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How do I fix plastic bumper damage?

There’s a big scrape on my plastic bumper and I’d like to know if it’s fixable. Does the whole thing need to be replaced? How do I fix plastic bumper damage?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Sorry to hear about your bumper! Plastic bumper damage is usually fixable without replacing the whole bumper. However, it depends on the type of damage.
Scrapes don’t take very well to spot treatments, unfortunately. Most auto shops recommend that you
strip
, sand, and repaint the entire bumper. Otherwise, you risk dirt and debris entering the scrape which can lead to
paint peeling
.
Dents are usually fixable if you apply heat and then force the plastic back into shape.
Your best course of action is to bring your vehicle to a repair shop for an estimate. Bumper repairs involve complicated and precise work, so it’s wise to let the professionals handle it.
If the scrape happened recently, you may wish to file a claim with your car insurance company to get the repair costs covered. Hit-and-runs are usually covered.
The only time you would not want to file a claim is if the repair cost is lower than your deductible.
If you’re looking for a new
car insurance
policy, try using
Jerry
. A top-rated shopping and broker app with end-to-end support, Jerry can help you compare competitive quotes, register for a new policy, and cancel an old policy.
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