KBS - Automotive Repair - Market Insight

MARKET INSIGHT The future of the accident repair sector will be shaped by technology, demographics, and structural insurer preferences. The post-pandemic rebound has revealed underlying capacity limitations, particularly in workforce and parts availability. The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles has introduced new repair challenges that many operators are only beginning to address. Similarly, ADAS calibration is now a routine part of many repair jobs, creating additional time and equipment requirements. Insurers are concentrating repair volumes among fewer partners who can deliver national service, rapid turnaround, and digital integration. The skills gap remains a persistent issue, with few new technicians entering the trade, prompting forward-thinking operators to launch internal academies.

Digitisation continues to separate leaders from laggards, with real-time tracking, automated estimating, and integrated customer communication becoming standard.

Lastly, sustainability is no longer optional. Insurers and corporate fleets increasingly assess environmental performance, and repairers with strong ESG credentials will be better positioned to win contracts, raise capital, and command premium valuations.

The future of the accident repair sector will be shaped by technology, demographics, and structural insurer preferences.