
Paying for car repairs that are not covered by insurance
Car insurance comes in handy when you’re in an accident and your vehicle gets damaged or totaled. However, some car insurance policies don’t cover the full cost of car repairs after a crash. If you don’t carry collision or comprehensive coverage, or if your policy limits are too low, you might have to pay for part of the repairs out-of-pocket.
Key takeaways
Auto repair data and statistics
The auto repair and maintenance industry is growing fast. Here are some statistics about the industry and the cost of car repairs in the U.S.
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In 2021, the global automotive repair and maintenance market reached a value of almost $750.8 billion. (ResearchAndMarkets.com)
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By 2026, the car repair and maintenance market is expected to reach a valuation of $1,237.5 billion. (ResearchAndMarkets.com)
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34% of vehicle owners prefer to take their cars to the dealership for servicing, rather than a third-party auto body shop. (Cox Automotive)
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Electric vehicles are twice as expensive to repair as gas-powered cars. (WePredict)
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75% of premium car brands have repair costs that are more expensive than the industry average. (WePredict)
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The average cost of car repairs is between $500 and $600. (AAA)
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Drivers spend roughly 9.55¢ per mile on repairs, maintenance, and tires each year. (AAA)
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Honda is the cheapest non-premium car brand to service and Acura is the cheapest premium brand to service. (WePredict)
If you get into an accident or have another auto insurance claim, the cost of repairs could be significant. The table below includes some common car repair types and the average cost.
Repair Type |
Average Cost |
---|---|
Engine replacement |
$1,000 to $7,500 |
Suspension damage |
$1,000 to $5,000 |
Airbag replacement |
$1,000 to $1,500 (per bag) |
Frame damage |
$600 to $10,000 |
Windshield replacement |
$250 |