How Much Does Panel Beating Cost in NZ? (2026 Price Guide)
Real NZ panel beating prices for dents, bumpers, full resprays and structural repairs — plus what drives quotes up or down.
Typical price ranges
These are typical private-repair ranges published by NZ repairers and motoring sites in 2025–2026. Your quote depends on your car, paint and damage, so treat them as a guide.
Small paintless dent repair (paint not cracked): NZ$150–$400.
Minor scratch repair on one panel: NZ$200–$700.
Bumper scuff or minor bumper repair: NZ$300–$900.
Bumper replacement and paint (clips, sensors or mounts damaged): NZ$800–$2,500.
One-panel respray (panel is straight, paint damaged): NZ$600–$1,400.
Door or guard repair and paint: NZ$500–$1,800. Door replacement: NZ$1,500–$3,500.
Quarter panel repair: NZ$1,500–$4,000 — it's welded to the body, so it costs more than a bolt-on panel.
Small non-structural rust repair: NZ$500–$1,500.
Major front or rear collision: NZ$5,000–$15,000+. Structural or chassis repair: NZ$8,000–$20,000+.
How long common repairs take
A small dent takes 1–2 hours and a single-panel scratch about half a day. A minor bumper repair usually takes a day, and a bumper or door replacement takes 1–3 days.
Quarter panel work typically takes 3–5 days. Major collision repairs can take 1–4 weeks, and structural work up to 6 weeks, depending on parts availability.
What pushes the quote up
Metallic, pearl or three-stage paints add 15–30% for colour matching, and may need blending into the panels next to the repair.
Luxury and European cars often cost 50–100% more for parts. EVs and aluminium-bodied cars need specialist repairers.
Rare models may need genuine parts imported, adding cost and weeks of waiting.
Damage near seams, pillars, rails or the chassis is a safety repair and is priced accordingly.
How to keep costs honest
Get two or three written quotes and compare line-by-line — parts, paint, labour hours.
Ask whether the shop is using new OEM, aftermarket or recycled parts.
Confirm the quoted hourly rate (NZ panel shops range from $95 to $180/hr).
The fastest way to compare is to send photos to several shops at once — use our free photo quote form and pick up to 5 local panel beaters.
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to fix a small dent in NZ?+
A small dent with no paint damage usually costs NZ$150–$400 using paintless dent repair. If the paint is cracked, expect more because the panel needs painting.
How much is a bumper repair in NZ?+
Minor bumper scuffs typically cost NZ$300–$900. If the bumper needs replacing and painting, expect NZ$800–$2,500.
Should I claim on insurance for small damage?+
If the repair costs less than or close to your excess (often $400–$1,000), paying privately is usually better and protects your no-claims bonus.
Is panel beating covered by insurance?+
Yes — if you have full or third-party-fire-and-theft cover. You pay the excess and the insurer settles the rest directly with the repairer.
Why are quotes so different?+
Shops differ in hourly rate, parts sourcing (OEM vs aftermarket), and whether they include detailing, courtesy car and wheel alignment. Always compare scope, not just total.