Auto body repair & detailing: Rear Bumper Replacement Estimate, vw jetta, rear bumper

Question

Estimate I recently rear ended a 2002 VW Jetta.  I was not going very fast, as we were stopped at a stop light, and I accelerated because I thought the light had turned green.  We agreed that to settle this without any insurance companies, since my deductible is pretty high, and it looked to be only a small dent and a few scratches. My car had no damage at all. I recieved the attached estimate from the owner saying they need a new bumper cover and that it would cost almost $1300!!  Is this reasonable?? Does it really cost $97/hour to paint a car?? They also sent over another estimate which totalled to $1500 as it included replacing right and left absorbers??  This just seems ridiculous to me.  Any knowledge would be very very useful.  Thanks!

Answer
Call a couple local body shops and compare labor rates, their lbor rate seems really high- but I don't live in California. If it's withis a few bucks of the rate on this estimate, either turn it in to your insurance, or pay the bill. The parts and labor times seem totally in line to me. Bill