At the recent Exclusive Motor Claims Conference, hosted by I Love Claims, Chris Aplin – Head of Network Operations for our Avant Repair Network business – shared his insights on current repair industry trends and future predictions with leaders from across the insurance sector.
Below, we break down Chris’ thoughts on the key themes shaping the industry and what to expect in 2026.
Repair Data Trends
According to data from Trend Tracker, repair cycle times have steadily improved over the past two years and remained consistent throughout 2025. In August 2025, the average cycle time stood at 30 days, down from 35 days a year earlier. This is a marked improvement on 2023, when average lead time alone exceeded 30 days.
Repair costs have also stabilised. The average cost fell slightly from £3,014 in August 2024 to £2,950 in July 2025, reversing years of inflationary pressure that had driven costs upwards.
This reduction is largely due to a shift in the repair mix: fewer small cosmetic jobs and fewer large, complex repairs, with most work now sitting in the mid-sized category. This has influenced workflow, capacity planning, and insurance pricing, with higher total loss ratios changing the dynamics of the market.
Overall, the sector is regaining balance, but cost pressures remain, and insurers and fleets are keen to see greater transparency and data-driven forecasting.
The Drive for Sustainability
Sustainability is now a central focus for both insurers and repair networks. Insurers are targeting Scope 3 emissions, the indirect emissions generated across their supply chains.
Within the repair industry, the launch of the ARIES programme marks a genuine drive to create an environmental standard tailored to the unique requirements of repair. It also gives insurers a framework to recognise and support businesses that are investing in reducing their environmental impact.
Bodyshops are taking proactive steps, with growing investment in:
• Solar energy to reduce grid reliance
• Fast-drying paint systems that cut energy use
• Updated equipment designed to improve efficiency
• Digital job cards to reduce paper waste
Green parts remain a hot topic. Adoption has edged upward, with more repairers and insurers accepting them as a way to prevent total losses. However, usage still varies by insurer and customer. While the benefits are widely recognised, repairers highlight inconsistent quality, restoration requirements, and policyholder resistance as the main barriers to broader adoption.
EV Repair
The growth of electric vehicle (EV) repairs has been dramatic. Data from Gecko Risk shows that in 2019, fewer than 2,000 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) repairs were carried out per quarter. By mid-2025, that number had soared to over 30,000 per quarter, with BEVs now representing 8–10% of all repairs.
Repair networks have responded with heavy investment in training, insulated tooling, and high-voltage bays, while insurers are steering EV claims towards approved centres. As a result, more EVs are being repaired rather than written off.
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- EV repairs take longer (21 days on average) than ICE vehicles (12–13 days).
- Costs are still around 14% higher than ICE repairs, driven by advanced sensors, electronics, and additional labour for safe handling of high-voltage systems.
- Prestige EVs such as Tesla and BMW drive up average claim costs, while mainstream brands like Peugeot and Renault offer more manageable repair economics.
- The market is shifting: Tesla remains dominant, but new entrants like BYD are bringing more affordable EVs, while some traditional OEMs lag in adoption.
Predictions for 2026
Looking ahead, several dynamics will shape the repair landscape:
- Cycle times are expected to remain stable, with potential for slight improvements as capacity increases.
- Parts costs remain uncertain, with tariffs and global supply chain pressures potentially pushing prices higher.
- EV claims volumes will continue to rise, and repairers are investing heavily in training and equipment. However, battery systems remain a major challenge, with complexity and lack of repairability driving higher total loss rates.
- Market consolidation will continue, with some smaller repairers closing due to lower claims volumes and the need for investment in EV capability and sustainability.
- Sustainability will move further up the agenda. Wider adoption of the ARIES programme and stronger focus on emissions reduction will be expected, while insurers demand not only efficiency and cost control, but also demonstrable progress on ESG goals – a shift that is likely to favour larger, corporate repair groups.
In short, 2026 will bring continued evolution, with efficiency, capability, and sustainability at the core of how the industry develops. As Chris highlighted, the challenge – and the opportunity – lies in how repair networks adapt to these pressures. At Activate Group, we’re focused on building the skills, capacity, and sustainable practices needed to support insurers, repairers, and drivers as the market continues to transform.
To find out more about Activate Accident Repair, our owned bodyshops, and the steps we’re taking to prepare for changes in vehicle repair click here: UK-Wide Group of Auto Bodyshops for Insurers & Fleets – Activate Accident Repair
