For millions of Americans, a car is more than a convenience. It’s a lifeline. It gets them to work, school, medical appointments, and grocery stores. But when that lifeline is damaged in a collision, the cost of repairs is increasingly pushing families into financial crisis. A report from research firm Depth Services, “High Costs, Hard Hits,” reveals a troubling trend: the price of collision repairs is rising far faster than general inflation, and the burden is falling hardest on lower-income households.
According to the report’s nationwide survey of 1,001 drivers who experienced a collision in the past five years, 78 percent reported that repair costs were significantly higher than in previous years, often leading to sticker shock and financial hardship. The report found that 36 percent of respondents had household incomes under $50,000, and many were forced to make painful decisions — choosing between repairing their only vehicle or paying for rent, groceries, or medical care.
One interviewee, Sherry T. from Greensboro, N.C., described how a seemingly minor accident led to a $7,500 repair bill at a dealership. Though insurance covered most of it, her premiums skyrocketed, forcing her and her husband to cut back on outings and essentials. “To be without a car is... devastating,” she said, highlighting the emotional toll of losing mobility.
Another driver, Christopher S., said, “I instantly knew my whole life was going to change,” when faced with an unaffordable repair bill. These stories are not isolated. The report includes dozens of similar accounts, painting a picture of a system that is failing everyday Americans.
What’s driving these costs? The report points to limited competition in the auto parts market, where automakers use design patents and proprietary data to restrict access to affordable aftermarket parts. This forces consumers into dealership repair networks that charge inflated prices. Independent repair shops, once a refuge for budget-conscious drivers, are increasingly unable to compete because they lack access to the parts and diagnostic tools needed to fix modern vehicles.
The result is a limited-choice system where prices are artificially high, and consumers have few alternatives. The report found that 59 percent of surveyed drivers blamed rising part prices, and 56 percent cited increased labor costs for the ballooning repair bills. But the root cause is deeper: a lack of market competition and transparency.
This crisis is not just economic; it’s social. When lower-income families can’t afford to fix their cars, they lose access to jobs, education and healthcare. Public transit is not a viable alternative in many parts of the country, and ride-sharing services are often too expensive or unavailable. The report documents how repair delays due to parts shortages left 44 percent of drivers without transportation for weeks or months, compounding their hardship.
Fortunately, there is a solution, and it’s gaining momentum in Congress. The REPAIR Act, currently under consideration in both the House and Senate, would establish a national vehicle right-to-repair law. It would require automakers to share repair data and tools with independent shops and consumers, and allow access to lower-cost aftermarket parts. This would increase competition, drive down prices and restore consumer choice. The legislation has received enthusiastic sponsorship from members of Congress.
The research report shows strong public support for such legislation: 75 percent of surveyed drivers would support national vehicle right-to-repair legislation, such as the REPAIR Act. If enacted, this law would not only help consumers but also empower small businesses and independent mechanics who are being squeezed out of the market.
The right-to-repair movement is gaining traction beyond the auto industry. The U.S. Department of War recently adopted a “Warrior Right to Repair” policy, mandating that all new procurement contracts allow soldiers to repair their own equipment. A “Warrior Right to Repair Act” has been introduced in Congress.
The Federal Trade Commission’s 2021 “Nixing the Fix” report already laid the groundwork by exposing how manufacturers restrict repair access. The CAR Coalition, a group of aftermarket vehicle parts makers, insurers and automotive retailers, is supporting national vehicle right-to-repair legislation.
Congress must act. The REPAIR Act would help American families stay afloat, reduce insurance premiums, and make car ownership more affordable. It would also support small businesses and foster innovation in the aftermarket industry.
The time for half-measures is over. As the “High Costs, Hard Hits” report makes clear, the collision repair crisis is deepening, and the consequences are severe. Lawmakers have a chance to fix a broken system and deliver real relief to millions of Americans. Let’s pass the REPAIR Act — and give drivers the tools they need to keep moving forward.
Sean Kennedy is the Chief Executive Officer of Go-Parts, a national auto parts retailer and distributor with offices in Atlanta.
