What happens to your car if it ends up with a crunched-in front bumper? The cost of repair depends on whether the damage is fixable and how extensive it is, but most drivers are surprised to learn that the cost doesn't have to come out of their own pockets at all. In fact, insurance can cover significant portions or even all of the costs associated with repairing your car's front bumper after an accident. But what exactly does your insurance cover? Read on for answers to these questions and more.
If the damage is minor, then you may only need a bumper cover or a paint job. A bumper cover protects your car's expensive bumper from additional damages while you repair your car. However, if the damage is significant, then you'll want to consider replacing your bumper altogether. The bumper replacement cost will depend on the extent of the damage and what type of vehicle you have.
Major damage can look different depending on what happened. A car that's been in a fender bender might need only a bumper replacement while one that's been in an accident may need a new bumper and headlight. Regardless of the situation, you should have your vehicle inspected by an experienced mechanic before making any decisions about the cost of repair. In many cases, insurance will cover part or all of the cost but it's still important to get multiple quotes so you know exactly how much money you'll be spending.
There are a few instances in which it's better to replace your bumper instead of fixing it. When you hit an object that is hard enough, the bumper can be damaged beyond repair. Likewise, if you hit a tree or another car and the damage is more than just a crack in the paint, then replacement may be necessary. The best way to know whether your front bumper needs replacing or not is by taking it in for an inspection by a certified mechanic who can assess the extent of damage.
Repairing a bumper can cost between $50-$2000, depending on the extent of the damage. If you just need a quick fix, you may only need to pay $50 for a patch or $150 for dent repair. If your car's bumper sustained significant damage that requires a full replacement, it'll cost anywhere between $500-$2000+ (depending on the make and model). In some cases, insurance may cover all or part of the cost.
If you are at fault for the accident, your insurance may not cover any additional costs. However, if you are not at fault, your insurance should cover these miscellaneous expenses in addition to the cost of the bumper repair. If you have any questions about what will be covered by your insurance company, contact them before you take any action. They can provide clarification on what they will or won't cover during this process.
You may have a deductible on your auto insurance, which is the amount of money you'll have to pay yourself before your insurance company will cover any of the cost. If you don't have a deductible, you could owe more than $500 in out-of-pocket expenses for an auto body shop job if it's not covered by your insurance company. This is typically due to wear and tear or previous damage that was never fixed. In some cases, this could be as high as $2,000 or more.