Front Bumper Repair Cost vs Replacement for Your Truck

We all dread the unwanted sound of a car crash (or scratch).

That’s because repair costs are not cheap. No matter how minor an incident, getting your car repaired causes a major inconvenience. Even with good insurance coverage, the follow-up process for compensation is tedious and can be very frustrating.

These frustrations make it easy to ignore minor scratches and dents, however, you should always take your damaged truck to a body shop to have it evaluated by a technician.

Fixing a minor dent could save you from having to replace a major car part down the line.

For example, the technician will determine whether you need to repair or replace a bumper, as well as the costs associated with doing so (depending on the extent of the damage).

Today, we’ll review bumper repair and replacement costs, we’ll discuss the determining factors on which you should do, and guide you on how to save money no matter which option you choose.

Table of Contents

How Much Does it Cost to Repair the Front Bumper?

What Determines the Front Bumper Repair Cost?
Types of Bumper Repairs

How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Front Bumper?

What Determines the Replacement Cost of a Front Bumper?
Costs Incurred For Bumper Replacement

How to Save Costs on Bumper Repair and Replacement
When to Use Insurance vs Paying Out of Pocket
FAQs

Is a Bumper Replacement More Expensive Than Repair?
Does Insurance Cover Bumper Damage?
Is it Illegal to Drive With a Damaged Front Bumper?
Is a Bumper Cover Necessary?
Can I Repair My Bumper Cover?

How Much Does it Cost to Repair the Front Bumper?

The cost to repair your bumper ranges between $100 to $1000 depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method you choose.

For example, a cracked bumper will cost more to repair than a scratch or minor dent because of the complexity of the repair job.

American Built Cowboy Front Bumper Chevy 2500 3500 2020-2021

What Determines the Front Bumper Repair Cost?

Fun fact: No new parts are required in bumper repair so the repair cost is just for labor. The cost estimate you’ll get from your technician varies depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and the extent of damage to the bumper.

Newer vehicle models attract higher costs because they’re more expensive than older models. Indeed, the overall value of your vehicle plays a role in determining the repair cost.

However, the extent of the bumper’s damage will determine which repair method technician’s will use. Bumper repair methods have different costs depending on the amount of work required. Let’s explore some of the repair methods below.

Types of Bumper Repairs

Ranch Hand BSF201BL1 Summit Bullnose Front Bumper 2017-2021 Ford F250-F550

There are three types of bumper repair methods:

• Traditional dent repair
• Paintless dent repair
• Cracks, holes, and punctures

Traditional dent repair ranges between $125 to $500 and is necessary for removing dents caused by severe damage. Severely damaged bumpers result from crashes at a low speed.

The repair process for a dented bumper involves hammering the metal back into its original form, sanding it, and then adding a plastic filler.

Paintless dent repair is used on minor dents The process involves assessing your damaged bumper and applying slow pressure to massage it back into shape.

The cost of getting your car repaired at a body shop for paint damage and deep paint scratches ranges between $75 to $125.

Extensive damage such as holes or a cracked bumper require heavy repair work that costs between $300 to $700 (or more) depending on the cost of your car’s paint.

In this case, your repair shop technician will first assess the underlying damage to determine whether it’s better to repair or replace your damaged bumper.

The first part of the repair process is to fuse any cracks by applying heat, then adding plastic filler to smooth out the surface in preparation for painting.

Your technician will apply proper sanding and deep paint for a seamless, detailed paint job in the body shop.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Front Bumper?

American Built Heavy Duty Pipe Front Bumper Ford F450 F550 2020-2021

Front bumper replacement cost ranges between $500 and $3,000 depending on several factors (explored below). The bulk of the price goes to purchasing the new bumper rather than labor costs.

At Royal Truck Accessories, however, our focus is on providing our clients with high-quality and affordable options for bumper replacement.

Our bumpers are designed with simplicity in mind. So-much-so, you won’t require any specialized tools to install your new bumper.

Elvis V.

“Best Price

Shopped around first and came back because this is the best price with the best customer service.”

What Determines the Replacement Cost of a Front Bumper?

Bumper replacements can be costly or affordable depending on the following key factors:

• Type of vehicle
• Type of bumper - OEM vs. Aftermarket
• Quality of the bumper

Replacing a bumper in a newer vehicle costs more compared to older vehicles because newer parts are not as readily available.

