Bumper ranks 21st in the Financial Times annual list of fastest-growing FinTech companies in Europe. This is the second consecutive year the business has made the list.

The list is comprised of independent companies that have shown strength and resilience. To qualify businesses needed a minimum revenue of £1.2 million in 2017. Growth is then calculated as an average over the last 5 years. 

Bumper CEO and co-founder, James Jackson, said, ‘We’re delighted to be featured on the FT1000 list, and incredibly proud to be one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe for the second year in a row.’

‘Over the last 12 months our growth has been powered by working with many of the top 100 dealer groups; new partnerships with Nissan, Keyloop, CitNOW and RTC; launching into Ireland and Germany, and securing £9m in Series A funding.

‘We're ideally positioned to achieve further growth in 2022. Our motivation remains the same as it always has been – to put motorists back in the driving seat, by offering accessible, affordable and manageable finance solutions for everything from repairs and maintenance to accessories and more recently the addition of add-ons including GAP, service plans, warranties and paint protection.’

With recent significant investments and an expanding executive team, Bumper is in a position to increase growth and continue its mission of empowering drivers. 

Bumper ranks 21st in the fastest growing FinTechs by Financial Times

Since Bumper began trading in 2015, we’ve signed up over 3,000 garages and dealerships to the Bumper family across the UK. Now, we’re taking our first international step by launching in Ireland.

So far, over 50 sites have joined the Bumper network to offer their customers affordable monthly payments on repairs, MOTs, service work, accessories, and parts. These include:

Whilst the concept of Buy Now Pay Later is fairly new in Ireland, our partners have already helped hundreds of customers drive away happy, with their invoices and repairs sorted.

The launch is the first step on Bumper’s mission to become Europe’s largest Buy Now Pay Later provider for car repairs.

CEO, James Jackson said of the launch, ‘It’s fantastic to see so many sites signing up to the Bumper network and the instant popularity our service has had with both garages and customers.

‘I’m pleased we’re now able to bring the increased opportunity for garages and greater customer satisfaction we’ve brought to UK garages for the last 5 years, to the Irish market.

‘The experience gained throughout the launch in Ireland has put the team in a better position for operating in other European countries and I’m excited to see what the future brings.’

If your vehicle needs a service, MOT or repair, Bumper’s got your back.

and get the best care for you and your car. Split repair bills into sensible monthly chunks – interest-free.

Here’s an example of a €400 bill split into 4 monthly instalments.

Bumper’s European roll-out begins with launch in Ireland

Bumper's europäische Markteinführung beginnt mit dem Start in Irland

Car owners will expect dealer workshops and independent garages to offer greater flexibility in how they pay for servicing and repair work post-lockdown, according to research by Bumper.

Bumper polled the views of 2,635 car owners during the latest lockdown and found customers 

concerned about being presented with expensive bills

, especially for work deferred by the pandemic.

When asked for their main concerns about getting cars serviced or repaired, over half (58%) cited cost, with inconvenience an issue for just 3%; while 36% said it was a combination of both.

The research also identified the current preferred method of payment among owners was evenly split between debit cards (40%) and credit cards (38%).

However, when asked what size bill would prompt them to pay by using interest-free credit instead, the majority (38%) said they would use it for any amount. Over a quarter (27%) said they would use it for bills costing over £250, 22% for bills over £500 and 13% for bills over £750.

“Our research shows how consumer attitudes towards servicing and repair work has changed with customers now expecting greater flexibility in how they pay,” said James Jackson, Bumper’s CEO and co-founder.

“Car owners are used to spreading many of their motoring costs, so the ability to buy-now-pay-later would remove some of the pain typically associated with paying for services and repairs,” he said.

Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs.

Formerly Auto Service Finance, the multi award-winning UK fintech company delivers an instalment financing solution using proprietary AI enabled technology to facilitate real-time lending decisions.

Bumper enables dealerships and garages to sell a larger proportion of red and amber work, reducing workshop downtime, with no risks or liabilities, while also creating greater customer loyalty.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest growing companies. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 650 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper is based in Sheffield and London, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

Customers expect greater payment flexibility from garages post-lockdown, finds Bumper research

Since the beginning of our partnership with Ecologi, we’ve funded the planting of over 2,500 trees and helped remove over 200 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

From reforestation in Scotland to delivering clean drinking water in Haiti, here’s an update on some of the climate positive projects Bumper has funded.

Much of British wildlife depends on forest cover. However, deforestation and the collapse of ecosystems has led to a decline in recent years.

The Future Forest Company (FFC) restores land through reforestation and natural regeneration, with the aim of increasing the amount of carbon dioxide stored by the earth.

Through carefully managed reforestation projects the FFC restores natural habitats for these species – helping them to thrive.

