Having a cracked or damaged bumper is an eyesore and can detract from the look of your vehicle. While a cracked bumper may seem like a relatively minor issue, getting it repaired quickly is important to prevent further damage and more costly repairs down the road. When it comes to bumper repair costs, prices can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage, whether any other components need to be replaced, the vehicle make and model, and who does the work. Below we’ll take a closer look at the average costs associated with cracked bumper repairs and the factors that influence pricing.
Page Contents
What is the average cost to fix a cracked bumper?
According to industry estimates, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500+ to get a cracked bumper repaired or replaced. The average cost falls around $400 to $900. Minor cracks and splits that can be repaired rather than replacing the entire bumper tend to be at the lower end of this range. More significant damage requiring bumper replacement is usually $600 to $1,500 or more. Keep in mind that labor and parts costs make up the bulk of bumper repair expenses. The more extensive the damage, the higher the materials and time required to fix it.
Factors that influence the cost of bumper repair
There are several key factors that determine the overall bumper repair cost:
- Extent of the damage – Small cracks and splits are cheaper to fix than large holes, dents, and pieces that are broken off or missing.
- Type of vehicle – Luxury and high-end models typically have more expensive bumpers and components than standard vehicles.
- Location of the damage – Bumpers with damage on the sides or edges tend to be simpler fixes than cracks and dents in the middle or multiple areas.
- Repair vs. replacement – Just fixing the cracked section is cheaper than replacing the whole bumper.
- Paint work needed – Matching the new bumper or repaired section to the existing paint adds to labor and material costs.
- Removal of adjacent parts – Taking off grilles, lights, fenders, etc. adds labor time.
- Shop rates – Dealerships and specialty shops charge more per hour than independent mechanics and body shops.
Additionally, where you live can impact bumper repair costs. Prices tend to be higher in areas with a higher cost of living and higher labor rates.
Get an accurate quote
The best way to get an accurate estimate for your specific bumper damage is to get quotes from a few local auto body repair shops. They can examine the damage firsthand and provide a detailed, personalized quote accounting for all necessary repairs. Be sure to get any quotes or estimates in writing before approving the work. It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of warranty or guarantee the shop provides on their workmanship. Reputable shops will stand behind their repairs if any issues arise down the road.
Questions to ask when getting a bumper repair quote
Here are some key questions to ask auto body shops when getting a repair quote:
- Do you need to replace the whole bumper or can you just repair the damaged section?
- Will the bumper need to be repainted to match the existing color?
- Are any other parts behind the bumper damaged?
- Will adjacent components like grilles, lights, or fenders need to be removed and reinstalled?
- What does the repair process involve step-by-step?
- How long will the repairs take to complete?
- What types of materials will be used?
- Do you offer any warranty on your workmanship?
- What payment options do you accept?
Getting answers to these questions upfront will provide you with a better idea of the true scope and cost of repairs. Don’t hesitate to ask the shop for a full breakdown of parts and labor charges either.
DIY bumper repair options
While minor cracks and splits can possibly be repaired yourself as a DIY project, extensive bumper damage is best left to professional auto body technicians. They have the skills, tools, materials, and experience for proper bumper repairs. However, if you wish to tackle a small bumper crack yourself, here are a few options:
Plastic welding
Many modern bumpers are made of plastic and can be fixed using plastic welding techniques. This involves special plastic filler rods and a plastic welder tool that heats and fuses the plastic together. While inexpensive, plastic welding takes some skill to achieve seamless, long-lasting repairs.
Epoxy adhesive
Two-part epoxy adhesives are another DIY bumper crack repair method. When the resin and hardener components are mixed together, the epoxy cures into a tough, rigid plastic that bonds firmly to the bumper. The cracked area must be cleaned and abraded for the epoxy to adhere properly. Applying body filler putty over the epoxy can help restore the bumper shape.
Repair compound
Specialized bumper repair compounds are available for filling cracks and holes. These spreadable products dry rigid and can be sanded and shaped as needed. Using a plastic-specific compound designed for bumpers will offer the most durable repairs. Be sure to prepare the area thoroughly and follow manufacturer application instructions.
| DIY Bumper Repair Method | Average Product Cost | Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Welding | $80-$150 | Small cracks and splits; Bumper needs to be removed |
| Epoxy Adhesive | $10-$30 | Small to medium cracks and holes |
| Repair Compound | $10-$20 | Small cracks, holes, and dents |
Keep in mind that DIY methods may not yield perfect-looking bumper repairs. There is also a strong chance that structural damage is present underneath the visible crack or dent. This is best diagnosed and repaired by a professional auto body technician.
Preventing bumper damage
The easiest way to avoid the cost and hassle of bumper repairs is to prevent damage in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your bumpers protected:
- Park carefully – Be aware of curbs, poles, and other obstructions that could dent your bumper.
- Use bumper protectors – Affordable rubber or plastic protectors attach to the bumper edge to absorb minor impacts.
- Add bumper guards – Metal tubing guards bolt to the bumper to provide extra protection.
- Avoid tailgaters – Keep ample distance from the vehicle in front to prevent rear-end cracks and collisions.
- Fix paint chips – Touch up paint chips to prevent cracks from developing.
- Inspect regularly – Check for emerging cracks and get them repaired right away before they worsen.
Protective measures like parking guards, touch-up paint, and regular inspections can go a long way in keeping your bumpers damage-free. But accidents do happen. If you do end up with a cracked bumper, get repair quotes quickly to understand your options and costs. With typical prices ranging from $200 to $1,500, it pays to shop around for the best deal from reputable technicians.
Conclusion
Having to repair a cracked or damaged bumper can be an unforeseen expense. But with average costs coming in between $400 to $900 in most cases, fixing bumper damage is still far more affordable than replacing the entire bumper assembly. Minor cracks and splits will be at the lower end of the price scale, while more extensive damage requiring a full bumper replacement may cost $600 to $1,500 or more depending on the vehicle. Key factors like the size and location of the damage, parts and labor rates, and if painting or adjacent part removal is required will all impact the final bumper repair costs. Getting quotes from qualified auto body technicians is the best way to understand the specific repairs needed for your vehicle and what they will cost. With some due diligence and research, you can find a shop that will professionally restore your bumper at a competitive price.