How Much Is a Car Door Replacement?
June 19, 2023
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Car doors don’t get spoiled quite quickly, but they actually do - especially after many years of driving the car. Asides from breaking down due to aging, car doors are also affected when there’s a collision or serious accident.
If you find yourself in any of these scenarios, depending on the severity, the solution may be to replace the affected door. So, how much is a car door replacement?
It costs around $400 to $1,500 for door replacements, depending on the number of affected doors and the type of vehicle. During the replacement, other surrounding components may need to be changed too.
But if you have insurance coverage, you may not be paying a dime for car door replacement after a collision. This article will discuss everything you need to know about changing your car doors, including the factors that will affect the cost.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How Much Is a Car Door Replacement?
There are variables that affect the cost of car door replacement. The price is not the same everywhere. Sometimes, you do not need to replace the door. Most likely, you will only need to repair it and repaint the affected area.
Repairing your car door that got hit by another vehicle would be cheaper than replacing the door entirely.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacing a Car Door
1. Type of Vehicle or Door
The type of vehicle you’re changing the door on will play a huge role in determining how much you’d pay for the service.
Apparently, it costs more to replace sliding doors, as seen in vans and buses. Also, if you’re driving a convertible, the cost of replacing its door is seemingly high due to the architecture.
2. Extent of Damage
The level of damage on the door will also determine the cost of its replacement. Yes, you’re replacing the complete door, but if the area around the door was also affected by the collision – or whatever made the door damaged - you’d need to repair that place too, which would mean additional cost.
If there are other places that got damaged too, such as the windows, they’d all add up to increase the final amount you’d pay for the repair. In fact, this is the major factor that determines how much a car door replacement would cost.
3. The Body Shop or Dealership
Where you are getting the job done is another major decider of the cost of service. There’s no doubt that body shops and dealerships charge quite high for different auto services. But then, you may get it done cheaper at a body shop than at a dealership. Some mechanics workshops may charge you even lower.
Labor costs for car door replacement stand at an average of $200 to $500, depending on the body shop, dealership, or workshop you’re getting it done; these costs are calculated per hour, and it takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete a door replacement job. So, you should check multiple places and pick the best price offers.
Is Changing a Car Door Complex?
Depending on the level of damage, some wiring connections in the door region may be affected, which means the connections need to be rewired. Changing a car door can be a simple task or a complex one depending on many variables. But notwithstanding, you shouldn’t do the replacement yourself – you should have a professional handle it.
There are many accessories and controls that are added to the door of most modern vehicles; if you’re having such doors replaced, you must be careful not to bridge the connection of those accessories and features. It’s quite a big task to replace a car door, and as such, it requires the utmost professionalism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a car door panel?
It all depends on the type of door panel you will buy and the brand that makes it. Other variables could affect the final cost, such as the quantity (if you're purchasing a set), the vehicle type, and the labor cost of installing the new panel. Expect to pay around $100 to $300 for the panel and an additional $40 to $100 for labor.
How long does it take to replace a car door?
The average time is two hours, but it could get to three hours or more if you’re replacing all doors in your car or if there are other fixes to be done on the car. Some professionals may finish it all in one hour if the door panels have already been bought and delivered to them.
Can I replace a car door myself?
Well, that depends on the type of car you have. You can do it yourself when you drive a regular car, but if it’s a luxury car or an EV, you may not really get it right because there is a lot of wiring to be done during and after the installation.
Posted in Car Buying Tips, Car Troubleshooting |