Common Bumper and Fender Damage Repairs

Bumper and fender damage can happen to anyone. Whether it’s a fender bender in the grocery store parking lot, a sideswipe on a snowy Minnesota road, or a surprise bump from a runaway shopping cart, these types of damage are some of the most common we see here at New Central Auto Body.

While a damaged bumper or fender might not affect how your vehicle drives, it can certainly impact the way it looks and may lead to bigger issues if left unattended. Cracked plastic, bent metal, or misaligned parts can also lower your car’s resale value. More importantly, bumpers and fenders play a role in absorbing impact and protecting the rest of your vehicle during a crash. So if they’re damaged, it’s worth getting them looked at sooner rather than later.

Let’s break down what you need to know about bumper and fender repairs—how to tell if something needs fixing, what the process looks like, how much it might cost, and whether your insurance will help pay for it.

Do You Need to Repair or Replace a Bumper?

Your bumper is designed to take a hit. But that doesn’t mean every hit is the same. Sometimes a bumper just needs a little TLC; other times, a full replacement is the safer choice. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Signs You May Only Need a Repair:

• Small dents or dings
• Minor scratches or paint scuffs
• Slight misalignment
• Cracks that don’t go all the way through

Signs You May Need a Replacement:

• Major cracks or holes
• Torn or hanging pieces
• Bumper is crushed or folded
• Internal sensors or mounts are damaged

At New Central Auto Body, we’ll take a close look at your bumper to see what’s going on underneath the surface. Sometimes what looks like minor damage can actually affect the mounting system or sensors inside, especially on newer vehicles that use bumper-mounted cameras or parking sensors.

If it’s repairable, we can often fix it using plastic welding, reshaping, repainting, or filler. But if the damage is extensive—or if it’s simply more cost-effective—we’ll walk you through a replacement. Either way, we’ll make sure it’s done right.

What to Expect During a Fender Repair

Fenders can take a hit from all angles—someone opens a door into your car, you catch a mailbox while backing out, or you misjudge a turn in a tight garage. Fenders are metal, which makes them a bit different than bumpers, and fixing them usually involves straightening the panel or replacing it entirely.

Here’s what typically happens when you bring a damaged fender into our shop:

• Initial Inspection – We assess the severity of the dent, scratch, or bend. We also check if any other parts—like headlights or trim—were affected.
  
• Estimate – You get a clear estimate that outlines the repair plan, time, and cost.
  
• Repair or Replacement – If the metal can be saved, we’ll pull, hammer, and smooth it out. If not, we’ll replace the entire fender with a new one matched to your make and model.
  
• Paint Matching – We use precision paint-matching tools to blend the new or repaired fender into your vehicle’s existing color.
  
• Final Check – Everything is reassembled and inspected before we hand the keys back.

In most cases, a fender repair takes just a couple of days, especially if we don’t need to order rare parts. And if you need a rental car, we can help you coordinate that, too.

Cost and Insurance for Bumper Repair

We get this question a lot: How much is this going to cost me? And it’s a fair question—nobody likes surprises when it comes to car repairs. The answer depends on several factors, like the extent of the damage, the make and model of your car, and whether you’re going through insurance or paying out of pocket.

Let’s take a closer look at what goes into the cost and how insurance fits into the picture.

How Much Does Bumper Repair Cost?

Bumper repair can range anywhere from $200 to $1,500 or more depending on the following:

• Minor scratches or dents: These can often be repaired and repainted for a few hundred bucks.
  
• Cracked plastic or mounting issues: If we need to remove the bumper and reinforce or replace internal supports, the cost can jump.
  
• Luxury or foreign vehicles: Parts and labor tend to cost more.
  
• Repainting and color matching: This adds to the overall price, especially if your vehicle has a custom paint job or metallic finish.

On the flip side, replacing a bumper entirely can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000+, especially if sensors, cameras, or lights are involved.

At New Central Auto Body, we give you a transparent estimate before we begin any work. We’ll let you know if there are cost-saving options and help you make the choice that fits your budget and safety needs.

Will Insurance Cover Bumper or Fender Repairs?

In many cases, yes—your insurance can help cover bumper or fender repairs. But it depends on how the damage occurred and what kind of coverage you have. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Covered by Insurance (usually):

• You were in an accident and the other driver is at fault (their insurance pays).
  
• You were in an accident and you have collision coverage (your insurance pays, minus your deductible).
  
• Damage from weather, falling objects, or vandalism (covered under comprehensive coverage).

Not Covered by Insurance:

• You don’t have collision or comprehensive coverage.
  
• Your repair cost is lower than your deductible.
  
• Normal wear and tear or previous damage you didn’t report.

It’s also worth considering whether filing a claim makes sense. If the damage is minor and the repair cost is close to your deductible, it might be better to pay out of pocket and avoid potential premium increases.

We work with all major insurance providers and can help you navigate the process. We’ll even talk directly with your adjuster to make sure everything is documented correctly and the repairs are approved quickly.

A Final Word from the Team at New Central Auto Body

Bumper and fender damage might seem like a hassle, but with the right repair shop, it doesn’t have to be. At New Central Auto Body, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to make things easier for you.

Whether you’ve got a cracked bumper, a dented fender, or you’re not quite sure what the damage means, stop by our shop or give us a call. We’ll take a look, walk you through your options, and help you get back on the road without the stress.

We’re proud to be a trusted name in auto body repair for drivers throughout the Minneapolis area. Let us know how we can help.

Call New Central Auto Body today to schedule your free estimate or drop in for an inspection—no appointment necessary.