German workshops, insurers and drivers face a fresh squeeze as the cost of car spare parts continues to climb. A new analysis by the Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) shows selected replacement‑part prices are on average more than 80% higher than in 2016 — a development that pushed the average cost of a passenger‑car claim to roughly €4,600 and is forcing insurers to absorb rising repair bills. The trend matters to motorists, dealers and workshops across Germany and Austria because higher parts prices raise repair bills, insurance payouts and waiting times for serviced vehicles.
What the GDV data says
The GDV media information (updated 29 October 2026) reports that replacement‑part prices rose about 5.6% in the most recent year and have climbed by roughly 82–83% since 2016 for the parts sample the association analysed. Work‑hour rates at workshops increased by about 62% between 2017 and 2025. As a result, the GDV expects insurers’ benefit payments for 2026 to rise by more than 10% to around €35 billion, while contribution income grows only modestly — producing an expected loss‑tight damage‑cost ratio of roughly 99 cents of every premium euro spent on claims and costs. GDV chief Jörg Asmussen called the increase “a key driver” of higher claim costs.
How workshops, drivers and Austria are affected
Workshops increasingly report that visible body parts, electronics and complete modules are being replaced rather than repaired — a factor that amplifies parts bills. German broadcasters and consumer programmes have documented longer waits when specific parts are unavailable and sharper retail prices at manufacturer channels; consumer groups and clubs say independent repair options are under pressure. The ADAC and regional consumer reporting have repeatedly logged cases where customers wait weeks for parts or are quoted high prices when only original manufacturer components are acceptable for insurance claims.
