In San Diego Collision Center & Repair Miramar’s two decades of performing auto body repairs – except for low-volume foreign cars – it would typically take a day (or no more than a week) to get car parts for most makes. Now in winter 2022, it sometimes takes weeks or months to get parts even for popular models from volume leaders such as Ford, Honda, or Toyota.
During the earlier part of the pandemic, there were manufacturing delays stemming from shuttered factories, both domestically and internationally. Lately, ships in California are waiting to be unloaded with auto parts coming from overseas. Throughout the country, trucks are experiencing labor shortages or the cost of container shipment has quintupled. Chip production has impacted new auto production, but shortages of other parts, especially headlights, hoods and bumpers have slowed collision repair shops.
When owners and insurers approve, we can pivot from OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to aftermarket parts – but there are shortages there, too. Salvaged parts are theoretically possible, but even less likely to match. In late January, we began repairing a 2019 Acura RDX which needed the tailgate replaced. Normally this piece would cost $1,500 new. The insurance provider has finally authorized us to review a used replacement for $3,000 next week.
For safety items, such as electronics or airbags, there may be no allowable substitutes. We began working on a 2018 Volvo XC90 on February 10th. It took 10 days to get the bumper and brackets. Since the seat belt was backordered, safety protocols required us to wait. After 3 weeks, we received the last item and were able to reconnect the electronic monitor supplemental restraint.
Shops are facing similar challenges nationwide, so going out of the region is not an option either. If we can let a car go out safely, we could release it to complete the balance of the job later. If we know ahead of time of a particular shortage, we could order the part ahead of time or schedule the repair for a later date. If the car is not drivable, then that solution is not plausible for drivers. That could become a problem for drivers whose insurers limit car rentals to 30 days.
With shelter-in-place protocols, daily trips dropped from 3.7 in February 2020 to 2.2 in April 2020 before rebounding to 3.3 in October 2020. Despite fewer cars on the road, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently estimated 38,680 motor vehicle fatalities in 2020 — an increase of 7.2% compared to 2019 and the largest fatalities since 2007. Possibly the mix of drivers’ age or mentality has changed. Gen Z consumers who were moving away from car ownership have begun to change their minds – possibly related to mass transit concerns. In New York City, April 2020 MTA ridership was reported at just 8.3% of what it was in April 2019 – although ridership has since rebounded for the subway system.
San Diego Collision Center Bumber Repair
Yesterday, we quoted a repair estimate for a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The right front fender, hood, and front bumper cover all must be replaced – but at least one of the parts has “no release date” for fulfillment. There is no immediate end in sight to the parts shortage. Customers must be patient; body shops must be creative, and insurers must be flexible. If you get in a crash now, the wait for parts to repair could take months. So be extra careful driving out there. Give yourself more time to get to your destination. If the cost of claims is driven higher due to an increase in the cost of parts, your insurance premiums could suffer.
So, be aware of the many different types of situations that can lead to your vehicle needing auto body repairs . Avoid dangerous weather conditions – rain, snow, or ice. Stick to familiar, well-lit routes when possible. Slow down. Protect yourself, your wallet, and your ride considering the current environment. If all these measures fail and you do find yourself in an accident, be sure to call a top-rated shop. San Diego Collision Center & Repair Miramar