Collision Repair Cost by Damage Type (With Sell-Your-Car Alternative)
Collision repair costs vary widely depending on the location and severity of the damage, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor cosmetic fixes to many thousands for structural, airbag, or sensor-related repairs. Cash for Cars provides a free repair estimate when you enter in your license plate and zip code, as well as a cash offer for your vehicle if you would like to move forward without repairing your vehicle.
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Front-end Damage
Front end damage can be one of the biggest gut punches, often costing you more money than other areas of the vehicle. Minor cosmetic damages such as bumper covers or cosmetic scratches can range anywhere from $300 to $1,200. Moderate front end damage, such as head light repairs, issues with the hood or radiator support could cost you $1,500 to $4,000. Severe damage, such as airbags, sensors, anything to do with the engine, can really hurt your pockets as they can run anywhere from $200 to over $10,000. If repairs exceed $4,000 you may want to consider selling your vehicle
Rear-end Damage
The most common form of damage to a vehicle, which is rear-end damage isn’t seen as such a hazard as front-end damage. Typically, are able to easily resell or part out when there is just rear-end damage to their vehicle. Minor cosmetic rear-end damage can be as low as $300 to $1,000. Moderate rear-end damage such as trunk repair, tail lights or bumper repair, can run you $1,500 - $3,500. Severe rear-end damage cost typically floats between $3,500 to more than $7,500. If repairs exceed $4,000 you may want to consider selling your vehicle
Side/quarter panel damage
When it comes to side or quarter panel damage, selling as-is often produces a better option money wise. Minor dents and scratches can range anywhere from $500 to $1,500. If you’re considering door replacement and paint, you’re looking at a cost of $1,500 to $3,500. A full quarter panel replacement can be anywhere from $3,000 to over $6,000. Side airbags can cost you, too, anywhere from over $2,000 to $5,000. This is a particularly tricky section of the vehicle to repair because the quarter panels are welded, not bolted and the paint has to blend across the entire vehicle, including the multiple panels – which means you’ll be paying for labor for someone to be able to blend them all together. If repairs exceed $4,000 you may want to consider selling your vehicle
Frame damage
Frame damage can be detrimental to your cars value. There are instances where insurance will cover the repairs, but if they don’t the costs can easily exceed your vehicle’s true value. A minor frame repair can start out at $2,000 and go up to $4,000. Moderate damage can run you anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000, while severe frame damage can easily begin at $8,000 but can surpass $15,000 quickly. If repairs exceed $4,000 you may want to consider selling your vehicle
Decision Guide
| Damage Type | Typical Repairs Involved | Avg Cost Range | Repair If… | Sell If… | Quick Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-End Damage | Bumper, grille, headlights, radiator, sensors | $1,000–$5,000+ | No frame damage, airbags NOT deployed, cost <40% of car value | Airbags deployed, cooling/engine damage, cost >60% | ⚠️ Case-by-case |
| Rear-End Damage | Bumper, trunk, tail lights, rear sensors | $800–$4,000+ | Trunk floor intact, cosmetic or bolt-on parts only | Rear frame rails bent, floor pan damage | ✅ Often repairable |
| Side / Quarter Panel Damage | Doors, quarter panel, rocker panel | $1,500–$6,000+ | Door-only damage, no structural intrusion | Quarter panel replacement + structure repair | ⚠️ Leans sell if severe |
| Frame / Structural Damage | Frame straightening, alignment, welding | $3,000–$10,000+ | Rarely (high-value car, insurance pays) | Almost always — resale & safety hit | ❌ Usually sell |
Making Your Decision
While using Cash for Cars free repair estimate tool, if your collision repairs cost more than your car’s value, contact us and we’ll help you get it off your hands. We can give you a cash offer within 24 hours and provide free towing of your vehicle if needed, with cash in your hand upon delivery or pick up of the vehicle.
