How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratch on a Car Bumper?

The bumper can be damaged or pick a scratch quite easily. The driver behind your car may forget to push the brakes on time or you scrape the rear-end when backing into a wall or something else. How much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car bumper? 

We’re going to break down the expenses and the possibility of getting coverage from your car insurance.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Scratch on a Car Bumper?

Bumper scratch repair is a fairly inexpensive fix that can be done at less than $200. For a light scratch, a quick paint touch up is enough to conceal it. 

However, if the auto body shop needs to paint the entire bumper to make each part look even, it may ask something around $500.

If it’s just a mark on the paint, not a scratch that cuts through the surface paint, you can remove it at home with nail polish remover and a paper towel. 

Then, you have to apply a clear coat. Doing it correctly will remove almost 90% of the smudges. In this way, you can keep the cost under $100.

However, a deep scratch or crack is not easy to hide. You may need to replace the whole bumper, costing around $2,500.

On the other hand, a small dent may cost something between $150 and $600, depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

For any minor fix, always ask around to compare the prices among various body shops. Unless you drive an expensive luxury or supercar, or need to change the entire bumper, the expenses are unlikely to put a hole in your pocket.

SEE MORE:

• Ultimate DIY: Now Fix Car Dents and Scratches at Home
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If you still have any confusion, let’s break the process down further. 

For example, if you take your car with a scratched bumper (only light scratches) to a body shop, it will remove the entire bumper for applying the clear coating evenly all across the bumper’s body. 

The people there have to match the color (which will be difficult if it’s a rare color) and use an additive to prevent the paint from cracking. Besides, the bumper and the quarter panel need to be painted and treated separately.

If the body shop has to go through all these steps, the cost will be between $500 and $1,000. The expenses vary based on the car’s make and model, and the state where the job is done.

Does a Car Insurance Cover Bumper Repair Costs?

Whether car insurance covers bumper repair costs depends on the type of insurance policy you have and the circumstances under which the damage occurred. Here’s a brief overview:

Collision Coverage

If your car’s bumper is damaged due to a collision with another vehicle or an object (like a tree or a pole), collision coverage can help pay for the repairs. This coverage is optional and not part of a standard liability insurance policy.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can cover the costs to repair your bumper if the damage is due to non-collision incidents, such as vandalism, theft, or natural disasters (hail, floods, etc.). Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is optional.

Liability Insurance

If another driver is at fault for the damage to your bumper, their liability insurance should cover the repair costs. However, liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle if you’re at fault.

Deductibles and Limits

It’s important to remember that both collision and comprehensive coverage typically come with a deductible, which is the amount you’ll need to pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.

Additionally, insurance coverage is subject to limits, or the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for a covered claim.

FAQs

1. Can the type of paint on my car affect the cost of fixing a bumper scratch?

Yes, the type of paint and finish on your car can significantly influence repair costs. Vehicles with special paint finishes, such as matte, metallic, or pearlescent, often require more specialized and costly repair processes. 

Additionally, cars with multi-layered color schemes or custom paint jobs may necessitate advanced color matching techniques, further impacting the price.

2. Does the location of the scratch on the bumper impact repair costs?

The location of the scratch can play a role in the repair cost. Scratches located on flat surfaces of the bumper might be easier and cheaper to repair. 

In contrast, scratches on curved areas or near sensors and lights may require more meticulous work or even partial disassembly of the bumper, leading to higher costs.

3. Is it cheaper to repair a scratch myself?

DIY repair kits are available for minor scratches and can be a cost-effective solution for those comfortable with attempting the repair themselves. 

However, achieving a professional finish requires precision and the correct tools.

For deeper scratches or those that require color matching, it might be best to consult a professional to ensure a high-quality finish and preserve the vehicle’s value.

4. Will fixing a scratch on my bumper prevent further damage?

Repairing a scratch promptly can indeed help prevent further damage. 

Scratches that penetrate the paint can expose the underlying material to elements like water and salt, potentially leading to rust and corrosion over time. 

A timely repair seals the area, protecting your bumper from additional deterioration.

5. How long does it take to fix a scratch on a car bumper?

The duration of the repair process can vary based on the scratch’s depth and length and the repair method chosen. Minor surface scratches might be addressed within a few hours using touch-up paint or polishing.

More significant repairs involving paint matching and respraying could require a few days in the shop to ensure proper drying and curing times.

6. Can a bumper scratch affect my car’s resale value?

The appearance of your car plays a crucial role in its resale value. Even minor scratches can be unsightly and suggest to potential buyers that the vehicle may not have been well-maintained.

Professionally repairing any damage can help maintain your car’s aesthetic appeal and its market value.

7. Are there any temporary solutions for hiding a scratch until i can get it fixed?

For superficial scratches, some car owners use wax or polish to fill in and mask the scratch temporarily. There are also pens and markers designed for automotive use that can cover up minor damage.

While these solutions can help conceal the scratch, they are not permanent fixes and may not match the paint perfectly.

Check out this video from Clint Holland to learn more about repairing a scuffed or damaged car bumper!

Conclusion

How much does it cost to fix a scratch on a car bumper? You’ve already got the answer. As you’ve seen, the expenses can get out of hand in some cases. So, anyone would be wondering whether or not the car insurance covers the costs.

Well, everything depends on the policies of your insurance. Based on these, the insurer will decide whether or not you become eligible for collision coverage.