The German automotive repair industry is sounding the alarm over what it describes as increasing pressure from insurance companies to dictate the use of used parts in vehicle repairs. Concerns center on potential compromises to repair quality, safety and the professional autonomy of workshops. The warnings came during the Deutscher Autorechtstag 2026, a key industry event held in Bonn on March 16th and 17th, according to statements released by the Zentralverband Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe (ZDK) and the Zentralverband Karosserie- und Fahrzeugtechnik (ZKF).
The core of the dispute lies in the growing trend of insurers pushing for the use of used parts – particularly for bodywork – as a cost-saving measure. While the industry acknowledges the potential benefits of using refurbished components from a sustainability perspective, representatives argue that prioritizing cost over technical standards risks undermining the integrity of repairs and potentially jeopardizing road safety. This isn’t simply a matter of economics; it’s about maintaining the high standards German automotive repair is known for globally. The ZDK and ZKF are urging policymakers to intervene and establish clear regulations to protect both workshops and consumers.
The debate highlights a broader tension between the drive for sustainability and the need to ensure quality and safety in the automotive repair sector. The use of used parts, when properly vetted and installed, can contribute to resource conservation and reduce waste. Yet, the industry insists that the decision to use such parts must remain with qualified repair professionals, who are ultimately responsible for the quality, safety, and warranty of the operate performed. The potential for hidden damage, inadequate refurbishment, and improper installation are key concerns raised by the ZDK and ZKF.
Insurance Influence and Repair Quality: A Growing Concern
According to Thomas Peckruhn, President of the ZDK, the fundamental principle at stake is the independence of the repair process. “It must not be the case that insurers dictate which parts are used in a repair,” Peckruhn stated. “The decision about the appropriate parts must lie with the qualified specialists – because they bear the responsibility for repair quality, road safety, and warranty.” The ZDK’s press release emphasizes that economic interests should not supersede technical standards, and that the quality of a vehicle repair is the responsibility of the automotive trade, not the insurance company’s cost calculations.
The concerns extend beyond simple cost-cutting. Peter Börner, Honorary President of the ZKF, highlighted the often-underestimated complexity of refurbishing used body parts. “The preparation of used body parts is regularly underestimated,” Börner explained. “Wax residues must be removed, corrosion protection checked, and additional layers of paint applied professionally – all of this requires time, expertise, and craftsmanship.” He cautioned that if insurers attempt to bypass these crucial steps to save money, the quality of the repair and consumer protection will inevitably suffer. As reported by Autohaus, the ZKF believes that insurers often underestimate the labor and skill involved in properly preparing used parts for re-installation.
The Hidden Risks of Used Car Body Parts
A particularly worrying issue raised by the ZDK and ZKF is the potential for complications related to paint thickness. When used body parts are repaired and repainted, the resulting paint layer is often significantly thicker than the original factory finish – frequently at least double the thickness. This can create problems during subsequent vehicle inspections, such as those conducted at the end of a lease or during a vehicle valuation. Increased paint thickness can be misinterpreted as evidence of prior, substandard repairs, leading to unwarranted devaluation of the vehicle and potential disputes.
This issue isn’t merely theoretical. The industry warns that without clear standards and legal certainty, the use of used body parts could lead to financial losses for vehicle owners, increased burdens on repair shops, and a general decline in repair quality. The lack of transparency surrounding the origin and refurbishment process of used parts also raises concerns about liability in the event of a subsequent accident. Establishing clear documentation and liability rules is therefore crucial, according to the ZDK and ZKF.
Sustainability vs. Safety: Finding the Right Balance
The ZDK and ZKF are not opposed to the use of used parts in principle. They acknowledge the potential environmental benefits of reusing components and reducing waste. However, they insist that this must not arrive at the expense of safety or quality. The decision to use a used part should be based on a thorough technical assessment, verification of its condition, and complete documentation of the repair process. KFZ-Betrieb reports that the associations emphasize the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and consumer protection.
The associations are calling on policymakers to establish a clear regulatory framework that addresses these concerns. This framework should include mandatory standards for the refurbishment of used parts, clear guidelines for assessing their suitability for reuse, and robust liability rules to protect consumers. Without such regulations, the ZDK and ZKF fear that the pursuit of cost savings could lead to a race to the bottom, compromising the integrity of the automotive repair industry and putting drivers at risk.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Regulatory Clarity
The Deutscher Autorechtstag 2026 served as a platform for the ZDK and ZKF to voice their concerns and urge action from policymakers. The associations argue that a shift in responsibility – away from qualified repair professionals and towards insurance company cost calculations – is unacceptable. They emphasize that the expertise and judgment of skilled technicians are essential for ensuring safe and reliable vehicle repairs.
“Sustainability must not be used as a pretext to erode quality and safety standards in the repair market,” Peckruhn stressed. “Whoever decides on the parts, decides on safety, liability, and repair quality. This responsibility belongs in the hands of qualified specialists – not in the calculation tables of insurers.” The ZDK and ZKF are advocating for a system that allows for the responsible use of used parts while safeguarding the interests of both consumers and the automotive repair industry.
The next step in this ongoing debate is likely to be further discussions between industry representatives, insurance companies, and government officials. The ZDK and ZKF have indicated their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution that balances economic considerations with the need to maintain high standards of safety and quality. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of the automotive repair industry in Germany and potentially beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance Pressure: Insurance companies are increasingly influencing repair decisions, particularly regarding the use of used parts.
- Quality Concerns: The automotive trade fears that prioritizing cost over quality could compromise repair safety and durability.
- Paint Thickness Issues: Repaired used body parts often have thicker paint layers, potentially leading to disputes during vehicle inspections.
- Regulatory Need: The ZDK and ZKF are calling for clear regulations to govern the use of used parts and protect consumers.
- Sustainability Balance: The industry acknowledges the benefits of used parts but insists on maintaining high safety and quality standards.
The debate surrounding the use of used parts in vehicle repairs is likely to continue as the automotive industry evolves and sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration. The ZDK and ZKF have made their position clear: quality and safety must remain paramount, and the expertise of qualified repair professionals must be respected. The industry will be closely watching for further developments and advocating for a regulatory framework that protects the interests of both consumers and the automotive trade.
Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on this developing story. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.