Also spare parts for high-end trucks like Chevrolet Silverado High Country and Ford F-150 Platinum/King Ranch are rare, so replacing the bumper will cost more than on normal vehicles.

The replacement price also differs depending on the quality of materials used and whether the parts are OEM or aftermarket.

The table below shows the differences between OEM and aftermarket auto parts.

Costs Incurred For Bumper Replacement

There are two costs incurred when you replace a bumper:

• Purchasing costs - The price you’ll pay for acquiring a new bumper.
• Labor costs - The installation price to replace the old bumper with a new one.

More complex bumpers require specialized tools and a professional technician for proper installation. The installation cost ranges between $200 to $600 (or more) depending on:

• The type of shop you’re in (independent vs dealership)
• The technician’s skill level
• Your vehicle’s make and model

Expert Tip: Since independent shops are not as established as dealerships, you’ll get high-quality service for a fraction of the dealership rates.

How to Save Costs on Bumper Repair and Replacement

HammerHead 600-56-0380 No Brushguard Winch Front Bumper Ford F250-550/ Excursion 2005-2007

To save costs on bumper repair and replacement, you don’t have to use the repair shop recommended by your insurance company. In fact, most repair shops that work with insurance companies are expensive.

Do your research, find reputable repair shops, and get estimates from different body shops before deciding who to give the repair or replacement task to.

Getting the job done right the first time is important, so don’t settle for the cheapest option.

When buying new parts, go for aftermarket parts instead of OEM. You’ll still get high-quality and durable parts without the high price tag of OEM parts.

David

Great Options

“Less expensive and easier to use with more options than anywhere else!”

When to Use Insurance vs Paying Out of Pocket

Addictive Desert Designs 2020 - 2021 CHEVY 2500/3500 BOMBER FRONT BUMPER

When Does Insurance Cover Bumper Repair/Replacement Cost?

Three factors determine whether or not your insurance will cover bumper damage:

• Type of coverage
• Your deductible
• The party at fault

There are 7 different types of car insurance coverage:

• Liability
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Personal injury protection
• Uninsured motorist protection
• Gap insurance
• No-fault insurance

Collision insurance covers bumper repair if the damage occurred as a result of a collision. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance will pay for the damage or compensate your insurance company for repair /replacement costs.

Expert tip: Comprehensive coverage is expensive but it covers any kind of vehicle repair or replacement cost — no matter whose fault it is.

Many insurance companies will conduct an investigation before compensation to determine the cause and the extent of the damage.

If your vehicle’s damage was intentional, the insurance company won’t cover the cost and you'll have to pay out of pocket.

When to Pay Out of Pocket

ICI AL-FBM16CHN Aluminum Front Bumper, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2016-2018

In an accident where you’re at fault and only have liability car insurance, damages to your car will be paid out of pocket. Your insurance only covers damages to the other party’s vehicle.

For minor damages where the repair costs are lower than your insurance deductible, it’s better to pay out of pocket to avoid filing a claim that will increase your insurance rates.

Major bumper damages such as huge dents and deep scratches are a result of a collision. If you were at fault and don’t have collision coverage, you’ll have to pay for all repair or replacement costs.

When you take your vehicle to an auto body shop, the technicians calculate all costs and coordinate with all parties involved to ensure damages are covered in the most efficient way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a Bumper Replacement More Expensive Than Repair?

Yes, but it’s the quickest way to restore your bumper.

Bumper repairs are less expensive but take longer, so if you’d like your truck fixed in the shortest time possible, buy a new bumper.

Does Insurance Cover Bumper Damage?

Yes, insurance companies will pay for any damage to your truck if you have comprehensive coverage, regardless of fault.

However, if you were the driver at fault, your premium for the next year of insurance will increase as your liability also increases.

Remember: You have a legal obligation to report an accident to your insurance provider when filing a claim.

Is it Illegal to Drive With a Damaged Front Bumper?

Yes, it’s illegal to drive with a damaged front bumper or any other damaged car part.

Vehicle damage implies an accident occurred and for that, a report should be filed and the damages should be fixed before the vehicle can get back on the road.

Is a Bumper Cover Necessary?

Yes. Bumper covers protect your truck from weather and road debris.

Bumper covers add an aesthetic element to your vehicle, giving it a more stylish and sleek appearance. It’s a less expensive way to transform your vehicle's exterior.

Can I Repair My Bumper Cover?

Yes, you can repair the bumper cover if it has minor damages such as a small dent or light scratches.

For more serious damages, you have to replace the cover.