·         Over 19 million drivers have not repaired damage to their vehicles for more than a month

·         Drivers are most likely to hold off on bodywork repairs, but nearly six million have delayed repairing brakes

·         Two-thirds of mechanics say they see cars every week where repairs have been left too long

·         Ignoring minor issues can cost drivers up to £5,000

New research from Churchill Motor Insurance¹ reveals over the past five years 19.2 million drivers (46 per cent) have ignored necessary repairs to their vehicles for more than a month, costing them an average of £560 – the equivalent of £10.7 billion.

A third of drivers (13 million or 32 per cent) admitted to leaving damage to bodywork for more than a month, with five million not repairing it for more than a year.

Alarmingly, it’s not just cosmetic issues being left - nearly six million have waited to sort out problems with their brakes and the average time taken to repair the issue was over two-and-a-half months.

Further research with mechanics² revealed motorists knowingly driving with damage is an issue they deal with regularly – two-thirds (67 per cent) of those questioned said they repair vehicles every week where the issue has been left longer than it should have been. Two out of five (45 per cent) say it’s a daily occurrence.

The main reason for driving with damage is that motorists believe the issue is only cosmetic, while a fifth ignore these issues because they know they can get away with it. Around 19 per cent say they cannot afford repairs, while lockdown and a lack of time were also contributing factors.

 

Table one: The top five reasons for driving with damage

Reason for not tending to the issue	Share of drivers who waited over a month to repair damage
The problem was only cosmetic	33 per cent
I knew I could get away with driving it despite the damage	20 per cent
I couldn’t afford fix it	19 per cent
I’ve not been using my car as much during lockdown	14 per cent
I didn’t have time to get the problem fixed	14 per cent

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance 2021

 

Nicholas Mantel, Head of Motor Insurance for Churchill, said: “We understand the reasons drivers do not immediately get bumps and scrapes to bodywork repaired as they are probably seen as minor issues and can be expensive to repair. However, minor issues can quickly become major if they are not dealt with. Engine noises which could be sorted out with a £10 engine oil replacement could amount to needing a new engine, costing thousands if ignored for too long for example.

“The research also highlights how drivers are not taking problems with car brakes seriously. Brake failure can lead to road traffic accidents and drivers are putting themselves and the public at high risk. While we sympathise with car owners, we recommend tending to even the small issues as quickly as possible, not only to save money and avoid a bigger bill in the future, but also to avoid road accidents or injury.”

Table two: How bad could it get?³

Type of repair	Estimated cost to have it fixed straight away	Potential cost if the repair is delayed
Hand brake sticking	£100	£324
Paint damage	£15	£102
Engine noises	£10	£5,000
Windscreen crack	£189	£250
Wheel bearing	£300	£800
Brake pads	£252	£450
Overheating	£60	£1,000
Low tyre pressure	£2	£100
Slow punctures	£100	£900

Source: Churchill Motor Insurance 2021

Mechanics in Leicester, Newcastle and Bristol cited the highest volume of possible long-term issues with half of the garages contacted in the cities saying they see cars with repairs that have been left too long every single day.

                                                                        ENDS

Notes to Editor

¹          Consumer omnibus research commissioned with Opinium among 2,002 UK adults between 23^rd and 26^th March 2021

²          Phone research conducted among 100 professional mechanics across the UK in March 2021

³          Churchill research on typical repair costs, taking cost estimates from various online sources. Selecting the types of issues based on online profession views of typical issues which will cause more damage if left. Comparing the typical cost of small issues such as replacing a wheel bearing and comparing the typical cost of the potential resultant damage such as replacing the wheel.

For further information please contact:

Hayley Saunders
Churchill PR Manager

Tel: 07814269915

Email: [email protected]

Samantha Stewart

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 025 6497

Email: [email protected] 

 

Churchill

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Churchill and U K Insurance Limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.  

Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0300 200 300 or visiting www.churchill.com