Front-End / Rear-End Collision Repair Cost Calculator
Car accidents are stressful enough—but the uncertainty around repair costs can make things worse. A Front-End / Rear-End Collision Repair Cost Calculator helps drivers estimate how much they might pay after an accident by factoring in damage location, severity, and safety system involvement. Cash for Cars repair estimate provides a helpful starting point, to get a general idea of how much you may be looking at to repair your vehicle, while also giving you a cash price for your vehicle if you decide not to make the repairs within about 30 seconds.
Below is a breakdown of the major cost categories that influence front-end and rear-end collision repair estimates.
Front-End Damage Costs
Front-end collisions are among the most expensive accidents to repair because the front of a vehicle houses many critical systems. Even low-speed impacts can result in hidden structural or mechanical damage.
Typical front-end repair costs include:
- Bumper replacement: $500–$1,500
- Hood repair or replacement: $700–$2,500
- Headlights and sensors: $300–$3,000+
- Radiator and cooling system damage: $1,000–$4,000
- Frame or structural damage: $2,000–$10,000+
If these types of costs are too expensive for you, you may want to consider Cash for Cars to get a cash offer on your vehicle, regardless of the condition within 24 hours.
Modern vehicles often include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as collision sensors, cameras, and radar units embedded in the front bumper and grille. When these systems are damaged, recalibration alone can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the repair bill.
In severe cases, front-end damage may affect the engine or transmission, pushing repair costs beyond the vehicle’s actual cash value. A collision repair cost calculator can flag these scenarios early, helping owners decide whether repairs are financially worthwhile.
Rear-End Damage Costs
Rear-end collisions are common and often appear less severe—but appearances can be deceiving. While cosmetic damage may look minor, the rear of a vehicle contains important structural and safety components.
Common rear-end repair expenses include:
- Rear bumper repair or replacement: $400–$1,500
- Trunk or liftgate damage: $800–$3,000
- Taillights and wiring: $200–$1,200
- Exhaust system repairs: $300–$2,000
- Frame or unibody damage: $1,500–$8,000+
Rear-end impacts can compromise crumple zones designed to absorb collision force. Once these areas are damaged, repairs become more complex and expensive. Additionally, newer vehicles may have rear-mounted sensors, cameras, and blind-spot monitoring systems that significantly increase repair costs.
Airbag Deployment Costs
Airbag deployment is one of the biggest cost multipliers in any collision repair estimate. While airbags are essential for safety, replacing them is expensive and often signals severe impact damage.
Airbag-related costs may include:
- Airbag replacement (per unit): $1,000–$3,000
- Crash sensors and control modules: $500–$2,000
- Seatbelt pretensioners: $300–$1,500
- Dashboard or interior panel replacement: $1,000–$4,000+
When airbags deploy, vehicles are frequently declared a total loss—especially if the car is older or has high mileage. A front-end / rear-end collision repair cost calculator will often show repair estimates exceeding the car’s market value once airbag deployment is factored in.
In these cases, many owners choose not to repair the vehicle at all.
If you’ve entered your vehicle information, viewed our free repair estimate tool and decide to skip repairs, we’d love to buy your damaged car at Cash for Cars today with a cash offer!
