HallCraft’s accident repair centre continues to grow from strength to strength despite the overall UK industry-wide decline.
More than 20% of UK accident repair centres have closed over the past decade and more are expected to follow over the next five years as costs rise and demand decreases.
The ‘Future of the UK Car Body Repair Market 2019-2024’ report shows an alarming decline and predicts worse is still to come.
Yet Cradley Heath-based HallCraft continues to flourish with their one-stop-shop approach for West Midlands motorists providing a complete solution for all motoring needs.
HallCraft has a 6,200 sq ft premises offering MOTs, servicing, diagnostics and repairs AND a stand-alone 1,700 sq ft body shop complete with spray booths and a paint mixing room all on the same site.
“It is sad to see so many accident repair centres close. They are often family-run businesses that have been around for years but the industry has changed,” explained HallCraft boss James Hopcraft.
Accident Repair Centre
“It hasn’t happened overnight and there are many reasons for the decline of UK accident repair centres when for many years there was more than enough work for everyone to share.
“We have been fortunate in that we haven’t suffered, in fact our team are busier than ever but the report shows none of us can afford to be complacent.
“We are constantly looking to invest in new equipment, new techniques and training and we are proud to say that our body shop team really are the best in the business.
“They take so much time and care on each and every vehicle regardless of the age or model and will leave no stone unturned to ensure each one is restored to pre-accident perfection.
“The team could be working on a stunning supercar one day and then, a 30-year-old runaround the next, it is irrelevant. Each vehicle is given the same care and attention.”
HallCraft’s accident repair centre is fully equipped to tackle any repair from minor knock to serious crash damage.
Free Estimates and Two Year Guarantee
HallCraft provide free estimates and a two-year guarantee on all repairs and courtesy cars, all less than three years old, for customers who need them.
Vehicles can be collected and returned to customers if required, and all repairs are conducted where necessary using the original manufacturer’s parts.
“Our accident repair team are the best in the business and are more than happy to provide non-fault advice and liaise with insurance companies on behalf of clients,” James added.
“We know that any accident, no matter how big or small can be super stressful so we take that pain away, even arranging hire cars or courtesy cars for those who need them.
“Our facility has an incredible computerised paint missing system that will create the EXACT match for your pride and joy. Every vehicle colour is different with paints weighed on precision digital scales to create the perfect match.
“Following all repairs, every vehicle receives a comprehensive valet to ensure the vehicle is stunningly restored to its former glory.”
So why is the industry changing?
There are many reasons for the decline in UK accident report centres including improved technological features on modern vehicles, less business miles travelled since COVID, and higher insurance excesses introduced by insurers.
These higher premiums coupled with the cost of living crisis have made some drivers think twice about claiming, and in some cases resulting in not having their vehicles repaired at all.
With the introduction of ADAS ( Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) whilst they improve safety for drivers and help to prevent accidents and some damage it also means increased costs for repairs with traditional repair methods now more complicated for your smaller repairer.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid models also introduces new complexities in repairs, requiring specialised skills and equipment.
Vehicle usage has changed with fewer individuals owning vehicles long-term and turning instead to leasing or subscription-based models.
The insurance sector is also evolving, with many companies pushing for quicker and cheaper repair processes directing their policyholders to preferred networks of repair centres that can meet specific cost and time efficiency metrics, often at the expense of smaller, independent repair shops.
Supporting West Midlands Motorists
Economic pressures, including rising costs of living and inflation, have impacted consumer spending.
Individuals may choose to delay repairs or seek less expensive options, such as DIY fixes or mobile repair services, which can further erode the customer base for traditional accident repair.
There is also a growing awareness of environmental issues and the impact of the automotive industry on climate change with consumers more conscious of the carbon footprint associated with repairs and instead choosing to repurpose or retire vehicles rather than repair.
Others have suffered because of the rise of mobile repair services capable of providing minor bodywork and paint repairs at a customer’s location whilst some larger chains and franchises are buying smaller independent centres, meaning fewer choices for the customers.
This will be HallCraft’s 30th year supporting West Midlands motorists and they will continue to be forward-thinking in what is a constantly changing landscape of the automotive repair sector, for many more years to come.
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