How much does it cost to repair a car sill?

Car sills are often-overlooked parts of your vehicle, yet damage can be both unsightly and costly. Car sill damage repair costs can range from £80 to over £600.

From minor scratches along the bottom of your car to rusted or dented panels, knowing the typical repair costs and options helps you make informed decisions.

This guide covers everything you need to know about car sill repairs in the UK.

How much does a car sill repair cost?

Car sill repair costs for minor scratches or dents typically range from £80 to £200, while more extensive rust removal or panel replacement can cost £250 to £600+.

If the car's damage is more severe, you’ll likely have to pay more. The same goes for a full replacement rather than a partial one.

Luxury or high-end cars may also have higher car sill costs. However, you can use car repair finance to split any car sill repair costs into interest-free repayments.

Here’s an estimate of car sill repair costs in 2026.

Can car sills be replaced?

Yes. Sills can be replaced rather than touched up if the metal is severely corroded or structurally compromised.

Replacement involves removing the old sill, preparing the area, fitting the new panel, and repainting it to match the rest of the car.

What are sills on a car?

Car sills are the sections of the body located at the bottom of the door openings, running along the length of the car.

While very important, many drivers don’t know the proper name for this part!

Sills provide structural support and help protect the chassis from damage. They also contribute to the vehicle’s overall stability.

When does a sill need replacing?

A sill typically needs replacing if rust has eaten through the metal or if it’s bent from an impact. Replacements are also needed if structural integrity is compromised.

On the other hand, small dents or superficial scratches usually only require repair and repainting.

How long does it take to repair a sill?

Repair times depend on the type of sill work needed.

Average times usually take:

• Minor scratch or dent repair takes 1 to 2 hours

• Rust treatment and repaint usually takes 2 to 4 hours

• A full sill replacement can take 1 to 2 days

More extensive jobs may require additional time for paint drying and curing. In these cases, your mechanic will give you an estimated finish time.

Are sill plates structural?

Yes, car sills play a very important structural role. They contribute to chassis strength and help protect occupants in side-impact crashes.

While cosmetic damage may not affect safety, significant rust or bent panels can compromise structural integrity, making timely repair or replacement essential.

If left unchecked, you may end up with costly repairs in the future.

Is it worth claiming car insurance for a sill scratch?

Whether to claim depends on the repair cost and your policy excess.

Minor scratches may cost less than your excess, so it might be more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.

Remember that comprehensive insurance may cover damage caused by accidents or vandalism, so sill damage from wear and tear won’t be covered. Always check your policy details.

How to prevent future sill damage

Preventing sill damage involves regular inspection and maintenance.

Here are some prevention habits you can adopt to keep your sills protected against wear and tear:

• Wash and wax the car regularly to prevent corrosion

• Check sills for scratches or chips and repair them promptly

• Avoid parking close to curbs or obstacles that can dent the sills

• Consider protective sill guards if you frequently load heavy items

Last thoughts

Car sill damage can be more than just a cosmetic issue, so don’t delay looking into this integral car part.

Early attention to scratches or rust prevents costly replacements and preserves the structural integrity of your vehicle. Hopefully, the car sill damage repair cost information on this page has given you a starting point for your repair!

Split the cost with Bumper

From minor dents to major panel replacement, a car repair loan can split the mechanic cost into interest-free repayments.

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.