{"id":5093,"date":"2023-12-22T17:10:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T17:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=5093"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:48:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T09:48:23","slug":"how-much-to-wrap-a-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-much-to-wrap-a-car\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost to Wrap a Car?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you tired of the same old colour of your car? Perhaps you&#8217;re all for personalisation. Or maybe you&#8217;re simply looking for a practical way to protect your car&#8217;s original paint. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In any case, you can wrap a car as an alternative to a paint job. It&#8217;s a great way to give your ride a fresh look or a dramatic modification!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>But, a question remains in your mind:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> just how much is it going to cost to wrap a car, and is it worth choosing over a new paint job?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we are going to answer all your burning questions. We&#8217;ll also provide key information on the legal aspect of car wrapping in the UK and how this might affect your car insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, let&#8217;s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Does it Cost to Wrap a Car in the UK?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let us address the main question first &#8216;How much to wrap a car&#8217; Well, the answer is, that it&#8217;s more affordable than you might think.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, you can expect to pay <\/span><b>around \u00a31,500<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But the prices can range from <\/span><b>\u00a31,000 to \u00a35,000<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on multiple factors that we are going to cover in the following section.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type and size of your vehicle, for instance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wrapping a compact car will undeniably cost less than wrapping a large SUV or a van.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of vinyl used also contributes to the final price. There&#8217;s a substantial difference in cost between standard vinyl and high-quality, premium vinyl.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The complexity of the design is another element to consider. If you&#8217;re opting for a simple, solid colour wrap, it will cost less than a detailed, intricate design.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then there&#8217;s the type of wrap. The cost varies between a full wrap and a half wrap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is Wrapping a Cheaper Option Than Repainting in the UK?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When we talk about full car paint, you&#8217;re likely looking at an average cost of <\/span><b>around \u00a32,500<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, though the price can escalate depending on the quality and colour of the paint, the labour involved, and the type of vehicle you have. The question arises, <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wrapping-your-car\/\">is it worth wrapping a car<\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The answer is, yes, wrapping can be a much more affordable option than repainting.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only is it generally cheaper to wrap a car than to respray all the paintwork, but it&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Looking for a Change?\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Bored with your current vehicle? It&#8217;s time to make a switch! Enter your car&#8217;s registration and mileage, and get an instant offer.\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Get Quote Now!<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are The Maintenance Costs After Getting a Car Wrap?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking care of a car wrap is much like maintaining car paint but with a few extra considerations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To retain the pristine appearance of your wrap, regular cleaning is essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s advisable to opt for a brushless car wash, avoiding hot wax as it can adversely affect the wrap&#8217;s finish.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you prefer a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-wash-a-car-at-home-diy-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hand wash<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, do so gently to prevent scratches or damage to the wrap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The maintenance also varies depending on the finish of the wrap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matte and textured wrap films require extra caution as their rough structure can harbour fine dust particles more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the upkeep might seem demanding, the cost is relatively minimal \u2013 consistent cleaning and gentle handling are key.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The investment in a car wrap is not just about the initial outlay but also about maintaining its vibrant look over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/best-cars-with-big-boots\/\">17 Best Cars with Big Boots<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are There any Downsides to Wrapping a Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2Fpexels-erik-mclean-5214412-scaled-1.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"wrapped luxury sports car in parking lot\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While car wrapping does offer considerable benefits, it would only be fair to discuss a few potential downsides as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your vehicle has minor dents or scratches, a car wrap won&#8217;t fill these in \u2014 the wrap is applied over the bodywork, and thus, any surface irregularities might still be noticeable post-wrap.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s aesthetics, it&#8217;s worth noting that car wraps do not provide a permanent solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They typically last anywhere <\/span><b>around 5 to 7 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on factors like the quality of the wrap, the climate, and how well it&#8217;s maintained.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, if you&#8217;re looking for a long-term colour change, a car wrap might not be the ideal solution.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I Need to Notify DVLA if I Wrap My Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you are required to notify the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/change-vehicle-details-registration-certificate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DVLA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vehicle colours are a necessary aid for the police during investigations, especially when they are tracking stolen vehicles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s essential to be clear and honest to avoid any repercussions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do I Need to Inform My Insurer About the Car Wrap?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, it&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t worry, though \u2014 it&#8217;s unlikely this will have an impact on your premium.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nonetheless, by letting your insurer know, you can ensure you don&#8217;t encounter any unnecessary complications should you need to claim in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/black-box-car-insurance-pros-and-cons\/\">Black Box Car Insurance Pros and Cons<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is It Worth Wrapping My Car?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether or not it&#8217;s worth wrapping your car largely depends on your specific needs and preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s consider a few scenarios to better understand this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you a car enthusiast who enjoys periodically changing your vehicle&#8217;s look with different colours or distinctive designs? Vehicle wrapping makes this easy and cost-effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps you&#8217;re someone seeking to refresh your car&#8217;s appearance but without the significant investment required for a full paint job. In this case, wrapping your car is an excellent alternative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s consider car resale value. Wrapping can help retain this in two ways. Firstly, it acts as a protective layer for your car&#8217;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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re a business owner considering vehicle-based advertising, then wrapping is unquestionably worth the investment. It&#8217;s a brilliant way to transform your car into a mobile billboard.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In all these scenarios, wrapping emerges as a worthwhile investment, allowing you to change your car&#8217;s appearance with ease, without the significant expense associated with repainting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re considering selling your car, why not explore options to maximise its appeal and value? With our expert advice and services, we can help you achieve the best possible outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/free-car-valuation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">free online valuation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tool to get a fair estimate of your car&#8217;s worth!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you tired of the same old colour of your car? Perhaps you&#8217;re all for personalisation. Or maybe you&#8217;re simply looking for a practical way to protect your car&#8217;s original paint. In any case, you can wrap a car as an alternative to a paint job. It&#8217;s a great way to give your ride a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":5097,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[322,1],"tags":[425,427,426],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5093"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5093"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5093\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11991,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5093\/revisions\/11991"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5093"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5093"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5093"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}