Auto Repair: Bills Have Soared by 25% Since 2020

The cost of automotive repairs continues to rise. According to the SRA observatory, the average bill after an accident has increased by another 4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. Behind this figure lies an expense that many drivers overlook.

When an accident occurs, insurance covers the vehicle repairs, provided the driver has comprehensive coverage. However, a deductible of several hundred euros remains to be paid. The unpleasant surprise often comes at the worst moment, leading to a recurring question: who pays the deductible in the event of a responsible accident? An auto insurance supplement like Roole can reimburse this remaining cost upon presentation of receipts.

Repairs Continue to Get More Expensive in 2026

The trend is established. Since 2020, the average cost of a repair after a claim has risen by 25.7%, according to the annual SRA observatory. Spare parts are driving the bill higher: they account for more than half of the total cost (52.3%), followed by labor (37.3%) and paint (10.4%). And all three categories are still increasing!

The use of second-hand parts helps somewhat. It now concerns more than one in five repairs, but it is not enough to reverse the trend: we are now replacing more than we are repairing, with nearly three out of four damaged parts being replaced rather than restored. Decision Atelier speaks of inflation that shows no signs of slowing down.

Cars are becoming more complex, and this comes at a price. Recent models packed with electronics account for an increasing share of claims, pushing the average cost higher. Additionally, manufacturer prices are the primary driver of this increase, far ahead of hourly rates and paint costs. Most brands implement two to three price hikes in the same year, totaling nearly 6%.

Why Does the Bill Rise with Every Accident?

Behind a simple bumper now lie sensors, radars, and cameras for driver assistance. After a collision, even a minor one, all this equipment often needs to be recalibrated, a process charged by the hour. Replacing a bumper may also involve adjusting a radar, checking a camera, and a bench test. Ten years ago, you would just screw in a part, and that was it.

A headlight assembly cost 486 euros in 2019. By 2024, it costs 827 euros, a 70% increase in five years according to the SRA, due to LED light signatures and integrated daytime running lights. On some models, the total cost of all lights exceeds 5,000 euros! This is a significant item on the bill after an accident.

The total also varies depending on the type of engine; a hybrid is 15.7% more expensive to repair than average, while an electric vehicle is 14.3% more expensive, according to the SRA. The area affected also plays a role: nearly one in two collisions involves the front, where radars, cameras, and expensive optics are concentrated. One in three affects the rear.

Everyone is feeling this inflation, with the responsible driver bearing a bit more than others: in addition to the deductible, there is also the penalty for the following year. It’s important to know what your insurance policy really covers before an accident occurs.