In 2023, the average cost to repair vehicle bodies saw a notable rise, climbing by about 20 to 25 percent, according to Yaroslav Kukarin, head of the body repair department within the Fit Service network.
He explained that all work in body shops became more expensive. A key driver is the escalation of standard hourly wages at service stations, driven by the need to raise employee pay. Salaries increased by roughly the same 20 to 25 percent compared with autumn 2022. With inflation pressuring everyday expenses such as food, gasoline, and rent, wages in auto repair shops followed suit. The industry also faces a significant shortage of skilled staff, further pushing costs upward, the expert noted.
Kukarin added that paint work costs rose by 15 to 20 percent in 2023. The main reason cited is the unstable exchange rate of major currencies. Even large paint material manufacturers that market themselves as domestic brands source raw materials from Europe. Material costs for car painting have increased irrespective of where the items are produced. When a foreign brand is involved, additional charges come from logistics that depend on currency fluctuations, raising the overall price of the paint job in multiple scenarios.
Additionally, the discussion touched on broader market trends affecting the auto repair sector, including shifts in supplier pricing and the impact of import and transportation costs on repair timelines and budgeting for customers. This scenario reflects how macroeconomic forces can directly influence the expense of returning a vehicle to its pre-accident condition and how repair shops adapt to keep operations viable amid rising overheads.
As the market evolves, customers may notice that not only the raw costs of parts and paints increase, but the time required to complete repairs can also extend. Shops often adjust by reevaluating labor allocations, negotiating supplier terms, and optimizing workflow to mitigate the impact on the final bill. The overarching trend is a continuing alignment between wage growth, material costs, and the price of services offered by body repair centers.
Experts emphasize the importance for vehicle owners to obtain detailed estimates that break down labor, materials, and additional charges. Understanding where costs originate helps in making informed decisions about repairs, shopping for alternatives, and planning for potential price fluctuations in the months ahead. The market outlook suggests that while some stabilization may occur, lingering inflationary pressures and currency dynamics are likely to keep repair prices elevated compared with pre-2023 levels.
What remains a persistent concern is the integrity and safety of all materials used in vehicle restoration. Among the topics under ongoing discussion is the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market and how shop practices address verification and quality control to ensure reliable results for customers.