For most motorists, a vehicle going in for repairs is an inconvenience. But when a repair expected to take a few days stretches into several weeks, that inconvenience can quickly become a much bigger problem.
Recent warnings from the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (SAMBRA) have highlighted how replacement-parts shortages can extend the time accident-damaged vehicles spend in repair shops. Certain components, particularly for newer or lower-volume models, may need to be sourced internationally, while additional damage discovered during a repair can also affect the original timeline.
For individuals, that can mean finding another way to get to work, take children to school or manage everyday responsibilities. For businesses, vehicle downtime can have a direct operational cost.
When delays begin stretching from days into weeks or months, long term car rental can provide another option for maintaining mobility while a vehicle is being repaired, replaced or awaiting parts.
The question is no longer simply: When will my car be ready?
It is also: What is my plan until it is?
A courtesy car may not last as long as the repair
Many motorists assume that if their insurance policy includes car hire following an accident, they will automatically have access to a replacement vehicle until their own car is returned.
That is not necessarily the case.
Vehicle-hire benefits are generally subject to the conditions and limits of the individual insurance policy. SAMBRA has consequently advised motorists to speak to their insurer and repairer as soon as they become aware that a parts delay could affect the repair timeline, rather than waiting until their existing car-hire benefit is about to expire.
Understanding these limits early gives motorists time to consider their next move instead of suddenly finding themselves without transport.
Vehicle downtime costs more than the rental bill
The cost of not having a vehicle is easy to underestimate.
For an individual, relying on alternative transport for several weeks can create an unpredictable expense. Trips that would normally form part of one journey may suddenly require several separate transport arrangements.
For businesses, the consequences can be greater.
A salesperson without a vehicle may miss client visits. A tradesperson without a bakkie may struggle to move equipment. A delivery business could lose capacity, while a company vehicle sitting in a repair shop is contributing nothing to day-to-day operations.
Vehicle downtime should therefore be treated as a mobility-planning issue, not simply a repair issue.
Build a plan before you need one
Businesses in particular should know how they would respond if an important vehicle became unavailable tomorrow.
That does not mean keeping spare vehicles standing in a parking lot. It means understanding the alternatives.
How quickly could a temporary vehicle be sourced? Would the business require a passenger car, SUV, bakkie, panel van or another commercial vehicle? How many kilometres would it need to travel? Most importantly, how long is the replacement likely to be required?
A predictable repair may only require a vehicle for a few days. However, an imported part, delayed insurance claim or extended replacement process could leave a business without a vehicle for considerably longer.
Companies such as Pace Car Rental provide both short- and long-term options across passenger and commercial vehicle categories, giving businesses and individuals the ability to match the replacement vehicle and rental period to their actual requirements.
For a longer period of downtime, arranging a suitable rental upfront may also make budgeting and operations easier to manage than repeatedly extending a short-term solution.
Ask better questions when a repair is delayed
Motorists cannot necessarily control when a replacement part will arrive, but they can make better decisions when they have the right information.
If a vehicle is going to remain in a workshop longer than expected, establish:
- which part or repair is causing the delay;
- the latest estimated completion date;
- how long insurer-provided vehicle hire remains available;
- whether that vehicle-hire period can be extended;
- what transport will be required if it cannot; and
- whether the expected delay makes a longer-term replacement more practical.
SAMBRA similarly recommends that motorists obtain clear updates about outstanding parts, the reason for delays and how those delays are expected to affect the collection date.
The earlier these questions are asked, the more options motorists have.
Mobility is becoming part of vehicle ownership
South Africa’s automotive market continues to become more diverse, with more brands, models and technologies entering the country. More choice is positive for consumers, but parts availability, repair infrastructure and potential downtime are increasingly important considerations.
Bizcommunity has also reported that the growing number of vehicle brands and electric models in South Africa is creating new considerations for insurers and fleet operators, including access to approved repairers, parts availability and vehicle downtime.
That makes mobility planning relevant before an accident or breakdown happens.
For households, this may mean understanding exactly what car-hire benefits are included in an insurance policy. For businesses, it can mean knowing how quickly a suitable replacement vehicle could be sourced if an operational vehicle suddenly becomes unavailable.
Buying or operating a vehicle is one part of the equation. Having a plan for how to remain mobile when that vehicle is off the road is becoming another.
Because ultimately, a vehicle may have to stop.
Your life or business does not.
About Pace Car Rental: Pace Car Rental provides short-term, long-term and business vehicle rental solutions across South Africa, with a fleet ranging from passenger vehicles and SUVs to bakkies, panel vans, minibuses and trucks.