Explanation: "Fender" is the car body part that is right above the tire. "Bender" is derived from bend. Since the fender is a small part compared to the hood and door, and bend is not as bad as break or crack, combining these two indicates that the accident is very small. Like a small dent or scratch.
I got into a small accident. It was just a fender-bender.
I got into a fender bender in the parking lot.
I can’t believe the damage is going to cost me 800 bucks. It was just a fender bender.
A:
I got into a car accident.
B:
That sucks. You didn’t get hurt did you?
A:
No. It was just a fender bender.
Other Common Sentences
It was a small accident.
I rear ended him, but luckily there was no damage.