You might already be aware that many industries are currently dealing with shortages, delays, and interruptions to their service due to ongoing global supply issues.
The motor vehicle repair industry is no exception, so we wanted to outline the current challenges faced by RSA Motability (RSAM) and their repairers. Read this article to learn why any insurance repairs your vehicle needs may take slightly longer than have done in the past.
Why could my repairs take longer?
The main issues affecting the vehicle repair industry are a shortage of replacement parts and reduced workshop capacity.
Did you know?
You can now easily see the details of your insurance cover and manage your named drivers in the ‘Insurance cover’ section of your Motability Scheme online account, saving you a call to RSAM.
Shortages of key components such as semiconductors (or ‘chips’) and certain raw materials mean that there are fewer parts available for repairers. Many parts that would previously have been available in just a few days are now taking much longer to arrive, and some are simply unavailable until more can be manufactured.
This means that vehicles are staying in workshops for much longer and, as a result, there’s less space available for new vehicles that need repairs. With so many workshops at full capacity, vehicles sometimes need to be put in storage for a while before they can even be moved to the repairer to be inspected.
The ongoing parts shortages are also affecting new car supply, with many vehicles now taking more than six months to be delivered. Due to the lack of new cars available at this time, many vehicles that may have previously been ‘written-off’ after an accident are now being repaired instead. This means that repairs are often more complex and take more time than they used to.
All of these factors impact the number of vehicles that can be repaired and how long the repairs take. Plus, an industry-wide lack of technicians means there are often fewer staff than required to complete these repairs.
What happens if my repairs are delayed?
If your vehicle needs insurance repairs, RSAM and their approved repairers will communicate with you throughout your claim. They will keep you informed of the progress and let you know if any delays are likely to occur.
Please be reassured that RSAM will always aim to provide you with a temporary replacement vehicle to keep you mobile until your car is fixed, but the supply issues are also having an impact on their ability to do this.
Temporary replacement vehicles: how new car supply issues are affecting Scheme partners
If it isn’t possible to provide you with a temporary replacement vehicle for any reason, RSAM will contact you to discuss alternative arrangements.
Are glass repairs affected as well?
Autoglass, RSAM’s approved glass repairer, are not currently being affected by the ongoing parts shortages. However, they are experiencing some delays due to an increased need to recalibrate Automatic Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) following a windscreen replacement. ADAS can include things such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems, which need to be recalibrated to ensure they’re working correctly after a windscreen is replaced.
This means that customers often need to attend a fitment centre when they have glass replaced, rather than have Autoglass come to their home. With a large number of Motability Scheme vehicles fitted with ADAS features, Autoglass are working to open more centres to minimise any delays.
To book a repair to your windscreen or windows, call 0300 037 9944 or visit the Autoglass website.
Don’t forget…
The insurance cover with RSA Motability (RSAM) is all included as part of your worry-free motoring package with the Motability Scheme.
So if you have an accident or you need to make a claim, call RSAM on 0300 037 3737 as soon as possible.
Related articles
Vehicle supply issues and delayed orders: Your questions answered
Watch our video on how supply issues are impacting the Motability Scheme
