Bodywork Repair Cost 2025 (UK Prices)

The condition of a car’s bodywork can make a huge difference to its overall appearance and value; a few small dents or scratches can make a new luxury look neglected and unloved.

However, with some bodywork jobs being labour-intensive to get right, many people are apprehensive about sending their car in for bodywork repair. In this article, we’ll give a rundown of how much you should expect to pay for car bodywork repair.

What affects bodywork repair costs?

Like many car repair jobs, the type of car and extent of damage are the biggest factors in how much it costs. Often, the largest portion of a bodywork repair bill is labour time, as preparation is key to ensuring a good paint finish.

Paint type: Some paints, such as those with metallic flake or pearlescent elements to them, are much more expensive than others, taking more time to purchase, apply and match
Extent of the damage: A light scratch can sometimes be polished out, a deeper one will require paint, and dents and deep scrapes will require much more time and effort
Location of damage: In order to make repairs that are imperceptible, the paint needs to match nearby areas. Because of this, damage to large panels often needs more work to blend in

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Scratch repair cost

Scratches in just the outer layer of the paint (known as the clear coat) can be fixed for as little as £50 in some cases, but the larger the scratch, the more expensive it will be. A handy way of telling if a scratch has gone through the clear coat is if it can be felt with a fingernail.

Scratches that have cut deeper than the clearcoat will need sanding and new colour applying. This can cost anywhere from £150 to £350+.

Dent repair cost

Small dents that don’t require paint repair can cost between £75 to £250, assuming they’re not too deep or close to a panel edge.

Large dents that need mechanical repair and paint repair can cost between £200 to £500, depending on the size and location of the dent, and the paint type.

Replacement panel cost

If your car has significant damage on a panel that can be removed, such as a door, wing, bonnet or boot lid, it can be easier to replace the panel entirely instead of repairing bad dents or scratches.

Brand new replacement panels can cost anywhere from £600 - £1,800, including new paint and fitting.

If a secondhand panel can be found, from a breaker, for example, it can reduce the cost to between £150 - £600, depending on whether the colour can be matched.

Bumper repair cost

Bumpers often take the brunt of small scrapes and dents from parking and such; thankfully, they are designed to absorb a small amount of impact without cracking or denting.

Repairing a scratch on a bumper typically costs between £75 - £350, depending on the type and depth of the damage.

If you need to replace your bumper because the damage is significant, expect to pay at least £900 for a new panel and paintwork

Can you do bodywork repair yourself?

Light scratches and bodywork damage can sometimes be repaired at home. It will be incredibly difficult to get the repair to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the paintwork, but it can improve the appearance of the car if done correctly.

Touching in scratches and scuffs can typically take a couple of days to do properly, and you’ll need plenty of supplies such as sandpaper, various types of paint, and a clean, dry area to work.

Can you drive with damaged bodywork?

Damage to paint, scuffs, scratches and light dents shouldn’t affect your ability to drive your car at all. However, if there are serious dents or any sharp edges created, you should not drive the vehicle.

Because the bodywork and bumpers of a modern car also provide strength and impact absorption, you should get any major damage checked over by a mechanic to make sure the safety of the vehicle is not compromised.

Repair bodywork with Bumper

From paint scratches to major dent removal and panel replacement, one of Bumper's nationwide approved garages will be able to help. What’s more is you can then spread the cost into interest-free payments with our car repair loans.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.