Bad bumpers bump up repair costs
24/01/2008
NRMA Insurance is calling on car manufacturers to improve bumper bar design after testing revealed poor-performing bumpers can contribute to higher smash repair costs.
The NRMA Insurance testing program, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, puts the spotlight on bumper performance in a simulated 10km/h collision - the most common type of road crash.
The test was used on nine of Australia's top selling small vehicles and revealed inconsistent repair costs ranging from around $1000 to more than $7000.
NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said the cars' bumper designs had a big impact on the amount of damage caused in low speed collisions.
"The test results show a vast difference in repair prices across the range of vehicles tested, as a poorly designed bumper can slide under other bumpers on impact, causing more damage to both vehicles," Mr McDonald said.
"We are certainly urging consumers to consider repair costs when looking for a new car as repair costs can have a significant impact on the insurance premium they will pay," he said.
Of the vehicle's tested, the Honda Civic was the most expensive to repair, costing an estimated $7,386 or 31.4 per cent of its purchase price.
"The Suzuki Swift also registered a disappointing result, with damage after a low speed crash costing $5,547.15 or 34.7 per cent of its purchase price." Mr McDonald said.
"We are however really pleased with the performance of the Toyota Corolla, as the repair cost of this vehicle after a low speed collision, was just $1,019 or 4.4 per cent as a percentage of its purchase price," Mr McDonald said.
This year's results also discredit the argument that pedestrian-friendly bumpers don't protect the vehicle from damage.
"Both the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic scored similar leg protection results in the EURO NCAP pedestrian safety program, yet the repair costs of these vehicles differ dramatically," according to Mr McDonald.
"This proves that manufacturers can design vehicles that can perform well in both pedestrian safety and vehicle protection."
The NRMA Insurance low speed crash test program was designed in conjunction with research centres in six other countries to assist car manufacturers improve vehicle design, and to help keep the cost of collision repairs affordable.
"The new crash apparatus uses a 'roller coaster' type device to simulate a 10km/h collision, allowing us to accurately compare the costs of repairs.
"The first round of testing has initially looked at some of the best selling small cars in Australia. We will be working with car manufacturers over the next 12 months to expand the program," Mr McDonald said.
While design enhancements may largely go unnoticed by vehicle owners, they can have a sizeable impact on the cost of insurance.
"We encourage motorists to consider the cost of repairing a vehicle before they make their purchase, as a bargain in the showroom may not be such a good deal when taking the cost of insurance and repairs into account," added Mr McDonald.