Full-time writer for 5+ years
Two-time Emmy Award nominee
A Harvard graduate, Mark has worked as a freelance personal finance and tech writer. He’s also written for Saturday Night Live.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated January 31, 2024
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Table of contents
Several factors affect auto body repair costs after an accident, including the make and model of your vehicle, the severity of the damage, and local replacement part prices. Prices for auto parts increased roughly 17% nationally last year, so shopping around and finding an auto body shop that fits your budget is important.[1]
Here’s what you should know about average price ranges for different repairs, which can help you determine if your body shop offers a reasonable quote. You’ll also learn when your insurance company will cover auto body work and how to file a claim.
Factors that affect body repair costs
The cost of auto body repairs depends on various factors. Below are some key factors that will affect your quote:
Car make and model: Many new-car models feature advanced technology that requires complex, expensive repair processes. For example, some newer models feature safety sensors on their bumpers, which makes what was once a simple bumper repair more complicated and pricey.[2]
Extent and type of damage: Car damage can vary widely in severity. The repair process for a minor dent or paint scratch is much cheaper than the extensive repairs needed after a major accident.
Material costs: Recent supply chain disruptions seriously affected new car parts.[3] Though supply has normalized somewhat, global commerce trends can affect car part prices.[1]
Labor costs: The car repair industry has experienced tight labor conditions, which has forced employers to offer raises to retain mechanics and technicians.[3] This can lead to higher average repair costs for consumers.
Location: Access to new car parts and labor costs vary by state or city. Areas where wages are generally higher and car parts are less plentiful will likely have higher prices.
Body shop: A repair shop with more experience and a stellar reputation may offer high prices, particularly if it offers extra services or faster repairs. Shopping around is a good idea if you’re trying to find a body repair quote that fits your budget.
Insurance: How extensive your insurance coverage is and the size of your deductible will affect how much you pay for car repairs out of pocket.
Estimated costs of common body repairs
The cost of auto body repairs varies widely, so finding an exact average cost is difficult. Data from useful tools like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) can give you a better idea of the price range to expect for certain common body repairs:
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