How Much Is a Full Front Bumper Replacement?
For most mainstream vehicles in the U.S. in 2025, a full front bumper replacement typically costs $800 to $2,500 out the door, including parts, paint, and labor. Sensor-heavy, luxury, truck, and EV models commonly run $1,500 to $4,500 or more. Parts-only DIY replacements can be $300 to $1,200, but professional paint, calibration, and fitment often make shop work the safer choice. Prices vary with vehicle type, parts choices (OEM vs. aftermarket), paint complexity, and whether advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) need calibration.
Contents
- What a “Full Front Bumper Replacement” Usually Includes
- Typical Out-the-Door Totals by Vehicle Type
- Itemized Cost Breakdown
- Factors That Drive Price Up or Down
- Insurance, Deductibles, and When to File a Claim
- Repair vs. Replace: Can It Be Fixed Instead?
- How Long It Takes
- How to Get an Accurate Estimate
- Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners
- Regional Pricing Snapshot
- Summary
What a “Full Front Bumper Replacement” Usually Includes
Shops use “full replacement” to describe more than just swapping the painted plastic cover. The job typically includes removing the damaged assembly, transferring or replacing hardware and trim, refinishing to match your paint, and verifying that sensors and safety systems function correctly.
Common components involved
The following outlines the parts and procedures that may be included in a full replacement.
- Bumper cover (painted plastic fascia)
- Energy absorber/foam and impact bar (reinforcement)
- Grilles, trim pieces, tow hook cover, air ducts, undertray, and brackets
- Parking sensors, radar/lidar modules, cameras, headlight washers, and their mounts
- Wiring pigtails, clips, and fasteners
- Paint, clearcoat, blending of adjacent panels (as needed)
- ADAS calibration (radar/camera) if the vehicle is equipped
Not every vehicle needs all of these parts; what’s replaced depends on the collision damage, equipment level, and parts availability.
Typical Out-the-Door Totals by Vehicle Type
The ranges below reflect current 2025 shop pricing in many U.S. markets, combining parts, paint, and labor. Your local rates, parts choices, and damage specifics can move the total up or down.
- Economy/compact cars: $600–$1,500
- Midsize sedans and compact SUVs: $800–$2,000
- Full-size SUVs and half-ton pickups: $900–$2,500
- Luxury/performance brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, etc.): $1,500–$4,500+
- EVs (Tesla, Rivian, Hyundai/Kia/GM/Ford EVs): $1,200–$4,000+ due to sensors and calibration
- Heavy-duty trucks and specialty off-road packages: $1,200–$3,500+
- Carbon fiber or specialty aero packages: $3,000–$7,000+
If structural components or frame horns are bent, expect additional labor and potential alignment work, which can add several hundred dollars or more.
Itemized Cost Breakdown
Here’s how a typical estimate often adds up. Not every line will apply to every vehicle.
- Bumper cover: $120–$900 aftermarket; $350–$1,600 OEM
- Reinforcement/impact bar: $150–$600
- Energy absorber/foam: $50–$250
- Grille/trim pieces: $100–$900 (model-dependent)
- Parking sensors/caps/brackets: $50–$300 each
- Radar/lidar module bracket or cover: $100–$400; module reuse if undamaged
- Headlight washer parts: $100–$300 (where equipped)
- Clips, fasteners, hardware: $15–$75
- Paint materials: $150–$400
- Paint and refinish labor: $200–$600
- Blend adjacent panels (per panel, if needed for color match): $150–$400
- Remove/replace labor (3–8 hours at $90–$200/hour): $270–$1,600
- ADAS calibration (radar/camera, static or dynamic): $150–$600
- Wheel alignment (if impact affected suspension): $90–$150
- Shop supplies/hazardous waste fees: $20–$60
Labor hours depend on how many components are integrated into the bumper, how tightly packaged the front end is, and whether sensors require precise aiming or special targets for calibration.
Factors That Drive Price Up or Down
Several variables determine where your total falls within the ranges above.
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: OEM generally costs more but can fit and integrate better
- Paint complexity: pearls and tri-coats can add $150–$400 for materials and extra coats
- ADAS content: more sensors and cameras mean extra handling and calibration time
- Hidden damage: bent brackets or reinforcement bars add parts and labor
- Labor rates: major metros may bill $150–$220/hour; smaller markets $90–$140/hour
- Parts availability: backorders or specialty trims can add days and rental costs
- Insurance procedures: direct-repair networks can streamline costs and scheduling
Two nearly identical cars can produce very different totals when one has adaptive cruise, parking assist, or special paint while the other does not.
