Online Auto Body Repair Estimate Calculator
Minor Scratch/Scuff
Small Dent (no paint damage)
Moderate Dent (with paint damage)
Major Dent/Crease (significant bodywork)
Bumper Damage (dent, crack, tear)
Panel Replacement (e.g., fender, door skin)
Headlight/Taillight/Mirror Replacement
1 Area
2 Areas
3 Areas
4+ Areas
Standard (Solid Color)
Metallic or Pearl
Tri-Coat (3-Stage Paint)
Understanding Your Auto Body Repair Estimate
Getting into an accident or finding unexpected damage on your vehicle can be stressful. One of the first steps to getting your car back in shape is understanding the potential cost of repairs. Our Online Auto Body Repair Estimate Calculator provides a preliminary estimate based on common damage types and repair factors, helping you prepare for the financial aspect of vehicle restoration.
How Auto Body Repair Costs Are Determined
Several key factors influence the final cost of auto body repairs. Our calculator takes these into account to provide a realistic estimate:
- Type and Severity of Damage: A minor scratch requires less labor and material than a deep dent or structural damage. The calculator categorizes damage from minor to major, each with associated average labor hours and material costs.
- Number of Damaged Areas/Panels: Repairing multiple areas on a vehicle often involves more extensive work, even if the individual damages are small. Our calculator allows you to specify how many areas are affected.
- Vehicle Paint Finish Type: The complexity of your car's paint job significantly impacts the cost. Standard solid colors are less expensive to match and apply than metallic, pearl, or multi-stage (tri-coat) finishes, which require specialized techniques and materials.
- Estimated Parts Cost: If parts need to be replaced (e.g., a new bumper, headlight, or fender), their cost is a direct addition to the repair bill. This can vary widely based on your vehicle's make, model, and whether OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket parts are used.
- Shop Hourly Labor Rate: Labor rates vary by region, shop reputation, and technician expertise. Inputting your local average or a specific shop's rate helps tailor the estimate to your situation.
Using the Calculator
To get your estimate, simply select the options that best describe your vehicle's damage:
- Type of Damage: Choose the category that most closely matches the primary damage (e.g., "Moderate Dent").
- Number of Damaged Areas/Panels: Indicate how many distinct areas or panels are affected.
- Vehicle Paint Finish Type: Select your car's paint type (e.g., "Metallic or Pearl").
- Estimated Parts Cost: If you know a specific part needs replacement and have an idea of its cost, enter it here. Otherwise, you can leave it at $0 for an estimate focused on labor and paint.
- Average Shop Hourly Labor Rate: Input the typical hourly rate for auto body shops in your area. A common range is $100-$150 per hour.
Click "Calculate Estimate" to see a projected cost range.
Example Scenarios:
Let's look at a few examples using a typical labor rate of $120/hour:
- Scenario 1: Minor Scratch
- Damage Type: Minor Scratch/Scuff
- Number of Damaged Areas: 1 Area
- Paint Finish Type: Standard
- Estimated Parts Cost: $0
- Shop Hourly Labor Rate: $120
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $300 – $400 (2 hours labor + $60 paint material)
- Scenario 2: Moderate Dent on a Fender
- Damage Type: Moderate Dent (with paint damage)
- Number of Damaged Areas: 1 Area
- Paint Finish Type: Metallic or Pearl
- Estimated Parts Cost: $0
- Shop Hourly Labor Rate: $120
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $780 – $900 (5 hours labor + $120 base paint * 1.3 multiplier)
- Scenario 3: Bumper Damage with Replacement Part
- Damage Type: Bumper Damage (dent, crack, tear)
- Number of Damaged Areas: 1 Area
- Paint Finish Type: Tri-Coat
- Estimated Parts Cost: $400 (for a new bumper cover)
- Shop Hourly Labor Rate: $120
- Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,600 – $1,800 (7 hours labor + $180 base paint * 1.6 multiplier + $400 parts)
Important Disclaimer:
This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual repair costs can vary significantly based on the exact nature of the damage, hidden issues discovered during disassembly, specific vehicle model, parts availability, and the individual shop's pricing structure. Always obtain detailed quotes from certified auto body repair shops for an accurate assessment.