Does auto insurance cover bumper damage?
When does insurance cover bumper damage? A full-coverage policy should cover the damage, but if your deductible is high, you may want to consider covering the repair yourself. Learn more below.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
UPDATED: Jul 11, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 11, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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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.
- While a full coverage policy covers bumper repairs, liability insurance alone will not
- The cost of a full coverage policy is only $36 more on average than a basic liability policy
- If the repair cost is lower than your deductible, it doesn’t make sense to file an insurance claim for bumper damage
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.
In most cases, bumper damage results from a collision, so you could get by with only collision insurance for about $25 per month extra. However, having only collision insurance won’t cover bumper damage if it results from hitting an animal, vandalism, or storms.
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.
| Company | High Coverage | Low Coverage | Medium Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $428 | $386 | $408 |
| American Family | $285 | $281 | $295 |
| Farmers | $375 | $327 | $347 |
| Geico | $286 | $250 | $268 |
| Liberty Mutual | $530 | $484 | $505 |
| Nationwide | $292 | $283 | $287 |
| Progressive | $363 | $311 | $335 |
| State Farm | $288 | $255 | $272 |
| Travelers | $385 | $352 | $372 |
| USAA | $222 | $200 | $212 |
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.
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Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?
Even though car insurance is there to help cover vehicle damages, sometimes it’s not the best idea to file an insurance claim for bumper damage. Every claim you file can increase your rate, so saving a little bit today could cost you considerably more in the future.
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.
On the other hand, there are a few situations where filing a bumper damage insurance claim can cause more issues than benefits. For example, if the damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your deductible, filing a claim doesn’t make sense.
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 car bumper repair depends on the car type, model year, bumper material, paint repairs, and damage severity. Sometimes it might be cheaper to replace the bumper altogether than repair it, especially on an older car model.
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 reduce the cost by using aftermarket parts instead of the original equipment manufacturer parts, but this might reduce the vehicle’s resale value. Also, ensure you’re not compromising on quality because it can cost you more in the long run.
The Bottom Line: Auto Insurance Coverage for Bumper Damage
It’s common to wonder if you should file an insurance claim for dumper damage, considering how often bumpers get scratched, hit, or dented. If you have a full coverage policy, it should cover bumper damage, but it doesn’t make sense to file a claim if your deductible is higher than the repair costs.
If you want peace of mind knowing your car has coverage for every possible scenario, shop for a full coverage auto policy that covers bumper damage.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover bumper damage?
Yes, auto insurance can cover bumper damage depending on the circumstances and the specific coverage you have.
What types of auto insurance cover bumper damage?
Bumper damage can be covered by different types of auto insurance, such as collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or liability coverage, depending on the situation.
What is collision coverage?
Collision coverage is a type of auto insurance that helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, including bumper damage.
What is comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is a type of auto insurance that covers damage to your vehicle caused by incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal. It may also cover bumper damage resulting from these incidents.
Will liability coverage pay for bumper damage?
No, liability coverage typically does not cover damage to your own vehicle. It is designed to cover the cost of damages or injuries you may cause to others in an accident for which you are at fault.
Are there any limitations or deductibles for bumper damage coverage?
Yes, the specific limitations and deductibles for bumper damage coverage depend on the terms and conditions of your auto insurance policy. Some policies may have a deductible that you are responsible for paying before the insurance coverage applies.
What should I do if my bumper is damaged?
If your bumper is damaged, you should report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process and inform you about the coverage and options available to repair or replace your bumper.
Will my insurance rates increase if I make a claim for bumper damage?
Making a claim for bumper damage may potentially impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies consider various factors when determining premiums, including your claims history. It’s best to contact your insurance provider directly to understand how a claim may affect your rates.
Can I choose where to get my bumper repaired if it’s covered by insurance?
Insurance policies may vary, but many allow policyholders to choose their preferred repair shop for bumper damage repairs. However, it’s advisable to check with your insurance company to confirm if they have any preferred repair providers or if there are any specific guidelines you need to follow.
What if the cost of repairing my bumper exceeds my coverage limits?
If the cost of repairing your bumper exceeds your coverage limits, you may be responsible for paying the remaining balance. It’s essential to review your policy limits and discuss any potential coverage gaps with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate protection.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Schimri Yoyo
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Schimri Yoyo is a financial advisor with active insurance licenses in seven states and over 20 years of professional experience. During his career, he has held roles at Foresters Financial, Strayer University, Minnesota Life, Securian Financial Services, Delaware Valley Advisors, Bridgemark Wealth Management, and Fidelity. Schimri is an educator eager to assist individuals and families in ach...
Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.