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
Paintless dent removal: NZ$150–$450 per panel for hail or trolley dings with intact paint.
Bumper scuff respray: NZ$650–$1,200 for a single bumper, blended into adjacent panels.
Full panel replacement (door or guard): NZ$1,800–$3,500 including parts, paint and labour.
Structural / chassis repair after a major collision: NZ$5,000–$15,000+ depending on age and make.
What pushes the quote up
Metallic, pearl or three-stage paints add 15–30% for colour matching.
European cars (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) and EVs (Tesla, Polestar) carry OEM parts and certification premiums.
Aluminium-bodied vehicles need a separate clean-room bay — only OEM-approved shops in NZ can legally repair them under warranty.
How to keep costs honest
Get two 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).
Frequently asked
Is panel beating covered by insurance?+
Yes — if you have full or third-party-fire-and-theft cover. You pay the excess (typically $400–$1,000) 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.