KBS - Automotive Repair - Market Insight

WHICH FACTORS DRIVE GROWTH IN THE UK AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR INDUSTRY?

Several structural and market dynamics continue to fuel growth in the accident and collision repair industry. A significant driver is the rebound in vehicle use following Covid-19, which has led a resurgence in accident volumes.

ACCESS TO INSURER CONTRACTS One of the most significant growth drivers in the UK accident and collision repair industry is access to insurer contracts that require extensive regional or national coverage. Insurers increasingly prefer to work with repair networks that can offer consistent service standards, faster turnaround times, and digital claims integration across wide geographies. This has made businesses with multiple sites and broad coverage highly attractive, especially those with long-standing relationships and approved status with major insurers. Such contracts provide predictable, high-volume work streams that underpin stable revenue and encourage strategic acquisition interest.

Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair in the UK PRODUCTS & SERVICES SEGMENTATION Industry revenue in 2025 broken down by key product and service lines.

Repairs (£20.7bn)

59.4%

Car washes (£1.6bn)

4.7%

Body shop services (£4.9bn)

14.0%

Servicing and MOT tests (£7.6bn)

21.9%

EV-READY AND ADAS-CAPABLE WORKSHOPS The evolution of vehicle technology has made EV and ADAS repair capabilities critical to long-term business viability. Acquirers are actively targeting repairers who have invested in EV-trained technicians, high-voltage safety infrastructure, and specialist ADAS calibration equipment. These facilities are not only better aligned with the demands of modern vehicle repairs, but they are also more likely to meet the technical and safety standards increasingly expected by insurers, manufacturers, and fleet operators. The ability to repair technologically advanced vehicles is now a key differentiator in the marketplace.