Drivers are increasingly having to dig deeper into their pockets for repairs and maintenance. Technical complexity, rising workshop wages and more expensive spare parts are driving up costs.
Complex vehicle technology increases costs
Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors, assistance systems and complex electronics. If damage occurs, entire modules often have to be replaced instead of individual parts. LED headlights, camera systems and other components drive up material costs. Recalibrating the cameras of assistance systems, for example after installing a new windshield, is expensive, as the ADAC reports.
Higher hourly billing rates and spare parts prices
Labor costs in workshops are rising significantly: mechanics, electrical and body work are over 200 euros per hour, painting work is even higher. At the same time, spare parts are becoming more expensive due to electronic components and raw material costs. “While the consumer price index rose by around 20 percent from 2017 to 2023, workshops and paint shops increased their hourly rates by around 40 percent in the same period,” describes Jörg Asmussen, general manager of the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV), to the Tagesschau. According to KFZmobile.de, the reason is the shortage of skilled workers: there will be a shortage of over 20,000 automotive mechatronics technicians in Germany by 2025.
Fewer repairs, higher average costs
As workshop visits become more expensive, many owners only have the bare essentials repaired. According to the DAT Report 2026, the number of maintenance has fallen, but the expenditure on repairs and maintenance is significantly above the level of 2020. “Most people only have the essentials repaired, ask friends for support or specifically look for workshops that offer certain repairs at a cheaper price,” said Uta Heller and Martin Endlein, authors of the DAT report, in an advance report.
Impact on insurance and mobility
The rising costs are also putting a strain on vehicle insurance. Higher claims costs lead to rising premiums, meaning drivers are doubly affected. Many people therefore actively compare workshop and insurance offers in order to save costs.
“From the ADAC’s point of view, this is a financial burden for drivers that can hardly be justified. This development also leads to a worrying development for older vehicles: even minor accidents can result in total economic loss,” as the club explains on its own website.
Jennifer Vogel, editorial team at finanzen.net
