If you’ve been involved in a car accident, chances are high that your bumper took a fair amount of damage. Many drivers are surprised when they receive an initial cost estimate for bumper replacement or repair work. Surely this repair shouldn’t cost that much? As the team at Mike Smith’s Automotive Collision Center in Dothan, AL, explains, breaking down the number of parts and labor involved in this task helps put the price in perspective.

Parts

Your bumper does much more than simply protect the rest of the vehicle body in an accident. Even the most basic of bumpers are typically connected to lights, trim, and airbag sensors. Modern safety equipment has also led to the addition of several other components that are typically housed in, or around, the bumper. These include cameras, lane-change warning systems, backup sensors, and more.

If any of these additional components were damaged in the accident, the price you’ll pay can add up quite quickly. Sensors and cameras, in particular, can prove quite expensive, leading to much higher bumper replacement costs than you would find in older vehicles.

Labor

Naturally, you can’t neglect the labor costs associated with your bumper replacement, either. Removing undamaged components from your old bumper can take several hours, especially when intricate wiring or complex computer systems are involved. It isn’t unusual for bumper replacement work to take three hours or longer due to the time it takes to disconnect and reconnect this essential body part and the systems it houses with the rest of the car.

Whether you’re in need of a bumper replacement or other collision repair work, you can depend on Mike Smith’s Automotive Collision Center to get your car back into shape. Their I-Car certified technicians use cutting-edge repair equipment to ensure you always get lasting results. To learn more about the services offered by this auto body shop, visit them online or call (334) 479-0446.