Does Insurance Cover Bumper Damage? What Drivers Need to Know

As a driver, bumping into things and scraping your bumper now and then is almost inevitable. But does your insurance actually cover the costs to repair bumper damage? The answer depends on a few key factors.

In general, if the damage is collision-related, then collision coverage will apply. If something non-collision related causes the damage, like a fallen tree branch, comprehensive coverage kicks in. However, you also have to consider your deductible and how much the repairs will cost to determine if filing an insurance claim makes sense.

Let’s take a closer look at how bumper damage is handled on a typical auto insurance policy.

When Will Collision Coverage Pay for Bumper Repairs?

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle resulting from accidents with other cars, objects, or by overturning. This includes damage to bumpers. Here are some examples of when collision coverage would pay for bumper repairs:

• You back into a concrete pillar in a parking garage and shatter part of your bumper.

• While attempting to parallel park, you scrape the bumper along the side of another vehicle.

• Your bumper sustains damage after a multi-vehicle accident.

• You hit a patch of ice and slide into a guardrail, cracking the bumper

• A minor fender bender with another car damages your bumper.

As long as the damage occurred during an accident, your collision coverage will pay for bumper repairs after you pay the deductible.

However, keep in mind that collision policies have variable deductibles, often $500, $750, or $1,000. If the bumper damage is minor and costs less than your deductible to fix, you’ll end up paying the full repair bill out-of-pocket anyway.

When Will Comprehensive Coverage Pay for Bumper Damage?

While collision covers accident-related damage, comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle for non-collision damage including:

• Vandalism or riots
• Falling objects (like tree branches)
• Fire, smoke, or explosions
• Theft or larceny
• Projectiles or missiles
• Hitting an animal

So if something random damages your bumper, like a stray shopping cart rolling into your parked car, comprehensive would cover the repairs after the deductible. Or if high winds cause a tree limb to hit and dent your bumper, comprehensive applies.

Is Bumper Damage Worth Filing a Claim For?

To decide if bumper damage is worth claiming, consider:

• Severity of damage – Is it a minor scratch or chip vs. major cracking or shattering that requires replacement?

• Cost of repairs vs. your deductible – Does it make sense financially?

• Potential premium increase – Will your rate go up?

Minor bumper scratches often don’t warrant a claim. You’ll pay out-of-pocket regardless. But significant damage exceeding $500-$1,000 means your insurer picks up part of the repair bill. Just be aware that too many claims can increase your premiums over time.

What Impacts the Cost to Repair Bumper Damage?

Several factors determine what you’ll pay to fix bumper damage, including:

• Type of vehicle – Luxury cars typically cost more.

• Extent of damage – Scratches vs. replacement affects cost.

• Location of repairs – Shops in urban areas often charge more.

• Parts needed – OEM parts cost more than aftermarket.

• Time for repairs – More complex jobs take longer.

• Custom parts – Unique bumpers on high-end cars cost more.

While body shops can give estimates, prices can increase once the bumper is removed and additional damage is found. Be prepared for some variability.

Can I Get Coverage for Minor Bumps?

Many insurers offer minor accident forgiveness to help offset rate increases from small claims. For example:

• Progressive’s minor accident forgiveness waives surcharges for claims under $500 for new customers with spotless records.

• Allstate’s minor accident forgiveness waives the first accident claim that’s under $1,000 for all drivers.

• Geico also forgives one minor accident for drivers who have been accident-free for 5+ years.

So even if you file a small bumper damage claim, your premium may not go up with the right insurer and policy.

Tips for Preventing Bumper Damage

While insurance can ease the financial sting of bumper repairs, prevention is ideal. Here are some tips:

• Maintain a safe following distance behind other cars.
• Take turns and maneuver through parking lots slowly.
• Avoid distractions while driving.
• Use your mirrors and be aware of blind spots.
• Apply touch up paint to cover scratches to prevent rusting.
• Install bumper protectors or appliques to absorb minor scratches.
• Consider adding a rubber bumper guard for extra protection.
• Be vigilant when parking near curbs, concrete walls, pillars, and landscaping.
• Use corner guards when transporting items in trucks to prevent shifting cargo from causing scratches.

The Bottom Line

So does insurance cover bumper damage? In most cases, yes – either collision or comprehensive will apply depending on how the damage occurred. Just be sure to consider your deductible amount vs. the repair cost. And monitor your premiums for increases if you file claims frequently. With the right policy, bumper damage doesn’t have to be a financial disaster. Talk to your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate coverage.