NBRA details repairer challenges

The body repair industry is ‘under a great deal of pressure from all sides’ according to the NBRA’s latest market update.

In the repairer market comment January 2022, Chris Weeks, director of the NBRA said detailed how repairers are ‘struggling’ with lead times being stretched.

He pointed to a recent survey of its members which estimates approx 100,000 damaged vehicles are currently waiting to be brought in for repairs. Across the market, driveable vehicles are taking over five weeks longer to get booked in than they were pre-pandemic.

The note lists and details six key areas contributing to the challenges:

• Bodyshop staff shortages
• Parts shortages and delays
• Shortage of courtesy cars
• Shortage and cost of rental
• Shortage of cash (in some cases)
• Payment delays

Chris said, “I think it is fairly evident we are in the midst of this now, and we only need one severe weather event in February or March to compound the issue further.

“If you have access to network management or FNOL, the message I am being urged to share is:  Please set realistic expectations to customers at this time. Repairers are constantly being met by customers expecting in some instances to be booked in with a courtesy car in 24hrs. Right now, this is completely unrealistic.”