Bumper Replacement Cost Guide

Back in the days, bumpers had the primary job of preventing body damage. Looks were a secondary thing. However, things have changed now. With folks preferring cars with a smooth and clean look, it’s style over substance these days.

This isn’t to say that the newer cars don’t provide solid protection from car impacts. But then, they are not as robust as they were during our father’s time. On the bright side, they don’t pop out like before, enabling a vehicle to look quite attractive.

What is a Car Bumper?

To put it simply, it’s a protective part of a vehicle that’s mounted on the front and the rear part of a car. From metal, plastic, fiberglass, steel, and more, it could be made from any of these materials.

As hinted above, its job is to act as a shock absorber, preventing significant damage to both the car and the occupants inside the car.

Today’s bumpers also have a role in pedestrian safety. The front layer of the bumper is made a bit soft and deformable on purpose to reduce the risk of injuries to pedestrians.

What Is The Average Price For Bumper Replacement?

To be point-blank over here, a bumper replacement would be needed only if there is severe damage. Otherwise, it can be repaired. In fact, a proper repair job will make the bumper look exactly as it was before.

Seriously, no one will be able to tell that your vehicle was involved in a crash merely a few days ago.

That said, the repair cost would vary considerably due to the nature of the repair. Speaking about a full bumper replacement cost, expect to spend anywhere between $800 to $1500.

Auto Center	Price
Mr. Tire	$690 - $1300
Walmart	$450 - $1150
Midas	$800 - $1400
Pep Boys	$900 - $1480
Your Mechanic	$700 - $1500

When to Replace a Car Bumper?

Cracks/Dents: Of course, minor cracks and dents should not bother you. They can be fixed and then repainted. That said, if the repair cost is too high, you would be better off getting a new car bumper.

Also, if you notice serious cracks in your bumper, which can weaken the overall structural strength of your car, you should think about getting your car bumper replaced as opposed to getting it repaired.

Why Shouldn’t You Ignore Bumper Repair/Replacement?

First things first, fixing a bumper immediately after damage is important for your own safety. The reason being, it will absorb the impact in the event of a car crash, protecting you from serious injuries in the process.

The chances are that it could save your life. After all, it’s your first line of defense on the streets. Not to mention that damaged bumpers can really ruin the look of a car.

Believe it or not, you won’t get as much resale value as expected when attempting to sell a car with a damaged bumper. Also, bear in mind that driving with a damaged bumper can get you in trouble with the law.

Basically, you are risking a fine by driving a vehicle with a damaged bumper.

Why Choose a Top-Quality Bumper for Replacement?

Of course, the primary reason is collision protection. As expected, better ones will provide superior protection as they will absorb the impact of a crash better than thinner or inferior quality bumpers.

It’s also important to choose a heavy-duty bumper for the sake of longevity.

Seriously, you will benefit greatly from a good quality bumper because it will endure the wear and tear of riding like nobody’s business. Not to discount the fact that top-quality bumpers will last a lifelong, saving you the trouble of reinvesting on a bumper again.

Where to Get the Bumper Replaced?

Minor bumper repair work can be attempted by a car owner. Alternatively, one can book an appointment with an auto care center to get the bumper serviced. What’s worth mentioning over here is that luxury car owners shouldn’t really attempt to fix anything on their own.

The reason being, the bumpers of a luxury car are usually attached to other car parts, such as the lights, sensors, airbags, etc. Only authorized dealers will be able to handle them properly.

What are the Steps for Car Bumper Replacement?

• As expected, the technician will begin by inspecting the bumper and other integrated parts to evaluate the damage.
• Next, he will remove the bumper and fix the dents, cracks, and scratches.
• Then, the technician will smoothen the affected area using specialized tools and repaint it.
• If there is damage to any of the integrated parts, the part will be repaired or replaced.
• If a new bumper is needed, it will be added by attaching it to the appropriate brackets.
• Of course, the new bumper will be of the correct replacement model to ensure a proper fit.

Important Notice: To make the repair invisible is not a child’s play. So, make sure that you hire good technicians for the job.

Can You Make a Claim for Bumper Repair/Replacement?

It really depends on your insurance policy and the insurer. That said, many insurers do pay for the bumper repair or replacement. But then, you should consider filing a claim only if you can’t bear the expenses comfortably out of your pockets.

If the cost is minor, try bearing the expense as opposed to filing a claim because a claim could hamper your opportunity of no claim bonus. In other words, you won’t get any discounts at the time of renewal due to the insurance claim made by you.

How Can you Save Money on Bumper Repair or Replacement Cost?

If an insurance company doesn’t come to your help, the chances are that you might have to drop a lot of money to get your car bumper fixed, especially if you are getting the work done by professionals. Of course, if you treat it like a DIY project, you can save quite a bit of money on labor costs.

In fact, you can save money on parts too because most auto repair centers have a mark-up on the parts they replace, which you can avoid by ordering the parts yourself. Yes, you can easily order parts online these days from any auto parts supplier to save money on bumper repair or replacement.

That said, you should bear in mind that bumper replacement is a time consuming and labor-intensive job. In terms of how well you can pull this job off, you know it better than anyone else.