By operating rural sustainable businesses such as birch syrup, high-welfare pork and smoking wood products, the FFC is able to provide opportunities to local communities whilst protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

Haiti is one of poorest countries in the western hemisphere, with over 6 million Haitians living below the poverty line. The country is also incredibly vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.

In 2010, a massive earthquake shook the country. There were over 300,000 deaths, and over $8 billion dollars in damages. This left close to 70% of Haitians without access to clean drinking water.

The clean drinking water project helped families access Hydraid water filters. The water filter consists of layers of sand and a biological surface that consumes pathogens to provide clean water. It can last for over 10 years and provides families of up to 10, access to clean and safe drinking water.

Bumper funds climate positive projects with Ecologi

Bumper has secured a £10m flexible working capital facility from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance to support its ambitious growth plans.

This initial funding will be used to back continued expansion and growth across the UK, with the flexibility to increase in the future.

Bumper is Europe’s ninth fastest-growing fintech company according to the Financial Times and offers interest free Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) and PayNow products to finance vehicle repairs, servicing, add-ons and accessories.

The firm’s exponential growth follows a significant increase in dealership partners, with more than 60 per cent of the franchised market in the UK now using its platform, and the growing public adoption of BNPL to fund purchases. As a result, Bumper has seen record lending month-on-month and expects to see its gross merchandise value increase by threefold in 2021.

The initial facility will be used to support growth in the loan book and ensure Bumper can continue to help UK drivers spread the cost of their repair bills.

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance provides a full suite of asset-based lending options including invoice financing, working capital and inventory financing. Currently the commercial finance arm of the listed bank has in excess £500m of facilities agreed to support growing businesses across the UK.

“Bumper is on a rapid growth trajectory, thanks to our continued increase in partner numbers, ever improving tech for dealerships, user experience for customers and our recent rebrand,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper.

“We were keen to ensure that we partnered with a business that truly understood our market and objectives and could create a flexible facility with scope to grow with us. Secure Trust has invested time in getting to know the business, created a flexible facility that works for us and were able to deliver it quickly.”

The new funding provision follows last month’s launch of Bumper’s service in Ireland, its first European market outside of the UK, with the company planning to become Europe’s largest BNPL provider for car repairs and servicing.

Bumper provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. Formerly Auto Service Finance, the multi award-winning UK fintech company delivers an instalment financing solution using proprietary AI enabled technology to facilitate real-time lending decisions.

Co-founded by CEO James Jackson and CCO Jack Allman, Bumper is rated 89 in the 2021 FT 1000 listing of Europe’s fastest growing companies as well as the ninth fastest growing fintech business. Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 650 garages and major car brands across the UK and Republic of Ireland, helping over 100,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

Bumper secures £10m facility as it targets further expansion

Congratulations to the team at Snows Winchester for winning Dealership of the Month for June 2021.

The site first joined Bumper back in May 2016 and has since helped hundreds of customers pay for their car repairs over interest-free monthly instalments.

The Winchester team pride themselves on great customer service and frequently receive 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.

‘Very clear and concise explanation from the Service Advisor on the benefits of spreading the costs of repairs and very easy and quick to set up.’ – Keith (Snows Winchester Customer)

‘Good service and professional team. I will highly recommend.’ – Sergio (Snows Winchester Customer)

account manager, Marc, has looked after the site since they came onboard, he said, ‘The team at Snows Winchester have seen some great results from helping customers spread the cost of their service work.

There is always a friendly and professional atmosphere when I visit and the service advisors use Bumper to their advantage, increasing customer satisfaction and retention.’

Well done to the team at Snows Winchester!

Bumper helps drivers split repair bills into interest-free payments, so you can keep your car in tip-top condition without breaking the bank.

Apply for a credit limit and search for local garages in our network by 

Winchester winners: Snows Winchester named Dealership of the Month

The average exhaust replacement cost in the UK is around £450, and if you have exhaust problems, it’s essential to get it fixed promptly.

If your car sounds different, smells unusual inside, or vibrates underneath, your exhaust system may need to be replaced. A faulty exhaust can hurt performance, reduce efficiency, and even affect your health.

Wondering how much a new exhaust costs and how to tell if you need one? Here's what to know.

Exhaust replacement usually costs between £300 and £600, depending on your car, the parts, and labour. Smaller cars are cheaper, while larger or luxury models cost more.

Most of the time, only sections after the catalytic converter need replacing, as these are more prone to rust. Modern cars use bolted flanges, which can seize over time and lead to extra part replacements.

There’s no one-size-fits-all price, but you’ll find typical costs below.

 can help you split the exhaust replacement costs into interest-free repayments. 

Exhaust replacement costs by manufacturer 

How much is a new exhaust for each car brand? Check the table below for average costs.

Alongside your car make and age, a new exhaust cost depends on where in the UK you’re based. Urban areas tend to have higher costs than rural garages. 

Here’s a quick overview of how prices can change. 

How much is a full exhaust replacement system cost?

