What it costs · 6 min read
In short
Most front bumper scratches and scrapes are local refinishing jobs, with a light corner scuff at the simpler end and a wider refinish across the face taking more work. A deeper scored scuff needs more filling and flatting, and if a crack has formed underneath, the plastic needs welding before paint, which adds to the job.
For drivers with scratches, scrapes or chips on the front bumper who want to know what is involved and why front bumpers can take longer than rear ones.
Why front bumpers get marked so often
The front bumper is the first thing to meet a kerb, a parking bollard or the car in front at low speed. It also takes the full force of road grit, so many front bumpers carry a mix of stone chips across the face and scrapes on the lower corners or under the number plate.
The lower edge and corners are the most common spots for scrapes, because they sit closest to kerbs and car park walls. Scratches across the upper face are more often caused by people brushing past, trolleys or loading.
What can make a front bumper job bigger
- Parking sensors that have to be removed, masked or refitted around the repair.
- Grilles, fog light surrounds and number plate mounts that need taking off for a clean edge.
- Radar or camera units behind the bumper on newer cars, which need care during any removal.
- Textured, unpainted plastic sections that cannot be refinished the same way as painted areas.
- A scratch that runs onto the wing, making it a two panel repair.
What sets the price of front bumper marks
| Damage | What sets the price |
|---|---|
| Light corner scuff, no cracking | Small area, local refinish |
| Deeper corner scuff with scoring | Extra filling and flatting |
| Flat face scuff, wider area | Larger area to refinish |
| Scuff with a crack needing plastic welding | Welding before paint |
Stone chips on the front bumper
A scattering of small chips is a different problem from one scratch. Individual chips can be filled, but when the whole face is peppered a refinish of the bumper gives a better result. Plastic does not rust, so chips on a bumper are cosmetic, whereas chips on the bonnet just above it can reach bare steel.
Front versus rear: is it more expensive
For the same scratch, the work on the paint is similar front or rear. Where front bumpers can take longer is the removal of grilles, lights and driver assistance parts. Rear bumpers more usually carry parking sensors and a camera housing. The estimate takes account of what is fitted to your particular car, which is why we ask for the make and model.
Front bumper scratch costs in short
- Size and depth of the scuff set most of the price.
- A crack under the scratch adds plastic welding to the job.
- Grilles, sensors and radar can add removal time.
- Repair is usually possible without replacing the bumper.
Questions people ask us
- Can a scratched front bumper be repaired rather than replaced?
- In most cases yes. Scratches, scuffs and many cracks are repaired and refinished. Replacement is usually only needed when the plastic is badly torn or the mountings are beyond repair.
- Will the parking sensors still work after a bumper scratch repair?
- Sensors are taken out or protected during the repair and refitted afterwards, so they should work as before. If a sensor itself was damaged in the knock, we will tell you in the estimate.
- Does a scratch on the front bumper need to be fixed straight away?
- A scratch on a plastic bumper will not rust, so it is cosmetic. It is still worth sorting if it has cracked the paint, because dirt and water get into the edge and the damage can spread.
- How long does a front bumper scratch repair take?
- It depends on the depth of the scratch and what has to be removed from the bumper. We will confirm the timing with your estimate.
- How do I get an estimate for my front bumper?
- Send photos of the whole bumper and a close up of the scratch, with your make and model, by WhatsApp or through our quote form. It is free with no obligation.
Front bumper looking tired
Send a photo of the bumper and the make and model of your car, and we will come back with a free estimate.
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