How Much Does a Fender Bender Cost to Repair Properly?
Fender Benders Can Be More Costly Than You Think
Big or small, you know that getting into a car accident is financially and emotionally frustrating. When you see the damage to your vehicle, you automatically wonder how much it is going to cost to fix your vehicle, if it isn’t declared totaled.
There are many factors that go into the cost to repair your vehicle after you are involved in an accident. In the case of a fender bender, the damage could be minor or there could be hidden damage that will be more costly to repair. Hidden damage can cause serious issues later on if it is not found and fixed .
Factors Influencing the Cost of Repairs
There are many factors that determine the cost to repair your vehicle after an accident, especially in the case of a fender bender. These include:
- Angle and speed of the impact
- Year, make, model, and color (paint cost) of your vehicle
- Who is at fault and whether the repair is covered by insurance
- Hidden damage
The Hidden Costs of Fender Benders
Fender benders can range from minor scratches to more severe damage requiring a new fender, bumper, or headlight. At higher speeds, accidents often result in extensive structural damage. While a minor fender bender might cost $600–$1,000 for an economical vehicle, high-end cars like Mercedes or BMWs can easily surpass $5,000 for repairs, with headlights alone costing over $2,000. The wide variability makes it difficult to estimate a “typical” cost for fender benders.
Front Bumper Damage and Ripple Effects
The severity of front bumper damage often depends on the angle of the collision. The front bumper is connected to smaller components such as the grill, headlights, and support brackets, all of which absorb collision energy. Hidden damage is common, particularly to the radiator, condenser, or their supports, especially if you collide with a vehicle equipped with a trailer hitch.
Ray’s Automotive Can Help
At Ray’s Automotive, we can handle all of your collision needs, whether they are minor or major fender bender repairs. With over 25 years of experience, our family owned business strives to help all of our customers get their car back to pre-accident condition. Give us a call today.
