ADAC criticizes unnecessarily high repair costs

Driving a car is becoming less and less affordable, even for those who have already navigated the financial hurdle of "driver's license" or are blessed with the grace of early birth in this regard. ADAC notes that some costs don't need to be so high, such as those for repairs. Even minor damage to modern cars is becoming increasingly expensive. Repairing small parking damage can now cost several thousand euros because of modern construction and built-in technology, which makes such repairs difficult.

Ultimately, the community of insured individuals pays for this increase in costs through ever-rising insurance premiums. Within the past three years, costs for new customers have increased by an average of about 50 percent. Car manufacturers are more interested in a lucrative spare parts market than in a repair-friendly design of their products.

Expensive Manufacturer Regulations

For a comparison, ADAC had a surveyor calculate three of the most common repairs for 21 models: minor front-left and rear-right impact damage, and a windshield replacement, as might be necessary after stone chip damage, for example.

Damage to one of the front corners is usually the most expensive, especially if the bumper and headlights need to be replaced. In the comparison, this amounted to a maximum of 7800 euros, and at best, it was just under 3100. The most expensive item is a headlight, costing up to 3300 euros, as the club found. The assumed price range extends from over 2100 to more than 5100 euros if the rear bumper needs to be replaced.

Often, even with damage that is actually inexpensive to repair, the entire part has to be replaced due to manufacturer regulations regarding parking sensors. The argument in this case is that repainting might interfere with the function of the sensors behind the plastic due to a potentially thicker layer of paint. ADAC doubts this, however, as spare parts also have to be repainted to match the car's color. Therefore, it only matters that the paint application is carried out professionally, not whether it is repainted.

The higher costs could be avoided through simpler repairs, as the association argues. A workshop is obliged to comply with manufacturer regulations unless the customer explicitly requests to deviate from them. Those who have suffered damage and whose insurance covers the repair will mostly not do so.

Calibration Labor

In the case of a potential windshield replacement, the cheapest in ADAC's test field was under 1000 euros, while the most expensive would have cost 2500 euros. Today, it's not just about the glass and installation, but also about the labor costs to recalibrate the camera for automatic high beam and lane keeping assist after replacing the windshield, at least in modern vehicles.

The conclusion drawn by the automobile club from its investigation is a demand for better repairability in the interest of insurance premiums and sustainability. As an example, ADAC cites the possibility of repairing a headlight with a new cover glass. This demand for a modular design shows that the problem is not entirely new. It dates back decades to a time when suppliers began to permanently bond the glass lenses of headlights with the reflectors.

ADAC advocates for common sense over prestige and asks to consider what is actually necessary. The club recommends simple mechanics instead of complicated electronics, such as exterior mirrors instead of cameras. It concludes: "Sensitive mechanics and electronics are destined to suffer a technical defect at some point. Electrically retractable door handles are a clear example of this. A robust pull-handle has many advantages over its electric counterpart, is technically mature and therefore lasts practically forever."

(fpi)