A car bumper repair can save your skin if you have a small bump or scrape, but it won't save the day if you have structural damage.

Structural damage means the bumper's essential internal support and impact bars have been compromised. This occurs when the force of a collision causes the bumper to become twisted, badly warped, or partially detached from the car chassis. Even If the exterior looks intact, the critical underlying structures may be weakened.

Structural damage repairs are never feasible – the bumper must be replaced for safety reasons. Used replacement bumpers could potentially be safe options if carefully inspected. When sourcing a used bumper, have a certified mechanic thoroughly check for any internal impact bars or attachment point defects.

We stock an extensive range of front bumpers for brands like Audi, BMW, Ford, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Volkswagen. If there is any significant damage or repair to an item, we show it with individual pictures in the listing.

Car bumper repair

Repair specialists can patch up minor scrapes or cracks in bumpers instead of replacing the whole component. They'll use putty fillers to even things out and make the surface look smooth again. Some paint blending will help match the colour, so repairs are barely noticeable. This is cheaper than a total replacement when it's only superficial damage.

However, bent metal or busted bracket mounts underneath mean structural issues. There's no way around swapping for a brand new bumper in those cases. Repairs are only an option if there's cosmetic damage to the surface.

You'll have to consider whether fixing little dings and scratches is worth your money and time. A full bumper respray quickly ramps up the cost, and if you can source a pre-painted bumper, the cost can be similar (£200 to £400).

Here’s a cheat sheet:

·         Significant dents and deformation. Extensive distortion means your bumper has absorbed too much energy, and its structural integrity is compromised. Getting a new one is the safest option.

·         Broken mounts and attachments. Modern bumpers connect the frame with various brackets, bolts, and fastening components. If these get damaged or torn off in a crash, the bumper will sag and rattle around loosely instead of staying securely attached. Replacing the mounting hardware and the bumper ensures everything fits together again.

·         Damage beyond the bumper. When a collision is forceful enough to damage areas beyond just the bumper cover itself, such as the body panels or underlying structure, it requires comprehensive repairs. This indicates the crash energy dissipated beyond what the bumper is meant to absorb. Replacing the bumper and any other damaged components ensures your car maintains its safety.