.png)
The latest Report on Motoring has revealed a pressing issue for fleet managers and directors: nearly four in 10 UK drivers have experienced unplanned repairs in the past year, with significant implications for business continuity and cost control.
According to the report, 39% of motorists had their vehicles taken off the road for at least a day due to unforeseen repairs. For many, the disruption was even longer - 68% of those affected were without their vehicles for two days or more, and 13% waited over a week to get back on the road. This level of downtime can be particularly challenging for fleets, where vehicle availability directly impacts service delivery and operational efficiency.
Key factors behind the rise in unplanned repairs include the worsening state of UK roads, notably the proliferation of potholes, and a growing trend among drivers to skip regular servicing and MOTs.
These factors not only increase the risk of breakdowns but also drive-up repair costs. Over three quarters (76%) of motorists reported higher maintenance and repair expenses in the last year - a 40% jump since 2021. Notably, one in four drivers now cite repair costs as their top concern when it comes to vehicle ownership.
The message for fleets is clear: proactive maintenance and regular servicing remain the most effective defences against unexpected downtime and spiralling costs. Investing in preventative care reduces the risk of disruptive repairs and helps keep vehicles - and your business - moving.
Should the unexpected occur, Motor Assist is here to help.
Our network of approved repairers ensures prompt remedial work, and we offer like-for-like replacement vehicles, including EVs, to keep fleets mobile while repairs are carried out.
Stay ahead of unplanned repairs and prioritise maintenance and partner with specialists who understand the needs of your fleet.
Try the Motor Assist Solution Finder.
If unplanned repairs have you rethinking your approach to incident management, our Motor Assist Solution Finder is the perfect next step.
By understanding your specific needs, we’re able to design a tailored incident management package, enabling better cost control, and real peace of mind in the event of any unplanned repairs.
You’ll only ever pay for the services you actually need. It's incident management, just better.
Thanks for completing our Solution Finder.
You have the flexibility to design your own agile solution that corresponds with your unique business needs. If you don’t need a service, we don’t believe you should pay for it.
Want to chat to a member of the Motor Assist about your options? Reach out below:
Based on what you’ve told us, your ideal solution looks like:
First Notification of Loss (FNOL) Processing
Benefit from a 24/7/365 FNOL service and contact centre that’s fast, assured and cost effective.
Repair network
Gain access to an experienced and high-quality repair network that includes over 200 core Tier 1 fixed site repairers across the UK as well as fast-track pods at one-day repair sites.
Repair management
Our repair management network minimises downtime for your business while providing comprehensive cost and performance data for your use.
Mobility provision
Experience benefits such as 95% on-time vehicle delivery and collection and EV for EV guarantee with our robust mobility solution.
Third-party capture
At Motor Assist™, we have a dedicated third-party intervention team backed by years of professional claims experience. Trust the experts to provide a service that protects both costs and brand reputation.
Uninsured Loss Recovery (ULR)
Focus on the things that matter while Motor Assist™ proactively pursues payments on your behalf, ensuring the best possible service for repair and loss recovery.}
.png?length=500&name=Blog%20image%20-%20Unplanned%20repairs%20A%20growing%20challenge%20for%20UK%20fleets%20-%20iStock-2196870531%20(1).png)
