How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car?
Are you tired of the same old colour of your car? Perhaps you’re all for personalisation and the current shade just isn’t reflecting your aesthetic anymore. Or maybe you’re simply looking for a practical way to protect your car’s original paint from the inevitable scratches and scuffs of the road.
In any case, car wrapping is a convenient alternative to a full-blown paint job. It’s a great way to give your ride a fresh look or even a dramatic modification!
But, a question remains in your mind: just how much is it going to cost to wrap a car, and is it worth choosing over a new paint job?
In this article, we are going to answer all your burning questions. We’ll also provide key information on the legal aspect of car wrapping in the UK and how this might affect your car insurance.
So, let’s get started!
How Much Does it Cost to Wrap a Car in the UK?
Let us address the main question first ‘How much to wrap a car’ Well, the answer is, that it’s more affordable than you might think.
On average, you can expect to pay around £1,500. But the prices can range from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on multiple factors that we are going to cover in the following section.
The type and size of your vehicle, for instance.
Wrapping a compact car will undeniably cost less than wrapping a large SUV or a van.
The type of vinyl used also contributes to the final price. There’s a substantial difference in cost between standard vinyl and high-quality, premium vinyl.
The complexity of the design is another element to consider. If you’re opting for a simple, solid colour wrap, it will cost less than a detailed, intricate design.
Then there’s the type of wrap. The cost varies between a full wrap and a half wrap.
For businesses looking for a mobile advertising solution, specially tailored graphics can be an excellent choice. However, these designs have the added cost of not just printing but also designing to fit perfectly onto your vehicle.
Moreover, the range of wrap finishes has expanded significantly over recent years, and new innovations are continuously emerging. From matte, gloss, and metallic finishes to different textures, the choices are abundant and can influence the cost.
We advise you to get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision. This will give you a clear idea of the cost and help you choose the most cost-effective solution.
Is Wrapping a Cheaper Option Than Repainting in the UK?
When we talk about full car paint, you’re likely looking at an average cost of around £2,500, though the price can escalate depending upon the quality and colour of the paint, the labour involved, and the type of vehicle you have.
So yes, wrapping can be a much more affordable option than repainting.
Not only is it generally cheaper to wrap a car than to respray all the paintwork, but it’s also a less time-consuming process. Technicians typically only need a few days to fully wrap a car, while a full respray could take weeks.
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What Are The Maintenance Costs After Getting a Car Wrap?
Taking care of a car wrap is much like maintaining car paint but with a few extra considerations.
To retain the pristine appearance of your wrap, regular cleaning is essential.
It’s advisable to opt for a brushless car wash, avoiding hot wax as it can adversely affect the wrap’s finish.
If you prefer a hand wash, do so gently to prevent scratches or damage to the wrap.
The maintenance also varies depending on the finish of the wrap.
Matte and textured wrap films require extra caution as their rough structure can harbour fine dust particles more easily.
It’s crucial to clean these surfaces more frequently and meticulously to prevent the dust from embedding into the texture, which can dull the overall look.
While the upkeep might seem demanding, the cost is relatively minimal – consistent cleaning and gentle handling are key.
The investment in a car wrap is not just about the initial outlay but also about maintaining its vibrant look over time.
Also Read: 17 Best Cars with Big Boots
Are There any Downsides to Wrapping a Car?
While car wrapping does offer considerable benefits, it would only be fair to discuss a few potential downsides as well.
If your vehicle has minor dents or scratches, a car wrap won’t fill these in — the wrap is applied over the bodywork, and thus, any surface irregularities might still be noticeable post-wrap.
Another point to bear in mind is the temporary nature of car wraps. While this characteristic is often seen as a benefit, especially for those who enjoy regularly changing their car’s aesthetics, it’s worth noting that car wraps do not provide a permanent solution.
They typically last anywhere around 5 to 7 years, depending on factors like the quality of the wrap, the climate, and how well it’s maintained.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a long-term colour change, a car wrap might not be the ideal solution.
Do I Need to Notify DVLA if I Wrap My Car?
Yes, you are required to notify the DVLA if you decide to wrap your car. In the past, a car wrap was considered a trivial amendment. However, from 2017 onward, any such modification applied to a car has been recognised as a permanent change by DVLA.
This is because the police use DVLA data to assist them in their operations, making it crucial that the information provided by vehicle owners is accurate and updated.
Vehicle colours are a necessary aid for the police during investigations, especially when they are tracking stolen vehicles.
If you fail to declare a vinyl wrap colour change, it could hinder their work. This can potentially land you in trouble with the DVLA, so it’s essential to be clear and honest to avoid any repercussions.
Do I Need to Inform My Insurer About the Car Wrap?
Yes, it’s essential to inform your insurer if you decide to wrap your car. Although it might seem like a minor aesthetic change, insurers consider this as a modification to your vehicle.
Don’t worry, though — it’s unlikely this will have an impact on your premium.
Nonetheless, by letting your insurer know, you can ensure you don’t encounter any unnecessary complications should you need to claim in the future.
Also Read: Black Box Car Insurance Pros and Cons
Is It Worth Wrapping My Car?
Whether or not it’s worth wrapping your car largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Let’s consider a few scenarios to better understand this:
- Are you a car enthusiast who enjoys periodically changing your vehicle’s look with different colours or distinctive designs? Vehicle wrapping makes this easy and cost-effective.
- Perhaps you’re someone seeking to refresh your car’s appearance but without the significant investment required for a full paint job. In this case, wrapping your car is an excellent alternative.
- Let’s consider car resale value. Wrapping can help retain this in two ways. Firstly, it acts as a protective layer for your car’s original paintwork. Secondly, if you paint your car in an unusual colour, it may not appeal to potential buyers later on. On the other hand, a wrap can be easily removed without any damage to the original paintwork.
- If you’re a business owner considering vehicle-based advertising, then wrapping is unquestionably worth the investment. It’s a brilliant way to transform your car into a mobile billboard.
In all these scenarios, wrapping emerges as a worthwhile investment, allowing you to change your car’s appearance with ease, without the significant expense associated with repainting.
We hope our blog post has answered all your questions about car wrapping. Thanks for reading! And keep exploring our blog for more informative content related to cars.
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