Car insurance is getting more expensive: car parts cost over 80 % more than in 2016
A minor parking bump, a new door – and the bill is almost twice as high as ten years ago. A current analysis by the German Insurance Association (GDV) shows how much more expensive car spare parts have become. This is an important reason why car insurance is getting more expensive, too. Here we explain what you can do now.
Key facts at a glance
- +82.7 %: This is how much more expensive car spare parts became on average from January 2016 to August 2026. General consumer prices rose by 34.4 % over the same period.
- 5.9 % per year: On a ten-year average, spare parts rose in price about twice as fast as inflation (2.8 % per year). All 20 parts examined were above the inflation rate.
- Still rising: From August 2025 to August 2026 alone, a further 4.4 % was added.
- Premiums lag behind: Motor third-party liability premiums have risen by an average of only 2.4 % per year since 2016.
These parts have become particularly expensive
Large body parts are the most affected. Some have almost doubled in price:
| Spare part | Jan. 2016 | Aug. 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear side panel | 593 € | 1.187 € | +100 % |
| Boot lid | 579 € | 1.139 € | +97 % |
| Front door | 507 € | 994 € | +96 % |
| Headlight | 731 € | 1.330 € | +82 % |
Average prices incl. 19 % VAT across 38 common models from small cars to the upper mid-size class. Source: GDV, analysis of Audatex calculation data, October 2026.
Workshops are getting more expensive too
On top of the parts comes the labour time. Workshop hourly rates rose by around 50 % from 2017 to 2024 and in 2024 exceeded 200 euros gross on average for the first time. Modern cars also make repairs more complex: cameras and sensors of driver assistance systems have to be recalibrated after many repairs, often even after a windscreen replacement.
Why spare parts are so expensive
According to the GDV, one reason is design protection: car manufacturers hold protective rights for visible parts such as doors, wings or exterior mirrors. Independent suppliers are therefore often not allowed to reproduce these parts, and workshops have to buy them from the manufacturer. A reform of design law implementing an EU directive could strengthen competition in the future.
What this means for your car insurance premium
If repair costs rise faster than premiums, insurers make a loss – and adjust their tariffs. Many drivers notice this with their next premium invoice. Some things you cannot influence, such as your car's type class and regional class. Others you can:
- Check your deductible: A higher deductible in partial and fully comprehensive cover usually lowers the premium. However, it should match your savings.
- Compare workshop commitment and telematics: Tariffs where the insurer chooses the workshop, or with a telematics box or app, are often cheaper.
- Keep mileage and drivers up to date: If you drive less than stated, or a young driver no longer uses the car, your premium may go down.
- Compare at the turn of the year: For most contracts, the insurance year runs until 31 December. Your cancellation must then reach the insurer by 30 November at the latest.
Premium increase? If your insurer raises the premium without any change in cover, you usually have a special right of termination: you can cancel within one month of receiving the notice – even after 30 November.
Important: a low premium alone says little about the benefits. Look out for benefits such as new-value and purchase-price compensation, gross negligence, marten bites including consequential damage, or cover for collisions with animals. You can find an overview and calculator under Car, moped & e-scooter insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is my car insurance getting more expensive even though I haven't had an accident?
Your premium depends not only on your no-claims discount, but also on the claims costs of all policyholders. Because spare parts and workshop hours have become considerably more expensive, the cost per claim is rising – and with it the tariffs.
By when can I cancel my car insurance?
If your insurance year runs until 31 December, your cancellation must reach the insurer by 30 November at the latest. In the event of a premium increase without a change in cover, you can usually cancel within one month of receiving the notice.
Is a workshop commitment worth it?
Often yes, if you are happy with a partner workshop of the insurer. The premium is usually lower. If you still have the repair done at a different workshop, the insurer may reduce the benefit.
Note: General information, as of October 2026, not individual advice. Benefits and premiums depend on the tariff. Sources: GDV analysis of spare parts prices (January 2016 to August 2026), October 2026, reported by AUTO BILD, autohaus.de and firmenauto.de, among others.