Is it cheaper to repair or replace my bumper?

If you’re looking at the cost of repairing or replacing your bumper and wondering how much you should expect to pay, this is the article for you. Though the design of both the front and rear bumpers keeps the rest of a vehicle safe from damage, bumpers are still susceptible to disrepair, especially when you are hit by another vehicle. So, if there are damages, how much is it going to cost to repair or replace one? Hopefully, we can give you the answers you need on repair and replacement costs.

Consider the damages

The extent of the damage to the bumper will determine the cost of the repairs or replacement of the bumper. Most car bumper materials today are made of plastic that contains steel or aluminum bars for reinforcement. The basic parts include:

• A structural support system
• A shock-absorbing foam section
• A plastic cover

Damage can affect any of these bumper parts and cause increased expense, particularly if the problem is the structural support system, which can run up repair costs. Any underlying damage can also add to the expenses. Other repairs such as replacing a severely damaged bumper, wide cracks and holes, and a bumper that is ready to fall off require extended repair or replacement.

With minor dents, chips, punctures, and scratches, any auto body shop near you can repair the lesser damages fairly easily. Body shop experts have the tools to do the job and they can repaint and color coordinate for an exact match for almost any kind of vehicle. 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.

Front Bumper Replacement Cost

With a front bumper repair replacement, the old bumper has to be removed first, and the area inspected for any possible underlying damage and replacement of damaged parts. Total costs will depend on where the vehicle is located, the vehicle, its make or model, the extent of the damage, and the amount of labor that goes into the repair. With these factors in mind, replacing a front bumper runs between $500 to $1500 and beyond for usual replacements. In fact, most auto body shops charge from $48 to $215 per hour. If repairs or replacements are more difficult and require more time, costs could reach around $5000.

Rear Bumper Replacement Cost

With a rear bumper repair, the damage is usually due to rear-end accidents, and it is a common occurrence to see minor scratches, dents, and scuffed paint when these accidents occur. If the collision involves high speeds, damages will not only hurt the bumper but will affect any other underlying components. With minimal damage, you can expect to pay at least $100, but this will also demand the make, model, and year of the vehicle. More extensive damage can usually come out to about $2,000 for the full bumper replacement cost.  

Other repair methods

You can do a car bumper repair through paintless dent repair or PDR. A body shop will use special tools that pull the dents out of a car bumper without damage to the paint. This is a less costly and quicker method than a car bumper repair but it is best for damage that has gone beyond the surface and ruined both the surface and paint. Unfortunately, PDR isn’t usable with plastic bumpers, as these bumpers will require more than simple buffing.

Savings on Bumper Repairs/Replacements

If you are looking for an easy way to save, the first thing you can do is find a trustworthy body shop. Doing the repairs yourself is risky and not guaranteed. You can choose where you take your vehicle even if your insurance company suggests a shop for repair. Get a few estimates from a few different repair shops. Don’t go for the lowest price, as it doesn’t mean the best in repairs or service.

When you need a replacement bumper and want to save money, look no further than FitParts. We have aftermarket parts that are not only more affordable but also reach or exceed OEM standards. Of course, you can always weigh the differences and determine which is best, but you may take a chance on an aftermarket part. Visit our website for more information on our bumpers and contact us with any questions!

Consider your Insurance Deductible

With minor damage to a bumper, any repair costs can be significantly lower than the deductible you have with your insurance company. If this is the case, you can pay for the repairs outright. You can also avoid an insurance claim that could raise your rates.

Check your coverage

When you’re at fault in a bumper collision, check what kind of coverage you have with your insurance company and figure out what choices you have. With collision coverage, you will be out for damages to your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle. With no collision coverage, it is your responsibility to pay for all of the repairs. If the accident was not your fault, you can get in touch with the other driver’s insurance company and claim either the cost for any bumper repair or for a full replacement. The auto body shop will arrange for any kind of repairs between the insurance company and the others concerned. They will take care of any damage that you have.

Once the auto body shop works with the insurance company, they will order the parts. The insurance company usually has the last word on whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. Once the vehicle is ready, the bumper is ready for removal and disengagement from all of its component systems, such as sensors, lights, and warning systems.

If you’re looking to do a car bumper repair yourself, reach out to FitParts! We believe good reliable quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Contact us today!