Do I Need To Repair Minor Bumper Damage?

Tony Mers • May 13, 2019

Your bumper is designed to protect your car from damage in low-speed collisions. It absorbs the crash energy without any major damage to the bumper itself.

Because the bumper's designed for collisions, it can leave some car owners wondering if they should bring in their car for a repair. The short answer to that question is yes.

Bumpers can vary in components and performance and some designs may put a greater emphasis on style than protection. That said, here are a few reasons to consider repairing even the most minor of bumper damage.

Bumper repairs improve your safety

As we mentioned above, your bumper absorbs the force of an impact when you've been in a rear-end collision. Both minor and major damage to your bumper can weaken the structural integrity of your bumper.

Minor bumper damage can impact your bumper absorbers, which are typically made of durable plastic. They absorb the force of collision's impact and directs it outward. Bumper damage can also impact your bumper bar, which is what strengthens the bumper's entire structure.

When these factors are weakened in a minor collision, it can fail to protect the vehicle, driver, and passengers when you're in a high-impact collision.

Bumper repairs help with insurance claims

When you choose not to have minor bumper damage repaired and that damage, your bumper's absorbers or bumper bar could be weakened without your knowledge. The next time you're in a car accident, your weakened bumper can result in serious damage to your engine compartment.

An insurance adjuster could use your car's old bumper damage to decline your claim altogether and force you to pay out-of-pocket for the repairs.

Bumper repairs improve your car's resale value

Bumper damage can raise a lot of red flags for potential buyers when you put your car on the market for resale. Even if you know your car is in good shape, potential buyers read noticeable bumper damage as a sign you're trying to hide more serious damage or vehicle neglect.

Even dealerships will reduce what you're offered based on bumper marks and dents. It's always a good idea to get your minor bumper damage repaired through professional and thorough auto body repair services.

Where can I find auto body repair services near me?

If your car is in need of repair, you're not alone. Approximately 77% of cars on the road right now are in need of maintenance and repairs, according to a recent survey.

Whether you need hail damage repair, a windshield replacement, or car accident repairs, River North Collision Repair has got your back. To learn more about our auto body repair services, contact our car body shop at River North Collision Repair today.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

Why Ignoring Small Dents Can Lead to Bigger Problems

January 30, 2026

It is an awful feeling when you walk out to your car after a long day and see a small dent on your passenger door. While it may appear to be just a cosmetic issue, you should still get it fixed, because ignoring small dents can lead to bigger problems for your vehicle. Don’t let small dents on your car go untreated; let's talk about why you need to tackle these issues ASAP. Rust Loves Chicago Winters We all know the drill here in the Windy City. We have beautiful summers, sure, but we also pay the price with brutal winters. And what comes with winter? Salt. Tons of it. Your car’s paint job acts as a suit of armor protecting the metal body underneath. Even a minor dent often comes with microscopic cracks in the paint—sometimes too small to see with the naked eye. Once that seal is broken, moisture and road salt sneak in. They settle against the bare metal and start a chemical party you definitely don’t want to host. Oxidation begins immediately. By the time you notice bubbling paint or that tell-tale orange stain a few months later, the rust has already been eating away at your door panel from the inside out. Resale Value Takes a Nosedive For many people, maintaining their car is a valuable part of purchasing a new vehicle. When that day comes, curb appeal is everything. Used car buyers (and dealership appraisers) will judge your car by its exterior appearance. If they see a vehicle riddled with door dings, bumper scrapes, and ignored scratches, they see a car that wasn't cared for. They assume that if you didn't care enough to fix the outside, you probably didn't care about the rest of it either. It lowers the perceived value instantly. Maintaining your car’s body and its paint is an investment in your future trade-in value. Paint Damage Spreads Like a Virus When a dent or scrape compromises the integrity of the paint, the surrounding paint loses its grip. High-pressure car washes, wind, and temperature fluctuations cause the paint to flake away from the initial injury site. A scratch the size of a quarter can grow into a patch the size of a softball over a couple of seasons. It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think Here is the good news: fixing these things early is surprisingly affordable. Modern body shop technology is amazing. For many small dings where the paint isn't cracked, we can use techniques that massage the metal back into place without spraying a drop of paint. River North Collision Repair offers paintless dent repair in Chicago to fix minor dents. Regardless of what nicked your door, we can help remove the dents and maintain a seamless look for your vehicle. Don’t Wait for Problems Don't let minor dents turn into a big nightmare. Save your future self the headache (and the cash). Swing by River North Collision Repair for your quick and easy repairs. Because driving a car you’re proud of? That’s a feeling you can’t put a price on.