Crash test 'reveals £2bn cost to motorists'

Posted :11-12-2007

Accident repair costs are increased by more than £2 billion each year in the UK due to flimsy front and rear bumpers, according to a car insurance research firm.

The Thatcham insurance research centre crash tested ten popular models of bumper and found that impact at only 6mph could cause enough expensive damage to write off the vehicle or reduce it to state that it was not economically viable to repair.

Only one bumper in the test achieved a rating of "good", which equated to repair costs of less than £350 in a 6mph collision.

As such, the firm has called for a universal minimum standard for bumper strength.

Commenting, a spokesperson for the firm said: "It is time manufacturers addressed this issue and fitted vehicles with bumpers that bump.

"Not only would it knock more than £2 billion from British bills, it would have a hugely beneficial impact on the environment with thousands of cars avoiding being written off."

Thatcham provides a range of products and services to the car insurance and motor repair industry.


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