How Much Does Insurance Pay for Bumper Damage?

Getting into a minor fender bender or bumping your car can easily damage the bumper. Cracks, dents, scrapes, and detachment are common bumper issues that can range from minor cosmetic problems to more extensive damage.

If your bumper sustains damage, you’ll have to decide whether to pay for repairs out-of-pocket or file an insurance claim. So how much does insurance pay for bumper damage?

The amount your insurance company will pay depends on several key factors:

• Severity of the damage
• Your deductible amount
• Whether you have collision coverage
• Where you get repairs done

Understanding these components can help you make the right choice when dealing with bumper damage to get the maximum insurance payout.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Bumper?

The first thing to look at is how much it will cost to repair or replace your damaged bumper. This gives you an idea of what kind of insurance payment you’ll need.

Minor bumper repairs like fixing cracks, repainting scraped areas, reattaching tabs or clips, or popping out small dents typically range from $50 to $350.

More extensive damage like bad scrapes, holes, complete detachment, or warped metal can run from $400 on the low end up to $1,500 or more for a full replacement.

Keep in mind that if there is damage to the body behind the bumper, underlying mechanical components, or other parts beyond just the bumper, costs will be much higher.

What is My Deductible Amount?

The next key factor is your deductible amount, which is what you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.

For example:

• If your deductible is $500 and the bumper repair is $300, you would pay the full $300 out of pocket.

• If your deductible is $500 and the bumper replacement is $1,200, you would pay $500 and insurance would cover the remaining $700.

So if your bumper damage repair estimate is lower than your deductible, you’ll likely end up covering the full cost yourself without filing a claim.

Does My Policy Include Collision Coverage?

Collision insurance helps pay for damage to your vehicle from an accident, regardless of fault. It’s required if you have a car loan or lease.

Liability-only policies do not include collision, so bumper damage wouldn’t be covered. Make sure to check your policy to see if you have collision.

If you have collision coverage with a low deductible, you’ll get more insurance money toward bumper repairs than someone with just liability coverage.

Using In-Network Repair Shops

Many car insurance companies have networks of partner auto body shops that offer discounted pricing for insureds. This helps keep claim costs down.

If you file a claim, using an in-network shop will make your insurance company more likely to fully pay a bumper damage claim rather than dispute it.

Examples of Bumper Damage Insurance Payouts

To see how these factors work, here are some examples of potential insurance payouts for bumper damage:

• $600 bumper replacement estimate
• $500 deductible
• Policy has collision coverage

In this case, you would pay your $500 deductible and insurance would cover the remaining $100 for repairs.

• $300 bumper repair quote
• $1000 deductible
• Liability-only policy

With repair costs below your deductible and no collision coverage, you would pay the full $300 out of pocket.

• $1200 bumper replacement
• $500 deductible
• Using out-of-network shop

Insurance may cap the payout at $1000 for using a non-partner repair shop. You pay the $500 deductible plus $200 of the bill.

Other Questions About Insurance and Bumpers

Here are some other common questions drivers have about filing claims for bumper damage:

Does a bumper claim increase your premium?

Bumper damage claims that are paid out can influence your premiums at renewal time. Too many claims in a short period will very likely result in increased rates.

Is the deductible per accident or per repair?

The deductible is per accident. If both the front and back bumpers are damaged in one incident, you only pay the deductible once.

Can I get a rental car if the bumper needs to be replaced?

If you have rental car reimbursement on your policy, this will typically cover a rental while your bumper is being repaired or replaced.

Will new car bumpers be replaced with aftermarket or OEM parts?

For newer cars, insurers will usually pay for replacing with original manufacturer parts to maintain the warranty. Aftermarket parts are more common on older vehicles.

Is it Worth Filing a Claim?

So when does it make financial sense to file an insurance claim versus paying out of pocket for bumper damage?

• If repair costs exceed your deductible, filing a claim is generally worthwhile

• If you have collision coverage, the claim process will be easier than with just liability

• For high deductibles over $1000, paying yourself often saves money

• Consider paying for minor dents/scratches under $200-$300 yourself

You also want to avoid too many claims in a short period, as that can increase your rates at renewal time. Talk to your insurance agent if you need help deciding what to do about bumper damage.

How to Get the Most from Your Bumper Claim

Follow these tips to maximize your payout when filing an insurance claim for bumper damage:

• Take plenty of clear photos of the damage from all angles.

• Get a repair estimate from an in-network collision repair shop.

• Only report and claim for damage directly related to the accident.

• Be detailed but truthful when providing your account of how the damage occurred.

• Avoid filing a claim for very minor damage under $200 that is best paid out-of-pocket.

• Ask your insurer about OEM part coverage for a new vehicle.

• Negotiate a rental car allowance if you need a rental.

• Follow up frequently on the claim to ensure quick processing.

Is it Possible to Repair a Bumper Yourself?

For very minor bumps and scratches, you may be able to repair the damage yourself:

• Use touch up paint for small scratches and chips.

• Try suction or glue pullers to remove small dents.

• File down scrapes or ragged edges then use touch up paint.

• Replace any broken clips or tabs.

However extensive cracks, holes, detached bumpers, or bent metal are best left to professional auto body technicians to fix. Don’t try DIY methods or you may just end up costing yourself more in the long run.

When to Pay Out of Pocket

Given how claims can drive up your premiums, it’s smart to pay out of pocket for bumper damage if:

• It falls below your deductible amount.

• It’s less than $200 – $300 in damage.

• Your policy doesn’t include collision coverage.

• You’ve had other recent claims.

Unless the damage is substantial or threatens the safety of your car, minor bumps and dings to your bumper can be paid for yourself without getting insurance involved.

Partner with a Reputable Repair Shop

To ensure quality workmanship and get the most value from your insurance claim or out-of-pocket repair, choose a reputable auto body shop like Eli’s Collision Center. They have extensive experience with bumper repairs and replacements on all makes and models.

They will give you an honest estimate of bumper damage costs and work directly with your insurance company. This makes the claims process smooth and hassle-free.

The Bottom Line

Bumper damage can become very expensive depending on the severity and type of repair needed. Understanding your deductible amount, auto policy coverage, and estimated repair costs allows you to make smart decisions on claims.

For minor bumps and scrapes, it often makes sense to pay out-of-pocket rather than risk increased premiums from a claim. But for major detached bumpers, holes, or underlying mechanical damage, filing a claim will provide financial protection.

Work with experienced auto body professionals and your insurer to determine the best path forward anytime your bumper sustains damage. This ensures you get quality repairs with minimal hassle and cost.