close-up-of -car-on-hydraulic-lift-in-professional-auto-repair-shop

Jonathan Westwood

Chief Compliance Officer

Jonathan Westwood | Author

Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Eduardo Rodrigues | Author

Claudia Tuñón

Claudia Tuñón | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

Bumper has launched its digital payment platform for car repairs, servicing and add-ons in Germany.

This marks UK-based Bumper’s debut in continental Europe, following last year’s launch in Ireland, and is part of an expansion plan which will shortly see it roll out across other key European markets.

The service is launching with D+S Automobile, one of Germany’s most prominent Jaguar Land Rover retailers, following the recent Series A funding investment in Bumper by JLR’s InMotion Ventures investment arm.

“We’re delighted to partner with D+S Automobile and offer its customers access to our portfolio of interest-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and PayNow services,” said 

“As Europe’s biggest automotive market, Germany will play a pivotal role in the growth of Bumper across the continent.

 on German roads has increased to 9.8 years and is likely to continue to rise with the ongoing disruption of new car supplies. As these vehicles age the risk of major repairs becoming necessary also increases. 

“Our team in Germany is already talking to dealers and OEMs about how the Bumper platform is helping workshops in the UK and Ireland take the pain out of servicing and repair bills, prompting customers to authorise more work and building loyalty and satisfaction,” said Allman.

The international expansion follows the Financial Times ranking Bumper as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in the 

Bumper launches digital payment platform in Germany

Bumper is offering LEVC taxi owners in London access to interest-free credit for servicing and repair bills.

The Bumper service is being promoted through LEVC’s London Central dealership in Islington and marks the first collaboration between Bumper and a specialist electric vehicle manufacturer.

Owner-drivers using the funding facility are able to spread the cost of servicing and repairing their taxis over six or nine monthly instalments, up to a total of £3,000. Also covered are accessories, extended warranty, GAP and tyres.

Ryan Warren, service manager at LEVC London Central says the introduction of Bumper’s payment platform has been welcomed by taxi drivers eager to spread costs and minimise downtime. 

“Since the introduction of Bumper we have been able to assist even more of our customers, helping to get them back on the road as quickly as possible,” he said.

“Many of the drivers appreciate the option of using this service following the uncertainty of the last two years and the impact it's had on taxi drivers. The option to use Bumper gives drivers peace of mind and helps them balance their finances.”

Bumper is reporting a high uptake for the facility, especially from taxi owners wishing to spread the cost of GAP products.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside LEVC and the team at London Central to enable London taxi owners to spread the costs of their bills and get their vehicles back on the road as soon as possible,” said Jack Allman, COO and co-founder, Bumper.

“We have already proved how dealers offering our interest-free Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform can convert more aftersales work and achieve higher average invoice values because customers are empowered to finance all the work they need doing, not just what they can afford at the time.

“The aftersales taxi market is an important area of growth for us and we’re planning to rollout to owner-drivers across the UK and into Europe,” he said.

Bumper offers LEVC taxi owners in London access to interest-free aftersales payments

 has significantly expanded its executive team with four new appointments as the fast-growing business prepares the next stage of its growth in automotive payments.

All four bring a wealth of experience from some of the UK’s leading, FinTech disruptors, tech unicorns and financial services businesses and take up newly created positions within the business following the completion of its Series A funding round in December.

“We’re delighted to welcome Francisca Gutierrez, Leah Ellis, 

 and Matt Williams to the expanded executive team,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder, Bumper. 

“They’re all super talented and highly regarded in their respective fields with collective experience in FinTech and fast-growing disruptive start-ups, which will help us achieve our ambitious growth strategy as we increase our share of digital payments and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) in the UK and across Europe,” he said.

Francisca Gutierrez has been appointed chief product officer, joining the company from Experian where she served as domain leader and senior product manager. 

Gutierrez is managing the international launch of the Bumper platform into continental Europe, starting with Germany, followed by Spain, then Netherlands and Portugal. She is also leading the development of a new white-label customer app which will be offered by dealer groups to help improve aftersales retention. 

Paul Edgecombe has joined as chief compliance officer from Selina Finance, where he was head of risk and compliance. Edgecombe has worked in compliance across FinTechs as well as challenger and high street banks, with senior roles at Barclays, Santander and Harrods Bank.

He will be responsible for implementing and managing Bumper’s compliance programme, ahead of the introduction of new regulatory rules in the BNPL market. He will also oversee the extended regulatory compliance as Bumper launches into new territories.

Matt Williams joins in February as chief growth officer from Trainline, where he was head of growth technology, prior to which he was strategic analytics director with Jellyfish and head of analytics and optimisation at Rightmove.

A specialist in analytics and marketing, part of his remit will be to lead an expanded team of marketeers to grow Bumper’s B2C proposition.

 has joined as interim chief people officer having amassed considerable experience in managing staff growth at tech start-ups, most recently at Goodlord, the property lettings platform, and Eve Sleep, the online sleep brand. 

She will manage the rapid employee growth Bumper is planning, which will take its headcount from 40 to over 100 staff within the next 12 months.

Bumper expands executive team with all-star appointments, as it ramps up growth plans

With the cost of owning a car skyrocketing, new research conducted by vehicle repairs service 

 has found that, of those who needed repairs, UK drivers spent an average of £803 last year on car repairs.

The research asked 2,320 UK drivers over the age of 18 if they have needed vehicle repairs in the last 12 months. Almost two-thirds (64%) of those questioned said they did have to fork out for repairs in the past 12 months, with an 

 (the lowest repair cost stated was just £37, while the highest was £1,796).

