Bumpers are called bumpers for a reason – they’re often the first part of a vehicle to be bumped in a crash, and they’re designed to take most of the impact in order to protect the structure of the vehicle.
Because of their importance when it comes to safety, it’s crucial to get bumpers repaired or replaced if they are damaged in an accident. And it’s not just the exterior that needs to be checked out – bumpers also house various sensors, lights and warning systems, all of which can have hidden damage after a collision. All of these need to be functioning properly in order to best ensure your safety on the road.
Oftentimes, bumpers can simply be repaired if the damage is minor. Depending on the size of any dents and the material of the bumper, paintless dent repair may be an option. In this type of repair, dents are slowly worked out without damaging the paint job, saving time and money. Minor scratches or punctures can also sometimes be repaired rather than replacing the whole bumper, though this may require a paint job on top of the repair.
For more intense damage – such as cracks, holes or a bumper that is falling off – the bumper may need to be replaced. If this is the case, you will need to purchase a new bumper through the auto body repair shop, and they will remove the old bumper and attach a new one, including connecting it to any systems or sensors embedded in the car. The paint will also be matched to the rest of the car.
When repairing or replacing a bumper, technicians may also do a post scan of the car to make sure all of the sensors and lights are properly aligned and functioning. This way, you can rest assured that any hidden damage has been taken care of.
Cost for bumper repair or replacement can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. For example, SUVs or luxury cars will likely have more expensive bumper repair costs than a sedan-style car. The material of the bumper will also matter – plastic can be less expensive to replace than metal. And, the more sensors embedded in a bumper, the more expensive a repair can be. Bumper repairs can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $600, depending on the type of damage. For bumper replacements, that can cost more than $1000 depending on the parts needed and the time it takes to install.
While it may be tempting to leave a bumper with a small dent, it’s important to check that any sensors or safety features are working properly after a collision. One way to determine whether your bumper needs to be repaired or replaced is to find a local collision repair or auto body shop and have a technician assess the damage. Carwise is here to help you find bumper repair services near you. From real customer reviews to shop certifications, hours and locations, Carwise’s search tool can help you choose the right auto body or collision repair shop from more than 21,000 shops nationwide. Use Carwise’s shop finder tool to search your zip code for a customer-reviewed auto body shop nearby: https://www.carwise.com/auto-body-shops/.
