Drivers are often surprised by the cost of a bumper replacement repair when visiting an auto body shop. Today’s bumpers do much more than just protect against auto collision damage, and they are an integral part of the whole vehicle. However, this additional functionality also means additional costs associated with repairs.

To help customers understand the costs involved, the professionals at Mike Smith’s Automotive Collision Center think it’s essential to share what goes into the process. Below is a brief overview of the factors that influence the cost of collision repair:

Time & Labor

Even with the best quality professional tools available in an auto body shop, removing a damaged bumper still requires a lot of time. Bumpers are no long just held on with a few simple bolts. Instead, they’re integrated into the many vehicle systems on board your car or truck. These include your vehicle’s lights, backup cameras and proximity sensors, and airbag deployment sensors.

Before a mechanic can even start working on the bumper itself, they must first carefully disconnect the wiring for each of these complex systems. Detaching each of the components requires several hours of paid labor and contributes to the overall cost of a bumper replacement.

Repairing Dents & Paint

To mend a dented bumper, a collision repair center will need to use specialty materials like body filler, plastics, and sanding equipment. Each of these items costs money, which is why auto body shops will charge a fee to cover the expense of materials associated with repairs. Once installed, a newly repaired bumper needs to be painted to match your vehicle. Painting requires additional labor, time, and supplies -- resulting in additional costs.

New Parts

It’s not uncommon for a bumper to be damaged beyond repair during a collision. If this is the case for your car or truck, the auto body shop will need to order brand new parts to facilitate repairs. For modern cars, a replacement bumper often costs several hundred dollars. If any of the lights or sensors housed in your bumper have also been damaged during the accident, these will need to be replaced too. As a result, the cost of a full bumper replacement can easily reach $1,000 for many cars and trucks.

If you’ve recently been in an accident and need vehicle repairs, contact Mike Smith’s Automotive Collision Center. Offering state of the art auto body repair and refinishing services, their I-Car certified technicians use only the most advanced equipment to restore your car or truck. To speak with a member of their caring and courteous staff, call (334) 479-0446, or visit their website for more information.