How Much Does ChipsAway Cost? Real 2026 Prices vs Local Alternatives
Quick answer
ChipsAway typically charges £150–£250 for a scratch repair, £180–£300 for bumper scuffs and £80–£120 per alloy wheel in 2026. Exact prices depend on the franchisee and damage size — most quotes need a home visit first. Local independents like DentDash usually quote 40–60% less for equivalent SMART repairs.
ChipsAway is the UK's best-known mobile car body repair brand, so it's the first quote most people get. The honest answer to "how much does ChipsAway cost?" is: it varies a lot, because every job is priced individually by the local franchisee after a free inspection at your home.
This guide breaks down the typical 2026 price ranges ChipsAway customers report, what drives the price up or down, and how those numbers compare to the local independent rates you'll see in Devon and Somerset.
Typical ChipsAway prices in 2026
Based on customer reports and online forums in early 2026, ChipsAway pricing falls roughly in these bands:
- Minor scratch (single panel, paintwork only): £150 – £200
- Deeper scratch (down to primer or metal): £200 – £280
- Bumper scuff or scrape: £180 – £280
- Cracked or split bumper: £280 – £400+
- Small parking dent (PDR): £120 – £180
- Larger dent with paint damage: £200 – £350
- Alloy wheel kerb damage: £80 – £120 per wheel
- Full alloy refurbishment: £100 – £150 per wheel
ChipsAway's free quote process is an on-site visit: a local franchisee inspects the damage, gives you a written quote, then books the work for another day if you accept.
Why ChipsAway can feel expensive
Three things push ChipsAway prices above local independent SMART repair quotes:
- Franchise fees. Every ChipsAway operator pays the head office a percentage of every job — that's baked into your quote.
- National marketing overhead. The TV ads, Google ads and call centre have to be paid for.
- Two-trip model. One visit to quote, another to repair — that's twice the travel time per job, which is reflected in price.
None of that makes ChipsAway "bad" — they're a reputable national brand. But it does mean a smaller local operator can usually beat their price for the same SMART repair.
How DentDash prices compare in Devon
For drivers in Tiverton, Exeter, Cullompton, Crediton and the rest of Mid Devon, DentDash quotes typically come in well below ChipsAway:
- Car scratch repair from £80
- Paintless dent removal from £80
- Bumper repair from £120
- Alloy wheel restoration from £60 per wheel
DentDash quotes are done from a WhatsApp photo — no home visit needed — and the vehicle is collected and returned, so most customers never have to be at home for the work.
For a full feature-by-feature breakdown, see our DentDash vs ChipsAway comparison.
Why local Devon drivers pick DentDash
- Free WhatsApp quotes — no home visit required to get a price
- 40 years of professional SMART repair experience
- Collection and return included at no extra charge
- Open 7 days a week, 7am to 8pm
- 5.0-star Google rating with 27+ reviews
People also ask
Is ChipsAway cheaper than a body shop?
Yes, generally. ChipsAway is usually 20–40% cheaper than a traditional body shop because the repair is localised (SMART repair) rather than a full panel respray. But a local independent SMART repairer is normally cheaper still, by another 30–50%.
Does ChipsAway negotiate on price?
Sometimes. Individual franchisees set their own pricing and may match a competing quote to win the job. It's worth getting a second quote from a local independent like DentDash before booking.
Do ChipsAway prices include VAT?
Most ChipsAway franchisees are VAT-registered, so their quoted price is inclusive of VAT. Always check on the written quote — independent repairers operating below the VAT threshold can be cheaper for that reason too.
Is mobile repair as good quality as a body shop respray?
For localised damage (scratches, dents, bumper scuffs, alloy kerbs) SMART repair uses the same paint and materials and matches body shop quality. It's not appropriate for large-panel respraying or structural damage — for that, you need a full body shop.
Can DentDash quote me without coming to my house?
Yes. WhatsApp a couple of photos of the damage to 07572 114436 and you'll get an accurate quote back, usually within an hour. No home visit needed.
Want a real price for your damage? WhatsApp a photo to 07572 114436 for a free quote in under an hour.
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