I’ve been working in the motor industry for around a year now and with a fresh perspective, it’s clear that some of the challenges faced within the industry are eye-opening!

1. Firstly, it’s become clear that not all insurance companies have their customers’ best interests at heart. Since joining CARS, I’ve realised that many (but not all) insurance companies rely on their customers not being educated about what to do when making a claim on their car insurance. For example, insurers have agreed labour rates and work methods with their approved garages, so they try and direct policyholders to take their vehicles to one of these garages. This may place the customer at a disadvantage, especially if the garage uses second-hand or non-genuine parts.
   
   In reality, the customer has the right to take their vehicle to any garage they choose! Unfortunately, not many people actually know this, which is why we are pushing to make this a more widely known fact!
   
   
2. That leads me onto my next point… not all garages will fit new and genuine parts to your vehicle! In my opinion, it should go without saying that safety is paramount during a repair. However, this may become compromised if second-hand or used parts are fitted. To avoid this, you should always ask prior to booking your vehicle in at any garage!
   
   It’s worth noting that if you choose a non-approved repairer (like CARS of Grimsby), the repairer will have the option to fit new and genuine parts, as they are not under any contract with the insurer to use second-hand or non-genuine parts.
   
   
3. Small bumps and scrapes aren’t actually as small as you might think. Like many people, I used to assume that minor damage only required a minor fix! It’s since become clear that what looks like small damage may result in damage that’s a lot more sinister. For example, there may be Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) components, such as sensors, which compromise your vehicle’s ability to use adaptive cruise control. These very sensors could be housed right where your bumper has a small dent. Before you know it, you need to replace a full bumper.
   
   Regardless, safety should always be the most important aspect of the repair.
   
   
4. You must keep up with technological advancements in the motor industry. From electric and hybrid vehicles to autonomous driving technology, there's a constant push for innovation and adaptation to new technologies. Therefore, it’s extremely important that repairers continue to invest in the training and development of their employees, alongside consistent upgrades to equipment. For example, at CARS, our team members have regular ADAS training to ensure they can repair almost any vehicle that comes through our door. Unfortunately, the repairers not investing in these technologies will be able to repair less and less vehicles as time goes on.

At CARS, our aim is to educate our customers, arming them with as much knowledge as possible so they know what to do with their vehicle, should the worst happen!