How Much Does Bumper Repair Cost? (2026 Repair vs. Replace Prices)

Last updated: November 2026 · By the body shop team at Autos of Chicago, Arlington Heights, IL

Backed into a pole? Scraped a curb? Got tapped at a stoplight? Bumper damage is the most common repair a body shop sees, and the price varies more than most people expect. A light scuff can cost a couple hundred dollars, while a front bumper with radar sensors can cost thousands. Here's what bumper repair costs in 2026 and how to tell whether yours can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Quick answer: Bumper repair typically costs $150 to $500 for scuffs, scratches or a small dent and $300 to $1,000 for a cracked bumper. Replacing a painted bumper cover usually costs $700 to $2,000, and $1,500 to $4,000 if the bumper has parking sensors, radar or cameras that need recalibration.

Bumper repair prices by type of damage (2026)

Damage	Typical cost	Usual fix
Light scuffs and scratches	$150 – $500	Sand, fill and refinish the damaged area
Small dent or push-in (plastic bumper)	$150 – $400	Heat and reshape, refinish if needed
Crack or small tear	$300 – $1,000	Plastic welding, reinforcement and paint
Repaint the whole bumper	$300 – $600	Prep, paint and blend into nearby panels
Replace rear bumper cover (painted)	$700 – $1,800	New cover, paint, transfer parts
Replace front bumper cover (painted)	$800 – $2,000	New cover, paint, transfer grilles and lights
Replace bumper with sensors, radar or cameras	$1,500 – $4,000	Replacement plus sensor calibration
Sensor / ADAS calibration (add-on)	$300 – $800	Aim radar and cameras to factory spec

Typical 2026 U.S. ranges from published body shop price guides. Luxury and European vehicles are often at the high end or above. An in-person estimate is the only way to get an exact price.

Repair or replace? How to tell

Your bumper can usually be repaired if:

The damage is scuffs, scratches or paint transfer.
It's a shallow dent or push-in with no torn plastic.
A crack is short (a few inches) and away from mounting points.
All the mounting tabs are intact and the bumper sits flush.

It usually needs to be replaced if:

The plastic is torn, punctured or has multiple long cracks.
Mounting tabs are broken and the bumper hangs, gaps or rattles.
Damage is right at a sensor, radar or camera location.
The reinforcement bar or energy absorber behind the cover is damaged.
Repair labor would cost more than a new cover.

Look behind the cover. A bumper cover that looks fine can hide a cracked absorber or bent reinforcement bar after a hard hit. Those parts protect you in the next collision, so have them checked.

Why bumper repair costs more on newer and luxury cars

Sensors and radar. Parking sensors, blind-spot radar and adaptive cruise radar live in the bumper. After a repair or replacement, they often need calibration so safety features like automatic emergency braking work correctly.
Paint. Tri-coat pearls, metallics and matte finishes take more material and skill to match. Learn why computerized paint matching matters.
Parts. Factory (OEM) bumper covers for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Porsche and Tesla cost far more than covers for mainstream cars.
Extras. Headlight washers, fog lights, chrome trim, tow-hook covers and grilles all have to be removed and transferred.

Bumper damage in a Chicago winter

Plastic bumper covers get stiff in freezing temperatures, so a bump that would leave a scuff in July can crack the bumper in January. Snowbanks, frozen curbs and potholes cause a lot of winter bumper damage around Chicagoland. Get cracks repaired before they spread, and don't use a cracked bumper to push snow.

Should you file an insurance claim for bumper damage?

Someone else hit you: Their insurance should pay, and you shouldn't owe a deductible.
You hit something: It's a collision claim, minus your deductible. For a $300 scuff repair, paying out of pocket is usually smarter.
Sensors involved: A bumper with radar or cameras can easily exceed $1,500, which is where a claim often makes sense.

Your insurer may recommend a shop, but you can choose where your car is repaired. Make sure the estimate includes any calibration your vehicle needs.

Fix it before you trade in or sell

Scuffed or cracked bumpers are one of the first things an appraiser sees, and they lower your offer. A small cosmetic repair often pays for itself. If you're selling your car to Autos of Chicago, ask whether fixing the bumper first would raise your offer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Bumper repair FAQ

How much does it cost to fix a scratched bumper?

Light scratches and scuffs usually cost $150 to $500 to repair and refinish. Repainting the whole bumper typically runs $300 to $600.

How much does it cost to replace a front bumper?

A painted front bumper cover typically costs $800 to $2,000 installed. With parking sensors, radar or cameras that need calibration, expect $1,500 to $4,000.

Can a cracked bumper be repaired?

Often, yes. Short cracks away from mounting tabs and sensors can be plastic-welded, reinforced and refinished for about $300 to $1,000. Long cracks, tears and broken tabs usually mean replacement.

How long does bumper repair take?

Scuff and scratch repairs are often done in a day. A replacement usually takes 1 to 3 days, depending on parts availability, paint and any sensor calibration.

Is it safe to drive with a cracked bumper?

Short-term, usually, as long as nothing is hanging loose. But a damaged bumper absorbs less energy in the next collision, and misaligned sensors can affect safety features, so have it inspected soon.

Can paintless dent repair fix a bumper?

Usually not. Most bumper covers are plastic, and paintless dent repair is meant for metal panels. Plastic bumper dents are reshaped with heat instead. For metal panels, see our paintless dent repair cost guide.

Get a free bumper repair estimate in Arlington Heights

Bring your car to the Autos of Chicago Body Shop. We'll tell you whether your bumper can be repaired or needs replacing, and give you an honest price, including any sensor calibration.

Autos of Chicago Body Shop · 1555 E Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 · (224) 888-4007

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: By appointment

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Prices shown are typical industry ranges for general information only and are not a quote from Autos of Chicago. Final pricing depends on an in-person inspection.