How Much Does Auto Body Repair Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Auto Body Repair Include?
Auto body repair fixes collision damage including dents, scratches, crumpled panels, and frame straightening. Costs depend heavily on the extent of damage.
The national average cost for auto body repair is $2,000 per repair. Most homeowners pay between $500 and $5,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Damage Level
Minor scratch/dent: $200-$800. Fender bender: $1,000-$3,000. Major collision: $3,000-$10,000+
Frame Damage
Frame straightening adds $1,000-$5,000 depending on severity
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Extent of damage
- ✓Panels affected
- ✓Paint matching requirements
- ✓Frame damage
- ✓Parts availability
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Get 3 estimates — body shop pricing varies widely
- 2.Ask about aftermarket or recycled parts to save 30-50%
- 3.Minor dents and scratches may qualify for paintless dent repair (much cheaper)
- 4.Check if the other party's insurance is covering the repair
📈 Auto Body Repair Cost Trends (2022–2026)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $1,699 | — |
| 2023 | $1,770 | +4.2% |
| 2024 | $1,885 | +6.5% |
| 2025 | $1,938 | +2.8% |
| 2026 | $2,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Auto Body Repair Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $410 | $1,640 | $4,100 |
| Alaska | $640 | $2,560 | $6,400 |
| Arizona | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Arkansas | $400 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| California | $675 | $2,700 | $6,750 |
| Colorado | $540 | $2,160 | $5,400 |
| Connecticut | $610 | $2,440 | $6,100 |
| Delaware | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| District of Columbia | $625 | $2,500 | $6,250 |
| Florida | $490 | $1,960 | $4,900 |
| Georgia | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Hawaii | $710 | $2,840 | $7,100 |
| Idaho | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
| Illinois | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Indiana | $440 | $1,760 | $4,400 |
| Iowa | $430 | $1,720 | $4,300 |
| Kansas | $425 | $1,700 | $4,250 |
| Kentucky | $420 | $1,680 | $4,200 |
| Louisiana | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| Maine | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Maryland | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| Massachusetts | $650 | $2,600 | $6,500 |
| Michigan | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
| Minnesota | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Mississippi | $390 | $1,560 | $3,900 |
| Missouri | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| Montana | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Nebraska | $440 | $1,760 | $4,400 |
| Nevada | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| New Hampshire | $560 | $2,240 | $5,600 |
| New Jersey | $625 | $2,500 | $6,250 |
| New Mexico | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| New York | $660 | $2,640 | $6,600 |
| North Carolina | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| North Dakota | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Ohio | $450 | $1,800 | $4,500 |
| Oklahoma | $415 | $1,660 | $4,150 |
| Oregon | $550 | $2,200 | $5,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $510 | $2,040 | $5,100 |
| Rhode Island | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| South Carolina | $435 | $1,740 | $4,350 |
| South Dakota | $425 | $1,700 | $4,250 |
| Tennessee | $430 | $1,720 | $4,300 |
| Texas | $465 | $1,860 | $4,650 |
| Utah | $475 | $1,900 | $4,750 |
| Vermont | $540 | $2,160 | $5,400 |
| Virginia | $525 | $2,100 | $5,250 |
| Washington | $575 | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| West Virginia | $400 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| Wisconsin | $470 | $1,880 | $4,700 |
| Wyoming | $460 | $1,840 | $4,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the insurance company's recommended shop?
You have the right to choose any shop. Insurance-recommended shops are convenient but not always the best quality.
🏙️ Auto Body Repair Cost by City
Compare auto body repair costs in the most popular US cities:
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