Question: I got into a fender bender the other day. It wasn’t that serious, but it did leave a dent in my bumper, so I wanted to know how much a front fender replacement will cost. Thanks!
Answer: You can probably expect to spend at least $1,000 for a front fender replacement, but it could cost as little as $300 if the damages are mostly cosmetic. For more significant repairs, though, you might need to budget out over $5,000—especially if you drive a large vehicle.
Like any other specific auto repair, it can be difficult to estimate the cost of a front fender replacement—the price can vary widely depending on the vehicle you drive, where you have the work done, and the extent of the damage.
Factors impacting your front fender replacement cost
Here are a few things that can impact the cost of having your front fender replaced:
- OEM vs. aftermarket parts: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts cost a little more, but they’re specifically designed for your vehicle and are guaranteed to fit. Aftermarket parts are less expensive, but be sure to do your research before purchasing to ensure you get a quality product that will work on your car.
- Size: If you drive a small vehicle like a compact car, your fender will probably cost less to replace than if you drive a large truck or SUV.
- Materials: If your fender is made from a material like steel or aluminum, it will probably cost more to replace than one made of fiberglass or plastic.
- Labor: Hourly labor rates can vary depending on where you live and the shop where you have the work done. And if your fenders are especially difficult to replace, you’ll pay more for the additional work.
PRO TIP: On average, it takes about 2 hours to replace a front fender. Hourly labor rates in the US typically range from about $75 to $150 an hour, although you may pay more or less than that depending on where you live.
Can you drive with a bent fender?
If the damage to your fender is minor—think small scratches or dents—you don’t necessarily have to repair it unless you want to. But significant damage, like a bent frame or deeply dented fender, can affect your vehicle’s stability. It can even leave you and anyone else in your car more vulnerable if you get into another accident, so you should have it repaired sooner rather than later.
And because even small dents can hide damage underneath the fender, you shouldn’t risk ignoring the damage. So to be on the safe side, have your car checked out by a mechanic after even a minor fender bender.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
