Repair or replace — when does each make sense?
Modern bumpers are plastic covers over an energy-absorbing foam and a steel or aluminum reinforcement bar. Often, surface damage (scratches, scrapes, small cracks) can be repaired for a fraction of full replacement. Our decision framework:
Repair (keep original bumper) — typical
- ·Scratches, scrapes, light scuffs — respray after sanding/priming
- ·Small cracks (under 4 inches) — plastic weld + refinish
- ·Minor dents without cracking — heat-and-pull
- ·Scraped corners from parking-lot contact
- ·Cost: priced per job based on damage
- ·Time: 2–4 business days
Replace (new bumper cover)
- ·Cracks longer than 4 inches, especially across mounting points
- ·Bumper torn from mounting tabs
- ·Multiple large cracks or shattered sections
- ·Cracks in areas with sensors (backup camera, parking sensors) that affect function
- ·Previous repairs that have failed
- ·Cost: call for bumper cover quote + paint + labour
- ·Time: 5–7 business days (includes parts order)
Full collision repair (beyond just the cover)
- ·Energy-absorbing foam destroyed
- ·Bumper reinforcement bar bent or cracked
- ·Frame rails or radiator support bent
- ·Airbag-related sensors (crash sensors) damaged
- ·This is collision repair, not bumper repair — see our insurance claims page
The repair process — how we restore plastic bumpers
For repairable damage, the process varies by severity. Here's a typical scratch/scrape repair:
- •Tape off the repair area and mask surrounding panels
- •Sand the damaged area down to clean plastic or clear coat base
- •Apply plastic-specific primer (bumpers require flexible plastic primer)
- •Sand smooth, feather into surrounding paint
- •Spray base coat matched to your vehicle's colour code
- •Spray clear coat to seal and match gloss level
- •Wet-sand and polish for factory-finish appearance
- •Final inspection under LED lighting
Colour matching — why it matters most on bumpers
Bumpers are the hardest panel to colour-match because:
- •Plastic absorbs and reflects light differently than the steel panels around it
- •Bumpers fade faster under sunlight (lower in vehicle, more UV exposure)
- •Your factory bumper is already slightly different shade than your hood/doors after 3+ years
- •We use a spectrophotometer that reads your actual current bumper colour (accounting for fade)
- •For metallic/pearl paint, we blend the refinish into adjacent areas to hide the transition
- •Paint code alone is not enough — modern refinishing is art + chemistry + measurement
Insurance vs cash — when does each make sense?
For minor bumper damage, cash-paid repair is often smarter than filing a claim:
- •Deductibles typically $500–$1,000 in Ontario — if repair is under that, no insurance savings
- •Claims affect your renewal premiums for 6 years (at-fault) — could cost more than the repair itself
- •Not-at-fault minor claims also affect frequency calculations at some insurers
- •For repairs under $1,000 on a driveable vehicle, most customers pay cash — it's cleaner
- •For major damage (replacement + structural), insurance is almost always the right call
- •We'll give you both quotes (cash and insurance) so you decide
Pricing & timing
Lifetime paint warranty on all our refinish work — as long as you own the vehicle. Parts warranty follows manufacturer terms. Insurance direct billing available for claim-related repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Will the repair be invisible?
On solid colours, yes — repairs are invisible to the naked eye under normal lighting. On metallic and pearl paints, we often blend into adjacent panels to hide the transition. We'll show you the final result in direct sunlight before you pay — if you can see the repair, we adjust.
How long does a bumper repair take?
Scratch/scrape repair: 2–4 days. Crack repair: 3–5 days. Full replacement: 5–7 days (includes parts order time). Most of this is paint cure time — actual labour is usually 4–8 hours.
Can you repair a bumper that's hanging off?
Depends on why. If the mounting tabs are broken (common), we can often plastic-weld them and reinstall — cheaper than replacement. If the bumper cover is torn or cracked at the mounting points, replacement is usually the right call. We assess for free.
Should I file an insurance claim?
Depends on the damage cost, your deductible, and your current premium history. For repairs under your deductible, no point. For repairs over $1,500 and at-fault minor damage, often not worth it — the premium increase costs more than the repair over 6 years. For major damage or not-at-fault, definitely file the claim.
Do you use OEM or aftermarket bumper covers?
Both, depending on your choice and insurance coverage. OEM bumpers fit perfectly and match factory finish exactly. Quality aftermarket (CAPA-certified) saves 30–40% and fits well. Cheap aftermarket we don't use — gap issues and poor fit make them not worth it.
My bumper has parking sensors — can you still repair it?
Yes — sensors are removed before repair and reinstalled after. If sensors are damaged in the collision, we replace them (priced per sensor). We test all sensors before delivery.