The South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA), an influential voice within the country’s automotive repair sector, has voiced strong concerns over mounting financial pressures placed on accredited repairers by some short-term motor insurers. At the heart of the issue is a growing disparity between what insurers are willing to pay for refinishing work and the actual cost of maintaining high-quality paint standards—jeopardising not only the financial health of many repair businesses, but also the quality and safety of vehicle repairs delivered to consumers.
Juan Hanekom, national director of SAMBRA, warns that this erosion of margins—driven largely by paint-related cost constraints—is placing undue strain on repairers and compromising a key element of the refinishing process.
“This is a critical area,” says Hanekom, “with the potential to not only impact the end quality of the repair for the consumer but also place the repairer, who bears ultimate responsibility for the job, in a precarious position.”
Cutting-Edge Standards Require Cutting-Edge Products
Modern automotive refinishing is a far cry from the simple spray jobs of decades past. Today’s vehicles demand high-tech paint systems that meet strict manufacturer specifications. These systems are engineered for precision colour matching, long-lasting durability, and resistance to environmental and chemical damage.
“We cannot compromise the quality of the repair with cheaper paints which potentially result in poor colour matching, faster fading or peeling, and lower resistance to weather and chemicals,” Hanekom explains.
Yet, the current practice of shifting cost burdens onto repairers risks precisely that. Accredited repairers who take pride in their craftsmanship are left with a stark choice: absorb the cost difference and uphold their quality promise, or risk using inferior products that may lead to dissatisfied customers and future claims.
Business Viability Under Threat
For many small and medium-sized motor body repairers, absorbing these shortfalls is simply not a viable long-term strategy.
“Our members are being forced to shoulder the financial gap to maintain quality standards,” says Hanekom. “For many smaller businesses, this model is not sustainable.”
Moreover, substandard paint application not only affects aesthetics—it can void paint and corrosion warranties, particularly on newer vehicles still under manufacturer coverage. For repairers operating under OEM approvals, deviating from specified paint systems is not an option.
Misaligned Priorities and Rising Ethical Concerns
Hanekom points to a growing misalignment between the cost-saving objectives of some insurers and the high standards upheld by accredited motor body repairers (MBRs).
“Cutting back on paint allocation within the approved repair cost creates a serious ethical and legal grey area,” he asserts. “Clients may be unaware that the quality of their repair has been compromised for cost reasons—raising questions about transparency and accountability.”
SAMBRA has initiated discussions with insurers to address these concerns, advocating for a more balanced approach that supports both consumer protection and repairer viability.
Upholding Standards for All Stakeholders
The core message from SAMBRA is clear: quality should never be compromised in pursuit of cost-cutting. Not only do poor-quality repairs impact consumer satisfaction and safety, but they also erode trust in the repair ecosystem—an ecosystem that hinges on the credibility and technical excellence of accredited professionals.
“Repairers are expected to deliver a flawless finish that lasts,” Hanekom concludes. “They should be empowered, not penalised, for striving to meet those standards. This is about ensuring the long-term health of our industry and protecting South African motorists from subpar repairs that can carry hidden consequences.”
