How much does auto body repair cost?

Costs vary widely: minor scratches ($150-400), small dents ($75-250 PDR or $300-800 traditional), bumper repair ($300-1,500+), fender repair ($300-2,000), and major collision ($2,000-10,000+). Labor rates range $50-100/hour regionally.

Is paintless dent repair worth it?

PDR is excellent for small dents without paint damage—saves 50-70% vs traditional repair, faster (often same-day), and preserves original paint. Not suitable for large dents, creased dents, or damage with paint scratches. Best for door dings and hail damage.

Why are repairs on new cars so expensive?

Modern cars have: aluminum body panels (harder to repair), built-in sensors (parking sensors, cameras), advanced paint formulas (multi-stage, special colors), and strict OEM repair procedures. A bumper with sensors can cost 3-4x more than a plain bumper.

How long do collision repairs take?

Minor scratch repair: same day to 1 day. Bumper replacement: 1-3 days. Fender/quarter panel: 3-5 days. Major collision: 1-4 weeks or more. Part availability, insurance authorization, and paint curing time affect schedules. OEM parts take longer than aftermarket.

🔧 Collision Repair Estimate Calculator

Get a rough estimate for auto body repair costs. Understand typical costs before visiting a body shop or filing an insurance claim.

💰 Cost Estimate ⏱️ Time Estimate 📋 Claim Decision

🔧 Estimate Repair Cost

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Damage Severity

Paint Considerations

Sensors/Tech Involved?

Estimated Repair Cost

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Labor Estimate $0

Parts Estimate $0

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📐 How We Calculate

$$TotalCost = BaseCost \times VehicleFactor \times SeverityFactor + Sensors + Paint$$

Base costs from industry averages
Luxury vehicles: 1.5-3x cost multiplier
Sensors: +$200-1,000 for recalibration
Tri-coat paint: +$200-500 for matching

Understanding Collision Repair Costs

Auto body repair costs vary enormously based on damage severity, vehicle type, and local labor rates. A simple door ding might cost under $100 with paintless dent repair, while a quarter panel replacement on a luxury vehicle can exceed $5,000. Understanding what drives costs helps you make informed decisions about repairs and insurance claims.

Typical Repair Cost Ranges

Damage Type	Minor	Moderate	Severe
Scratch / Scuff	$150-300	$300-500	$500-800
Small Dent (PDR)	$75-150	$150-250	$250-400
Bumper	$300-600	$600-1,200	$1,200-2,500
Fender	$400-700	$700-1,500	$1,500-3,000
Door	$500-800	$800-1,500	$1,500-3,500
Quarter Panel	$800-1,500	$1,500-3,000	$3,000-6,000+

🔧

Paintless Dent Repair

Best for small dents without paint damage. 50-70% cheaper than traditional repair. Same-day service. Preserves original factory paint.

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Paint Costs

Standard solid colors are cheapest. Metallics add $100-200. Tri-coat and special colors can add $300-500 or more for proper matching.

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Sensor Calibration

Modern vehicles have sensors in bumpers, mirrors, and windshields. Each system may need recalibration after repairs: $150-500 per system.

📝 Example: Rear Bumper Replacement (Midsize SUV)

1 Bumper cover (aftermarket): $200-350

2 Bumper cover (OEM): $400-800

3 Paint and blend: $400-700

4 Labor (4-6 hours @ $70/hr): $280-420

5 Parking sensor recalibration: $150-250

6 Total range: $1,030 - $2,170

Insurance Claim Decision

When to file: If repairs significantly exceed your deductible (by $500+) and you aren't concerned about rate increases or have accident forgiveness.

When to pay cash: For minor damage near or below your deductible. Avoiding claims can keep rates lower for 3-5 years. Consider total cost including future premium increases.

"Always get multiple estimates—prices can vary 30-50% between shops. Be wary of shops that offer unusually low estimates, as they may cut corners or use inferior parts."

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Costs vary widely depending on damage: minor scratches run $150-400, small dents cost $75-250 for PDR or $300-800 traditional repair, bumper repairs range $300-1,500+, fender repairs cost $300-2,000, and major collision repairs can reach $2,000-10,000 or more. Regional labor rates range from $50-100 per hour, significantly affecting total cost.

Compare the repair cost to your deductible plus potential rate increases. If repairs cost $800 and your deductible is $500, you only save $300 but may face years of higher premiums totaling much more. For minor damage under $1,500-2,000, paying cash often makes more financial sense long-term.

PDR is excellent for small dents without paint damage—it saves 50-70% versus traditional repair, is often completed same-day, and preserves original factory paint (important for vehicle value). It's not suitable for large dents, sharply creased dents, or damage that includes paint scratches. Best for door dings, hail damage, and minor parking lot incidents.

Modern vehicles feature aluminum body panels (harder to repair than steel), integrated sensors in bumpers, mirrors, and panels (parking sensors, cameras, lane departure systems), advanced multi-stage paint formulas, and strict OEM repair procedures. A simple bumper with sensors can cost 3-4 times more than a basic plastic bumper.

Minor scratch repair can be same-day to 1 day. Bumper replacement typically takes 1-3 days. Fender or quarter panel repairs require 3-5 days. Major collision repair can take 1-4 weeks or more. Part availability, insurance authorization delays, and proper paint curing time all affect the schedule. OEM parts generally take longer to arrive than aftermarket alternatives.