Insurance, Deductibles, and When to File a Claim
Front bumper replacements usually fall under collision coverage; certain non-collision incidents (like hitting an animal) may be comprehensive. Whether to file depends on cost versus your deductible and any impact on premiums.
- Good candidates for a claim: totals well above your deductible or clear third-party fault
- Pay cash instead when: damage is cosmetic/minor and the estimate is near or below your deductible
- Ask your insurer: whether ADAS calibration and blend operations are covered
- Document: photos, police report (if applicable), and shop’s line-item estimate
If you use insurance, confirm rental coverage, parts type authorization (OEM vs. aftermarket), and any required calibrations so there are no surprises at delivery.
Repair vs. Replace: Can It Be Fixed Instead?
Not every damaged bumper needs full replacement. Cosmetic repairs can be faster and cheaper, provided mounting points and safety systems are intact.
- Often repairable: scuffs, scratches, minor gouges, small cracks away from mounts
- Typical repair pricing: cosmetic refinish $250–$600; crack repair plus refinish $350–$900
- Replace instead when: tabs or sensor mounts are broken, tears extend to edges, the reinforcement is bent, or ADAS components are compromised
A reputable shop will remove the cover for a proper look—hidden damage behind the fascia often determines whether repair is viable.
How Long It Takes
Once parts are in stock, many shops turn a bumper replacement in 1–3 business days, including paint and reassembly. ADAS calibration can add a few hours. If parts are backordered or adjacent panels need blending, plan on several additional days. Rental coverage can help offset downtime.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
A clear, detailed quote reduces surprises and helps you compare shops on equal terms.
- Provide your VIN and photos of the front, sides, and close-ups of damage
- Request a line-item estimate showing parts (OEM vs. aftermarket), labor hours, and paint/blend
- Ask whether ADAS calibration is required and who performs it (in-house vs. sublet)
- Confirm warranty terms on parts, paint, and workmanship
- Verify estimated timeline and parts availability before scheduling
Comparing two or three detailed estimates helps you balance cost, timing, and quality without sacrificing safety-related steps like calibration.
Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners
There are legitimate ways to reduce the bill while maintaining safety and fitment.
- Consider high-quality aftermarket or OEM “take-off” parts when appropriate
- Ask about paintless options only if damage is strictly cosmetic (no sensor/mount issues)
- Bundle minor repairs to reduce paint setup costs
- Shop around in-network and independent facilities; check for seasonal promotions
- Avoid skipping ADAS calibration—errors can affect braking and cruise systems
Prioritize structural integrity, sensor function, and paint match; modest savings are not worth compromised safety or a poor fit.
Regional Pricing Snapshot
Body shop labor in 2025 typically ranges from $90–$200+ per hour. Coastal metros and high-cost cities often land in the $150–$220 range, while many suburban and rural areas run $90–$140. These rate differences alone can shift a bumper job by several hundred dollars.
Summary
Expect $800–$2,500 for a full front bumper replacement on most mainstream cars in the U.S., with luxury, EV, and sensor-heavy models commonly reaching $1,500–$4,500+. Your final price depends on parts choice, paint complexity, labor rates, and ADAS calibration needs. Get a detailed, line-item estimate tied to your VIN, and make sure any required calibrations and blend operations are included so the repair is both safe and seamless.
What is the average cost to replace a front bumper?
According to Cost Helper, a new bumper for a passenger car can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000. Installation and painting of the new bumper can cost between $200 and $600. Bumpers for pickup trucks, SUVs and luxury vehicles will have higher costs.
How much will it cost to replace a car bumper?
The bumper replacement cost in the UK can vary depending on the vehicle make, bumper type, and whether painting is required. On average, replacement costs range between £400–£800 – but this could go higher for newer models or those involving electric vehicles or aluminium body repairs.
How much do body shops charge to put on a bumper?
A bumper fix can cost between $150 and $1,500, depending on what needs to be done. Small dents are cheaper, usually $150 to $500, while badly damaged bumpers need to be replaced for $400 to $700.
Is it worth it to fix a front bumper?
Is It Worth Fixing a Bumper Scratch? Even small bumper flaws, such as scratches or paint blemishes, can have a significant impact on a vehicle’s aesthetics and resale value. Fixing these imperfections enhances the overall appearance of your vehicle and prevents further damage.