Auto body repair & detailing: Bumper Repair, plastic retainers, color accuracy

Question
Recently, while I was at college in class, someone backed into my car and didn't leave a note or anything.  The damage is a whole in the front of the bumper, minor hood damage.  Is it possible for me to buy a new front bumper, have it painted, and install it?  What would it entail?
Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi John,

It depends on the color and how well you want it to match. Usually a body shop need the entire car while painting the bumper to ensure color accuracy. If your not worried too much about color match just go to your local body shop and have them order you a bumper and when they get it have them paint it with the color code of your paint that comes off you car. You can then take your car to them to have them put it on or you could pick it up and put it on yourself. Usually they are just held on by a few small bolts and some plastic retainers. Good luck with it.