Quick answer: Fixing a scratched or scuffed bumper usually costs $150–$400, repairing a dent or small crack costs $300–$900, and a full bumper cover replacement costs $800–$2,500+ once you add paint, labor and recalibrating any parking sensors or cameras.
Bumper repair cost by damage type
Typical body shop prices, October 2026. Body labor rates usually run $50–$100+ per hour, and paint materials are charged separately.
| Damage | Typical repair | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Light scuffs and scratches | Sand, fill and spot-refinish | $150 – $400 |
| Deep scratches through the paint | Refinish the affected area or whole bumper | $300 – $600 |
| Small dent (plastic bumper) | Heat and reshape, then refinish if needed | $250 – $600 |
| Crack or small tear | Plastic welding and refinish | $300 – $900 |
| Broken mounting tabs | Tab repair kit or bracket | $100 – $300 |
| Full bumper cover replacement (aftermarket, painted) | Replace and paint | $800 – $1,500 |
| Full bumper cover replacement (OEM, painted) | Replace and paint | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
| Parking sensors / radar calibration | ADAS calibration after replacement | $150 – $600 extra |
What makes bumper repair expensive
- Sensors and cameras: many modern bumpers hold parking sensors, radar for adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring. These may need replacement and calibration.
- Paint color: tri-coat pearl and special colors cost more to match.
- Underlying damage: absorbers, reinforcement bars and brackets behind the bumper cover are often damaged in impacts.
- OEM vs aftermarket parts: OEM covers fit best but cost more.
Should you file an insurance claim?
If the total is close to your collision deductible (often $500–$1,000), paying yourself usually makes more sense, since a claim can raise your premium. If someone else hit you, their liability insurance should pay. For major damage well above your deductible, a claim is usually worth it.
How to save money
- Mobile bumper repair services fix scuffs and small cracks at your home, often for $150–$400.
- Ask the shop whether a repair is possible instead of replacement.
- Get two or three estimates; body shop prices vary a lot.
- For small dents with intact paint on metal panels, see Paintless Dent Repair Cost.
- If the whole car needs paint, compare options in Car Paint Job Cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked bumper be repaired?
Often yes. Plastic welding can fix many cracks and tears, as long as the mounting points are intact.
How long does bumper repair take?
Scuff repairs can be done in a few hours. Replacement with painting usually takes 1–3 days, longer if parts must be ordered.