A full exhaust system replacement in the UK typically costs 

. This is more expensive than just replacing sections like the back box or mid-pipe, which usually cost less. 

A complete system replacement covers every part, from the manifold to the tailpipe, ensuring that all worn components are replaced simultaneously.

Yes, replacing a faulty exhaust improves your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, and reduces harmful emissions. It also prevents costly damage and health risks. 

In the UK, timely exhaust replacement can save money in the long run and help your car pass its MOT.

Exhaust repairs are cheaper but may be short-term, while replacements provide a long-lasting solution.

Repairs usually fix specific issues like leaks or damaged parts and cost between £100 and £400. Replacements involve swapping larger sections or the entire system, costing £300 to over £1,000. 

can help you manage the cost of replacing specific parts of the system.

You rarely need to replace the whole exhaust at once. It's made of separate parts to simplify manufacturing, fitting, and repairs.

Replacement costs vary by car, part, and how much rust is underneath. Here are the main exhaust parts, listed from engine to rear bumper.

The exhaust manifold bolts to the engine and channels gases from each cylinder into one pipe, usually called the downpipe, which runs down the side of the engine.

In turbocharged cars, the turbo is often mounted here, making removal trickier. This section may also include a Lambda sensor that monitors oxygen levels for the engine's computer.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust manifold leak?

New manifold costs range from £300 to £1,000, gasket replacement from £300 to £400, and seals cost £40 to £150.

The manifold is bolted to the engine, so repairs often need removing other parts and can be costly. Replacing the gasket is cheaper but takes longer. 

Many cars have the catalytic converter built into the downpipe or front exhaust section under the engine. Some also have a second converter in the midsection.

Catalytic converters use materials like Platinum and Palladium to reduce harmful gases. Because of their value, they are often targeted by thieves and can be worth hundreds in scrap.

How much does it cost to repair a catalytic converter?

The cost of a replacement OEM catalytic converter is between 

, while the cost of a type-approved catalytic converter replacement will be between 

The midsection of the exhaust often includes a silencer, resonator, and a secondary Lambda sensor.

The silencer reduces exhaust noise, while the resonator removes high-pitched sounds. The secondary Lambda sensor checks if the catalytic converter is working properly.

How much does it cost to repair an exhaust mid-section?

Midsection replacement ranges from £300 to £500, rising to £700 for luxury models. High-performance and luxury cars usually cost more due to extra silencers in the mid-pipe. 

Rust and seized bolts can add to the cost if nearby parts also need replacing.

Diesel vehicles from 2009 use diesel particulate filters (DPFs) that trap soot from the exhaust. The car’s ECU burns off the soot every 200-500 miles, but the filter can clog if the car isn’t driven regularly.

How much does it cost to repair a clogged DPF? 

Cleaning and repairing a DPF costs between £100 and £250, while replacement runs from £300 to £500.

Cleaning services may restore the filter, but sometimes replacement is necessary depending on the damage.

The back box under the rear bumper connects to the midsection and reduces engine noise using baffling materials. Some performance cars have a wider back box with two exhaust tips for better flow.

Replacing the back box costs between £250 and £600, depending on the car. 

This is another part that will vary depending on the type of car. It has fewer rusty connections but is exposed to water, salt, and mud near the rear wheels.

6. Exhaust Hangers, Sensors and Flexible sections

Exhaust hangers use rubber and steel to suspend the system and reduce vibration, while flexible sections prevent strain from engine movement. 

Lambda sensors, which relay exhaust gas data to the ECU, cost between £100 and £250 to replace, and flexi pipes that add flexibility cost between £120 and £1000. 

Genuine parts are recommended since aftermarket sensors often cause errors and fail sooner.

How do you know if your exhaust needs replacing?

Many parts make up your exhaust, and several signs can indicate a fault. Common signals you need a replacement include:

Is it illegal to drive with a broken exhaust?

Yes, driving with a broken exhaust is illegal in the UK. Get it fixed as soon as possible.

Yes, major leaks or unsafe emissions will cause your car to fail its MOT. Minor corrosion usually results in an advisory only.

Realising you need an exhaust replacement isn’t fun, but driving with faulty parts can be a serious health risk. Hopefully, this blog has helped you troubleshoot your issue and understand the approximate exhaust replacement cost.

Exhaust replacement costs can tighten your budget. 

 with Bumper's car repair finance, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers. 

How Much Does an Exhaust Replacement Cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta cambiar el tubo de escape de un coche?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch eines Auspuffs?

Congratulations to the team at John Clark VWPC Dunfermline, who’ve won Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for July 2021.

The team’s commitment to providing their customers with the best possible experience was exceptional, and it was great to see that offering Bumper has become an integral part of their aftersales process.

Joining Bumper earlier this year, the team at Dunfermline have helped nearly 50 customers split their repair bills and drive away happier and safer.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer