?
This is where you'll need to pay attention to your deductible and do some math. Bumper damage can range anywhere from $100 for a basic repair to $1,000 for more severe damage. If your deductible is $500 and your repair costs $100, it makes sense to pay out of pocket to avoid the deductible.
Can you fix a bumper without replacing it?
Can a plastic bumper be repaired? Yes – depending on the extent of the damage, it's possible to repair a plastic bumper rather than having it replaced.
How do you describe rear bumper damage?
- The Many Faces of Rear Bumper Damage. Scratches and Scuffs. Dents and Dings. Paint Chips and Peeling. Bumper Misalignment. Collision Impact Damage. Punctures, Cracks, and Tears.
- Calculating Bumper Damage Cost.
How much does it cost to replace a damaged bumper?
According to Cost Helper, a new bumper for a passenger car can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000. Installation and painting of the new bumper can cost between $200 and $600. Bumpers for pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles will have higher costs.
At what speed does a bumper get damaged?
Now, Federal regulations only require that a bumper not distort at impacts of 2.5 mph or less. However, the "5 mph bump" standard got stuck in our lexicon and we continue to assume that impacts with immovable objects at or below 5 mph cannot cause injury.
Is it illegal to have a damaged bumper?
In the state of California, your vehicle must have front and rear bumpers. That means you can receive legal trouble for driving home to South Bay after receiving major damage. Why? The bumpers are designed to absorb shock in case of a crash.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace a 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.
Do dealerships charge more for repairs?
Because of their large overhead and operating costs, dealerships tend to charge more for services and repairs than independent auto shops. Dealerships' technicians are also more specialized, which often demands a higher fee. This can come in the form of hourly labor rates as well as markup on parts and materials.
Can a body shop fix a cracked bumper?
Cracked Bumpers
Plastic bumper crack repair can easily be done at a body shop near you, as long as it's caught early and there's no underlying damage. The process involves professionally sanding the affected area, applying automotive-grade epoxy, and repainting to match the rest of the bumper.
Can a bumper be fixed in one day?
For minor scrapes, scratches, or small dents, a professional might work their magic within a couple of hours. However, if your bumper has taken a significant hit or has more extensive damage, a bumper repair could take several days to complete the repair process.
How much will a body shop charge to paint a bumper?
On average, painting a front or rear bumper by professionals is estimated between $300 and $500. However, this cost can vary significantly from one auto body shop to another.
Is it hard to replace a bumper on a car?
Pre-painted bumper replacements are fast, easy, and inexpensive. But color-matching for solid colors can be more exact than with metallic finishes. Most factory colors do not come straight out of the can. If you're aiming for perfection, they must be custom-mixed by an automotive paint vendor or professional body shop.