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How do you repair a scratch on a plastic car bumper?

How should I repair a scratch on a plastic car bumper? My kids were playing with their bikes outside and they ended up falling into my car. The bike left a big scratch on the bumper.

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Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! I’m sorry to hear about your bumper! Luckily, there is an easy way to repair scratches on a plastic bumper by lightly buffing out the scratch with sandpaper.
Follow these steps to make sure you get the best results.
  • Step 1: Lightly rub the scratched area with 3,000 grit sandpaper. If you don’t have any sandpaper, you could also use non-gel toothpaste to buff the area.
  • Step 2: Wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth to get rid of any particles or debris.
  • Step 3: Apply a polishing compound to the buffed area via another microfiber cloth.
  • Step 4: Attach a polisher to the head of a drill and polish the area. When finished, your bumper should be scratch-free!
If buffing the scratch out yourself doesn’t work, consider reaching out to a professional. Typically, they have more materials and tools available to buff or replace your bumper.
While your
car insurance
won’t cover scratches from your kids, it can protect your bumper from damage after an accident.
If you’d like to explore coverages that’ll protect your bumper, use
Jerry
. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you gather and compare quotes from the top insurance companies in minutes.
MORE: How to remove scratches from car paint
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