Scratching your front bumper on a curb can be a frustrating and all-too-common experience for many drivers. We understand how disheartening it can be to see a scratch on your car, especially when it’s a result of a simple parking misjudgment.
But don’t let this problem get into your head so fast; you can take this experience as a learning curve and learn from it.
There are several methods you can consider to fix a scratch on your car’s front bumper after an encounter with a curb.
You could consult an auto body shop for professional repairs, report the damage to your insurance company, try a DIY repair, use touch-up paint, hire a mobile painting service, apply a rubbing compound, or simply leave the scratch as is.
Each of these options has its own set of pros and cons, which we will explore in this article.
If you’re ready, then let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Is It Normal to Scrape Your Front Bumper on a Curb?
Yes, it is quite normal to scrape your front bumper on a curb. This is a common occurrence for many drivers, especially with today’s low air dams. It doesn’t mean you are a bad driver, but rather, it’s often a result of the vehicle’s design and the sometimes challenging urban landscape.
Definitely. These things happen, and while it can be frustrating, the good news is that it’s usually just cosmetic damage and can be fixed.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a minor scratch that just needs a bit of touch-up paint or if it’s a deeper gouge that requires a more thorough repair—you can fix that scratched bumper of yours.
How Do You Fix a Bumper That Was Scratched By a Curb?
Now that you know you can fix the scratch on your front bumper, let’s go through the various methods you can use to do so:
1. Consult an Auto Body Shop
When facing a scratch on your car’s front bumper from a curb, one option is to consult an auto body shop. These professionals can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for repair.
Pros
Professional assessment and repair options
Might be able to buff out scratches, making them almost invisible
Insurance companies may cover the repairs
Cons
Can be expensive if insurance doesn’t cover the cost
May recommend unnecessary repairs
2. Report to Insurance
Reporting the scratch to your insurance company is another possible solution. They may cover the full cost of repairs.
Pros
Insurance may cover the full cost of repairs
Can be a cost-effective solution for returning the car to its original condition
Cons
Possible increase in insurance premiums
Not an option if you don’t have full coverage insurance
3. Mobile Painting Service
Mobile painting services are a convenient option as they come to your location, often at a lower cost than traditional body shops.
Pros
Convenient as they come to your location
Often cheaper than traditional body shops
Cons
Limited to the services they can provide on-site
Quality of work may not be as high as a traditional body shop
4. DIY Repair
For those who are handy, a DIY repair may be a feasible option. This gives you full control over the repair process.
Pros
Can be cost-effective
Gives you full control over the repair process
Cons
Time-consuming
Risk of making the damage worse if not done correctly
May not have the necessary tools or skills
5. Touch-Up Paint
Touch-up paint is a cheaper alternative for minor scratches and can easily be done at home.
Pros
Cheaper alternative for minor scratches
Can easily be done at home
Cons
Might not perfectly match the car’s paint color
May not be as durable as a professional repair
6. Rubbing Compound
A rubbing compound can be used to remove paint transferred from the curb and is a cost-effective solution for minor damage.
Pros
Can remove paint transferred from the curb
Cost-effective solution for minor damage
Cons
May not be effective for deeper scratches
Requires some elbow grease and time
7. Leave It As Is
Sometimes the best and cheapest solution is to simply leave the scratch, especially if it is in a less noticeable area. This is a personal choice and depends on how much the scratch bothers you.
Related Questions About Bumper Scratches Due to Curbs
Before we conclude our discussion, let’s go through some queries that are worth covering so that we don’t miss anything on this topic.
How do I prevent curb scratches on my car’s bumper?
The best way to prevent curb scratches is to be mindful of your surroundings when parking. Avoid parking too close to curbs, and always check your car’s position before driving away.
What are the common causes of car bumper scratches?
Common causes include parking too close to other vehicles, minor collisions, hitting obstacles like curbs or poles, and natural elements such as tree branches or rocks.
Can I fix car bumper scratches at home?
Yes, minor scratches can often be repaired at home using a touch-up paint pen or a scratch removal product. However, for deeper scratches, professional help might be required.
How much does it cost to repair a scratched bumper?
DIY repairs can cost as little as $20 for touch-up paint, while professional repairs can range from $150 to $600 or more. The cost depends on the severity of the scratch and whether you choose to fix it yourself or take it to a professional.
Does insurance cover bumper scratches?
This depends on your insurance policy and the cause of the scratch. If the scratch was due to an accident that was not your fault, your insurance might cover the cost of repairs. However, if the scratch was caused by normal wear and tear or if you were at fault, insurance might not cover the cost.
Conclusion
Honestly, if you feel like you’re going to encounter curbs in the future, then this wouldn’t be the last time that’s going to happen.
It’s better to learn first how to prevent this issue from happening again by being mindful of your surroundings while you drive and investing in products that can give you peace of mind whenever you’re encountering curbs — like, let’s say, curb ramps.
Our Smooth Curb – Driveway Curb Ramp can help you mitigate this problem in the future by preventing your car from hitting those nasty curbs.
No bumps, no scrapes, and no problem — everything else will just be a smooth transition that will leave you smiling every time you go over any curbs on your driveway.
That’s the Smooth Curb experience.
If you want to learn more about what we advocate, then check out our other articles on our blog, where we talk about varying topics on how curbs can pose a threat to both you and your vehicle.
Again, just take this as a learning experience, and by the next time you encounter a curb, no front bumper is going to get scratched since you now know how to deal with this problem effectively.
We hope we’ve answered your concern, and we hope to see you in our next post.
