The workshop hour costs an average of 173 euros

Hourly rates at automotive workshops again rose significantly last year. This is the result of an evaluation by the German Insurance Association (GDV). "Work on the mechanics, electrics or bodywork cost an average of 173 euros per hour last year, 5.5 percent more than in the previous year. Painting is even more expensive: Here, an hour even cost 188 euros, 5.8 percent more than in the previous year," says GDV CEO Jörg Asmussen.

The renewed price increase continues a trend that GDV has been observing since 2017: "Workshop costs are rising rapidly: while the consumer price index rose by just under 14 percent from 2017 to 2022, workshops increased their hourly rates by 28 percent, and paint shops by as much as 30 percent," says Asmussen. In comparison, he said, premiums for a motor vehicle liability insurance policy have fallen by three percent over the same period.

For insurers, the higher hourly rates, along with spare parts prices that are also rising, are leading to growing repair costs after accidents. "Last year, a car property damage cost motor liability insurers an average of around 3700 euros, which was 8.4 percent more than in the previous year," said Asmussen. In 2017, this figure had still been around 2700 euros.

Only a few days ago, the motor insurance industry had calculated that one euro of income would now be compared to 1.10 euros of expenses. (aum)