Car Body Repair Cost Calculator
Estimate body repair costs for your car. Select the part, damage level and vehicle segment to get a price range.
Results are for informational purposes only. Data comes from public government databases and manufacturer records. Always verify critical information independently before making a purchase decision.
6 parts
Body zones covered
2025
Updated prices
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Body repair price guide in France
Average prices at independent garages and approved body shops, excluding premium parts and specialist labour.
Price by part and damage level
| Part | Light | Medium | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bumper | 150 - 300 € | 400 - 800 € | 600 - 1 500 € |
| Fender | 200 - 400 € | 500 - 900 € | 800 - 1 800 € |
| Door | 150 - 350 € | 400 - 800 € | 700 - 2 000 € |
| Hood | 200 - 500 € | 500 - 1 000 € | 800 - 2 200 € |
| Roof | 300 - 600 € | 700 - 1 500 € | 1 500 - 4 000 € |
| Tailgate | 200 - 400 € | 500 - 1 000 € | 600 - 1 800 € |
Indicative prices including VAT, observed in mainland France. Actual cost depends on the garage, brand and parts availability.
Full respray cost by segment
| Segment | Price range |
|---|---|
| City car | 1 500 - 2 500 € |
| Sedan | 2 000 - 3 500 € |
| SUV / Crossover | 2 500 - 4 500 € |
| Premium / Luxury | 4 000 - 7 000 € |
Should you repair before selling?
It all comes down to how the repair cost compares to the price drop it causes. A scratched bumper on a city car costs 150 to 300 euros to fix, but can knock 500 euros or more off the selling price. In that case, repairing pays off.
For serious damage on an older car, the maths flips. If the repair costs 2,000 euros and the car is worth 4,000, you're better off adjusting the price and letting the buyer decide.
Our advice: use the calculator above to estimate the cost, then compare with the impact on your car's Argus value.
How damage affects resale value
Light scratches and small dents reduce value by 2 to 5%. Buyers notice them but know they're easy to fix. A good clean and polish can handle micro-scratches.
Medium dents and panel damage bring the price down 5 to 15%. They make the car look poorly maintained, even if the mechanicals are perfect. This is often why buyers negotiate hard.
Structural damage (bent chassis, crushed roof) can halve the value. At that point, only a professional can assess whether the repair is worthwhile. Always get an expert opinion before deciding.
Frequently asked questions about repair costs
Is it worth repairing the bodywork?
It depends on how the repair cost compares to the price impact. If the repair costs less than the depreciation caused by the damage, it's worth doing. For minor defects (scratches, small dents), repairing is almost always a good deal.
Does insurance cover body repairs?
Yes, if the damage results from a declared claim. Your car insurance covers repairs after an accident, vandalism or natural disaster, depending on your policy. Check your excess before filing a minor claim.
What's the resale impact if I don't repair?
Unrepaired damage reduces the selling price by 2 to 50% depending on severity. A light scratch has little impact, but a dented door or broken bumper can scare off buyers. Trade-in professionals systematically deduct repair costs.
How do I negotiate the price at a garage?
Always get multiple quotes. Price differences between garages can reach 30 to 40%. Go with independent body shops, often 20 to 30% cheaper than manufacturer-approved garages. Bundling several repairs also helps you negotiate a package deal.
Can I do some repairs myself?
Micro-scratches can be treated with polish and fine sandpaper (under 20 euros). Small dents without paint damage can be popped out cold. However, paintwork, panel straightening and part replacement need professional equipment for a proper finish.
Go further with Automano
Complete your estimate with a VIN history check or an Argus valuation to know your car's worth.