Wiring looms have overtaken bumpers as the most frequently repaired component following vehicle collisions, according to new data from AA Accident Assist.
The accident support service, which marked its fifth anniversary this year, said that 99% of the more than 14,500 vehicles it repaired last year required new wiring looms.
The increasing complexity of modern vehicles, with systems such as parking sensors, reverse cameras and adaptive cruise control, means that electrical components are now more likely to be damaged in a crash than traditional body panels.
Bumpers remain high on the list, with 58% of vehicles needing a full bumper unit replacement and 32% requiring work to the front crash beams and fixings. Other commonly repaired items include door components, roofs and lighting units.
Top 10 crash repairs in 2024/25
- Wiring looms – 99%
- Bumper units – 58%
- Rear bumper crash beams and fixings – 57%
- Front bumper crash beams and fixings – 32%
- Door locks, trims and seals – 12%
- Roof – 12%
- Hinges for bonnets and doors – 7%
- Front doors – 7%
- Rear doors – 5%
- Lighting units – 3%
Despite the data, most drivers still assume bumpers are the most commonly repaired part. In a survey of more than 10,000 drivers by AA Accident Assist, 36% said bumper units were the top repair, while only 1% correctly identified wiring looms.
Technology drives change in repairs
Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, said vehicle repairs are now far more complex than simply replacing damaged parts: “Fixing a car is more advanced than just replacing parts.
“Wiring looms might seem simple, but they underpin essential systems like safety imaging, speed data and radar.
“With more semi-autonomous features coming as standard, technicians now have to fix and recalibrate rather than just replace and fit.
“From distraction to tailgating, there are a wide range of reasons behind crashes, but one thing is clear: repairing the modern car is more about precision and programming than panel-beating.”