Does auto insurance cover bumper damage?

Bumpers are often the first thing that gets damaged in a car accident. If you damaged your bumper by colliding with another car or hitting an object, you might be wondering if your insurance will cover the bumper damage.

The answer depends on the coverage type you have. Even if your policy includes the bumper, it might be better to cover the repair out of pocket. Read on to learn more about bumper damage and insurance claims.

If you want to buy car bumper damage insurance now, compare car bumper damage quotes to find the best car insurance rates for you. Enter your ZIP into our free rate tool above to find coverage that includes your bumper.

When does insurance cover bumper damage?

If your coverage includes comprehensive car insurance and collision coverage, your insurance company will usually reimburse the cost of repairing and repainting your bumper. However, a state minimum policy doesn’t include these coverage types — basic liability coverage will not cover your bumper repair cost.

Full coverage insurance rates are generally higher, but the difference is not as substantial as you might think. With full coverage averaging $345 a month, it’s only around $36 per month more than basic coverage. Full coverage also ensures you’re protected from any damages, whether the accident was your fault or not. 

Let’s look at the average annual auto insurance rates for different types of coverage. Low or liability-only coverage will not cover your bumper, but high or full coverage will.

Auto Insurance Average Monthly Rates By Coverage Type

Full or high coverage averages $345 a month, only around $30 more than low coverage. Most experts agree that it’s worth the extra every month to make sure your car is covered from all damages, including bumper damage.

Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?

While car insurance is designed to cover vehicle damages, filing an insurance claim for bumper damage isn’t always advisable. The cost of bumper repairs and the cost of bumper replacement might lead you to consider filing a claim, but each claim can increase your insurance rates, potentially costing you more in the long run. Instead, you might want to explore services at Caliber Collision to manage the repairs directly.

Whether to file a bumper damage insurance claim comes down to two factors: How extensive is the damage, and how high is your deductible?

When To Consider Filing a Claim for a Car Bumper

There are a few situations when you’ll want to know how to file a claim to repair a car bumper:

• If another driver is involved and you’re not at fault. Always inform your insurance company of bumper damage, so the other driver’s policy covers repairs. If they’re uninsured or if it was a hit-and-run, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance.
• If another driver is involved and you’re at fault. You’ll need to file a claim to cover the other driver’s repairs and possible medical bills under your liability insurance.
• If anyone gets injured in the collision. Regardless of fault, you should always inform your insurance company if there were any injured parties to avoid potential legal issues down the line.
• If your deductible is low. In this case, it might be worth filing a claim for small repairs.
• If the repair cost is high. Don’t hesitate to file a claim if you need help paying for the repair.

Conversely, there are scenarios where filing an insurance claim for bumper replacement might lead to more problems than advantages. For instance, if the damage to your Jeep Wrangler front bumper cover is minor and the cost of repairing car bumper damage is less than your deductible, it wouldn’t be practical to file a claim.

You could also decide to cover the repairs yourself if you’ve had a claim in the past three years since an additional claim could put you in the high-risk driver category and significantly increase your rates.

How much does it cost to fix a bumper?

The cost of minor bumper damage repair varies based on factors such as the car’s make and model year, the bumper’s material, the extent of paint repairs needed, and the severity of the damage. In some cases, particularly with older car models, it may be more economical to replace the bumper entirely rather than repair it. When claiming for small bumper damage, consider consulting with Palomar Insurance for detailed coverage options and advice.

On average, replacing a bumper can cost $1,000 or more, according to Consumer Reports. This cost can go up if the repair includes new headlights, fixing the car frame, or repairing other vehicle components. If you have the right coverage, your insurance should cover the full cost of the damage minus your deductible if your car isn’t totaled.

You can lower the cost of plastic bumper repair by opting for aftermarket parts instead of original equipment manufacturer parts, but this might decrease the vehicle’s resale value. Additionally, ensure you’re not compromising on quality, as this can result in higher expenses in the long run. When considering the price for repairing a bumper, including the price of a Swift Dzire front bumper, quality should be a top priority to avoid future costs.

The Bottom Line: Auto Insurance Coverage for Bumper Damage

It’s natural to question whether to file an insurance claim for bumper damage, given how frequently bumpers get scratched, hit, or dented. If you have a full coverage policy, it should cover the cost to repair a bumper. However, filing a claim isn’t advisable if your deductible exceeds the repair expenses. Additionally, consider if a front bumper car cover can provide some protection to minimize future damage.

For peace of mind knowing your car is covered in any situation, consider a full coverage auto policy that includes protection against bumper damage from a hit-and-run and covers the cost to repair a Honda front bumper.

Start comparing quotes to make sure every part of your car is covered, including your bumpers. Enter your ZIP now to find the best bumper-to-bumper car insurance coverage.