Want To Know How Much It Costs To Wrap An SUV? Here's How You Can Get An Estimate Online

There's a lot one can do to their car, aesthetically speaking. You can install additional lighting, add bumper stickers and window clings, add a steering wheel cover, and a whole lot more. While most of these customizations can be done from the comfort of one's own driveway, others are considerably more labor-intensive and require professional help. Case in point, car wrapping, which you could do yourself, or save some time and effort by having it done by an experienced professional. Of course, the downside to this could be the price you'll have to pay.

If you have a car, or, going a bit bigger, an SUV, that you want wrapped, you don't have to go into the body shop unprepared. It's easier than it has ever been to get an estimate; this way, you're not totally blindsided by the final cost. It's easy to find websites where you can get a wrap cost estimate in a few clicks. For instance, National Car Wraps has an online calculator to deduce what you're likely to pay to have your vehicle wrapped. 3Dom Wraps also has online tools to get wrap price quotes, in addition to offering an online wrap simulator to see what your desired wrap could look like on your ride.

So many factors go into wrap pricing, as these websites and others reveal. Still, typical SUV wrap prices should be discussed; this way, you know what the average bill should look like.

No matter how you slice it, there's no one-size-fits-all price for vehicle wrapping. Not for SUVs or any other type of four-wheeled ride, for that matter, because numerous factors influence the cost of the job. The business you're going to for the job might simply offer higher rates than others, the wrap being full or partial could play into the price, and the size and shape of the vehicle could play a role, too. That's why it's worth going into such a cosmetic investment as knowledgeable as possible, having researched the likely cost of the service beforehand.

Estimation calculators aside, there is a typical price range for SUV wrapping to be aware of — and it's not a small amount of money, no matter the case. According to Kelley Blue Book, on a compact or otherwise smaller SUV, you tend to pay between $3,200 and $4,500 for a full wrap. Meanwhile, the range climbs for larger SUVs, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $5,000. Though it's not impossible for your bill to go over or under these ranges, it shouldn't deviate too much. If you find one or more of the businesses you've checked with go egregiously beyond them, it's likely in your best interest to do more looking around until you find one more in line with these averages.

If you find the cost worth it and opt for an SUV wrap, you should know the impact it could have on your vehicle. For one, wraps can benefit or detract from your ride's value depending on how they turn out. As far as resale value, it's possible that a bad or poorly done wrap will decrease a vehicle's value, while a well-done, well-maintained one could improve it. In a similar vein, it's a possibility that a wrap could make a vehicle more difficult to sell. Finding the right seller who appreciates the customization can take time, and some might be hesitant if they believe the wrap is hiding cosmetic damage.

As far as insurance is concerned, you'll likely have to pay more for a yearly premium. In many cases, auto insurance providers consider wraps as forms of modification. The argument boils down to insurers considering wraps an increased risk factor for theft, as it might stand out to potential thieves. Also, some might think of it as a modification that goes against manufacturer specifications, which is thought of as a risk factor as well. Worse yet, there are several used cars that already come with outrageous insurance rates, so if you plan on wrapping one of those, your budget may need an overhaul.

Wrapping your SUV, or any car for that matter, is a fun aesthetic change that can make your ride stand out. If you find that the cost is worth it to you, there's no shame in going for it. Just know that there are some downsides that alone could make you think twice about giving it a go.