Paying a Fortune to Repair Your Car? Blame High-Tech Sensors

Computers on Wheels

High-tech features like automatic emergency braking and assisted lane departure might save lives. But they also cost drivers a pretty penny at the repair shop.

A report from AAA found that advanced sensors can drive up total repair costs by 37.6%. On average, for a minor front-end collision, replacing advanced driver assistance system components added $1,540 to the bill. For rear-end collisions, that cost was $684.

Cost Breakdown

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends driver assistance technology as a tool to prevent traffic accidents. People shouldn’t avoid these features. But it can be helpful to know how much they can contribute to your expenses.

•   The cost of replacing a radar sensor used for cruise control can range from $500 to $1,300, according to AAA.

•   Ultrasonic sensors used for parking assist can run you anywhere from $300 to $1,000.

•   Replacing front cameras used for lane assistance can cost anywhere from $600 to $800.

Note that these costs are in addition to the exterior bodywork that is usually needed after a crash. And there are several other reasons why car repairs are getting more expensive. According to CNBC, cars are significantly heavier and more powerful than they were nearly 40 years ago, resulting in more severe collisions. The supply chain issues and labor shortages that have affected other industries have also hit auto repair businesses, thus increasing the overall costs of replacement parts and labor.

According to CNBC , cars are significantly heavier and more powerful than they were nearly 40 years ago, resulting in more severe collisions. The supply chain issues and labor shortages that have affected other industries have also hit auto repair businesses, thus increasing the overall costs of replacement parts and labor.

How to Finance Repairs

Before you take out a loan to pay for a new ride, keep in mind that repairing a vehicle now is generally more expensive than it was in the past. You would be wise to budget accordingly.

Creating an emergency fund for potential fender benders is a smart idea, as is picking the right car insurance policy to fit your needs. If you’re involved in an auto accident, getting written estimates and second opinions can be a smart way to lower your repair bill.

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