How much does a bumper repair cost?

It depends on three things: whether the bumper can be repaired or needs replacing, how much of it needs paint, and what's attached to it. A scuff that needs a localised respray is at the cheap end. A split bumper with broken mounting tabs and parking sensors is at the other. We don't publish a price list because two bumpers that look similar in a photo can be very different jobs, but here's what moves the number so you know what you're looking at.

Repair or replace?

Most bumpers are plastic. Scuffs, scratches and small cracks can be repaired: the plastic is cleaned, ground, welded or filled, primed with a flexible primer and painted. That's cheaper than a new bumper and keeps the original fit.

Replacement makes sense when:

• The mounting tabs are broken and the bumper won't sit straight
• The plastic is torn or has multiple cracks
• The bumper is distorted from the impact and won't hold shape

A new bumper has to be bought (genuine or aftermarket), prepped, painted and fitted, so parts cost is added to the labour.

How much paint?

A small scuff in one corner can often be repaired and blended without painting the whole bumper. Damage across the face of the bumper means a full respray of the bumper, and sometimes blending into the guard or bonnet so the colour matches. Metallic and pearl colours take more care to match, which adds time. Our spray painting page explains how colour matching works.

What's attached?

Modern bumpers carry parking sensors, cameras, fog lights, grilles, trim and sometimes radar units. Each has to be removed, checked and refitted, and a damaged sensor or bracket is a part on its own. Older cars with a plain bumper are quicker.

Front or rear?

Rear bumpers often have fewer attachments and are simpler. Front bumpers tend to carry more (grilles, fogs, sensors, splitter lips) and sit closer to headlights and the bonnet, so blending is more common.

Why a photo gets you a real price

A clear photo from a step back, plus one close-up, tells us most of what we need: scuff or crack, how far the damage spreads, whether the bumper is still sitting square, and what's mounted on it. We'll come back with a price and a time frame. For a cracked bumper we'll sometimes quote both ways (repair and replace) so you can choose.

Send yours through the quote form. It's free and there's no obligation.

Is it worth claiming on insurance?

For a bumper scuff, often not: the repair can land close to your excess, and a claim can affect your premium. For a replacement with sensors on a newer car, claiming may make sense. We've written a plain guide on claiming versus paying privately.

How long does it take?

A scuff repair and respray is usually one to two days. A crack repair is two to three. A replacement depends on getting the part, then a day or two to paint and fit. We'll tell you when you book.

See the bumper and scratch repairs page for what's included, or call us on 0402 106 456.