Nearly three-quarters of collision repair shops already repair damaged plastic components, and 89% would choose repair over replacement if it could be done safely. However, inadequate payment for repairs, unclear OEM rules, and lack of training are the main barriers preventing more plastic parts from being repaired instead of replaced.
- 74% of collision shops repair plastic parts often or sometimes, with only 5% saying they never do
- Payment is the primary barrier: 46% cite inadequate compensation, while 55% say better pay would encourage more repairs
- OEM rules are critical: 44% identify OEM restrictions as a barrier, with 39% saying clearer procedures would help
- Training gaps exist: 26% lack proper training, and 41% say better training would increase repair rates
- Confidence matters: 38% worry repairs might fail, but 31% would repair more with better proof of durability
Nearly three-quarters of respondents to Collision Repair magazine’s Plastic Repair Survey said their operations repair damaged plastic components often or sometimes. Only 5% said they never do.
And many believe there is room to do more.
At least two-thirds of respondents said more plastic parts could safely be repaired instead of replaced. When asked whether they would choose repair over replacement if a plastic part could be safely repaired, 59% said yes and another 30% said sometimes.
Put together, 89% are at least open to choosing repair when it can be done safely.
The survey drew 101 responses from across Canada. It is not a scientific sampling and the results shouldn’t be treated as a precise measurement of the entire industry. Still, with roughly 4,000 collision repair facilities across the country, more than 100 responses provide a useful snapshot and point to some clear trends.
PROFITABILITY DRIVES THE DECISION.
Nearly half of respondents, 46%, identified inadequate payment as something stopping more plastic parts from being repaired. When the question was turned around and respondents were asked what would encourage more repair, 55% chose better pay for the repair, making it the most common response.
The message is fairly simple. Shops may be able to repair more plastic, but the numbers still have to work.
A repair can turn replacement-parts spending into labour, avoid parts delays and keep more of the repair process inside the shop. But if the repair takes more time, requires additional skill or documentation and produces a poorer financial return than replacement, technical capability alone isn’t going to drive the decision.
OEM rules are another major factor.
44% of respondents identified OEM rules as a barrier to more plastic repair, making it the second-most common response. 39% said clearer OEM rules would help get more plastic parts repaired.
That becomes increasingly important as bumper covers and other plastic components interact with radar, sensors and other ADAS equipment.
Repair first cannot mean repair everything.
The OEM has to permit the repair and the shop has to be confident the vehicle can be safely returned to pre-accident condition. Where OEM procedures prohibit a repair, replacement is the answer.
Confidence in the repair itself is also holding some shops back.
38% of respondents identified concern that a repair might fail as a barrier. Nearly one-third, 31%, said better proof that repairs will be safe would encourage more repair.
That concern isn’t difficult to understand. A plastic repair doesn’t end when the vehicle leaves the shop. The repair facility has to stand behind the work, and uncertainty over durability or liability can make replacement look like the safer option.
Training may help close that confidence gap.
More than one-quarter of respondents, 26%, identified a lack of training as a barrier. When asked what would help increase plastic repair, 41% selected better training, second only to better pay.
30% also called for more knowledge among appraisers and estimators.
That is significant because the decision to repair may be made long before a technician sees the damaged component. If an estimator doesn’t recognize a repair opportunity, check the OEM procedure or understand what is technically possible. The replacement part may already be on its way.
Equipment appears to be less of an obstacle. 24% identified not having the right equipment as a barrier, while 24% said better equipment would encourage more repair.
Insurers also have a role. 19% identified insurer rules or decisions as a barrier, while 34% said more insurer support would help increase plastic repair.
Taken together, the 101 responses paint a fairly clear picture.
This isn’t an industry waiting to discover plastic repair. 74% of respondents are already doing it often or sometimes, and 89% would at least sometimes choose repair when it can be done safely.
The opportunity lies in closing the gap between what can be repaired and what actually gets repaired.
Better compensation leads the list. Training, clearer OEM direction, confidence in the finished repair and insurer support follow.
None of that means every damaged plastic component should be repaired.
It does suggest replacement shouldn’t be the automatic answer.