The latest National Travel Survey conducted by the Department for Transport* estimated that they are approximately 35.9m driving licence holders in the UK. When multiplied by the average cost that drivers admit spending in the past year on vehicle repairs, this would mean that drivers who required motor repairs in the past year collectively spent an estimated £18.5bn.

The results found that the below cities were home to the motorists who had to shell out the most on their car repairs:

Meanwhile, the cities which reported the lowest repair costs were found to be Liverpool (£37), Newcastle (£61) and Cardiff (£85).

The survey also asked respondents what repairs they needed to pay for over the past year. The most common answers were:

Interestingly, drivers in the South West were more likely to need tyres replaced that the rest of the country, with 73% saying they needed this repair done. Meanwhile, in the North of England, the most 

 reported was windscreen repair/replacement (59%).

“We all know that maintaining a vehicle can be expensive, but this new research really highlights just how much vehicle owners might need to spend every year. High repair costs can leave some road users feeling unable to maintain a vehicle and therefore unable to travel for both essential reasons, such as work or childcare, and also to do the things they love, such as visit friends and family or even go on holiday.

“Since the start of the year, we’ve seen the cost of living increase rapidly, particularly in the motoring sector with the cost of fuel reaching record highs. It’s more important than ever that drivers are aware of the cost of repairs and different ways to manage the financial strain of this. From putting aside a little bit of money for future repairs every month to looking into affordable buy now, pay later services, there are many ways to stay on top of your vehicle costs so that you’re not left stranded.”

Founded in 2013, Bumper (formerly Auto Service Finance) provides an interest-free digital payment platform for vehicle repairs and services, enabling owners to spread their costs. It also 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.

 fastest-growing fintech in the 2022 FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest-growing companies, Bumper works with over 3,000 dealerships and garages across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, helping over 160,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.

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

UK motorists have collectively spent over £18bn on car repairs in the last year

Cars, like any machine, don't last forever. They consist of complex systems with numerous moving parts that endure daily stress, temperature extremes, and friction. 

Over time, components wear out, fluids need replenishing, and electrical parts may fail. As a result, certain car problems frequently occur, leading mechanics to perform the same repairs repeatedly.

In this blog, we'll cover the most common car repairs. The good news? Many can be avoided or delayed with proper 

Here are the nine most common car repairs:

Spark plugs are small but essential, igniting the fuel to start your engine. 

Though inexpensive and replaceable at home, proper installation is crucial. Delayed or incorrect replacement can cause serious engine and transmission damage. 

Whether you DIY or visit a service centre, ensure this common car repair is done correctly.

 comes on, a loose fuel cap is often to blame. 

Ignoring it can reduce gas mileage, as excess air in the tank causes fuel to burn faster, leading to more frequent fill-ups and higher long-term costs.

Oxygen sensors measure exhaust oxygen levels to optimise engine performance and emissions by regulating the air-fuel ratio.

So long as the ratio of air and petrol in the chambers remains optimal, your engine will run just as it should. Replace these as and when required!

4. Ensuring brakes and pads are replaced on time 

Everyone knows brakes are important. More than a quarter of all car accidents happen because a vehicle didn't — or couldn't — stop in time to avoid a collision. 

, which wear down naturally with everyday use. 

On their own and when done on schedule, the cost of replacement isn’t pricey. Regular brake maintenance can also cover brake discs, drums, lines, and rotors.

If you're worried about car repairs, then Bumper could help by splitting the cost into interest-free monthly instalments at no cost to you.

 in your car every 3,000 miles or so to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.

Oil collects debris over time, reducing its lubricating ability. Fortunately, oil changes are easy to learn through online or DIY courses.

Keeping accurate records of oil changes can boost your car's resale or trade-in value. Some mechanics will even put a sticker on your windscreen reminding you when the 

Without well-inflated tyres and treads appropriate for the weather, you can sacrifice control, speed, and fuel efficiency.

It's vital to get your tires patched quickly anytime you run over a sharp object like a chunk of broken glass, anytime you notice a leak, or if the tires have simply become too worn. 

Mechanics are also trained to spot tire issues, even during unrelated repairs.

The ignition system on a car includes the starter, battery, and the ignition key or button assembly on the dashboard. 

If any of those pieces aren't working, the engine won't turn over — or you might end up with an engine failure in mid-journey. This is one of the most common repairs on cars, and one to watch out for!

In addition to the ignition and starter, key electrical components like fuses and light bulbs that need regular replacement are also connected to your battery. 

These types of repairs can easily be done at home, and the components are easy to find at shops like Halfords, which stock automotive goods.

Just do a bit of homework and be sure you have the correct specifications in fuses or bulbs.

Car alarms installed after the car leaves the dealer’s forecourt often cause problems. 

Alarm systems need to draw power from the car’s battery and electrical system in order to operate. As an add-on the alarm can cause other systems to receive less power than they need and fail. They can also kill the battery if installed incorrectly. 

Ensure the alarm matches your car's electrical specs, or you may face costly removal.

The alternator charges your battery and powers the electrical system. It’s a critical component of any car and responsible for safe driving. 

Signs of failure include dim headlights, a dead battery, or a dashboard warning light. If you notice any of these, have your alternator checked and replaced if needed.

An overheating engine can be caused by a wide range of issues, from a malfunctioning radiator to a cooling system leak.

If you realise your engine is overheating you must pull over and turn your car off. Allow the car to cool down and then open the bonnet and check the coolant level. If low, top up the coolant. If the overheating problem continues, you must visit a mechanic.

If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, a 

You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later’ service like Bumper, which lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments. 

By staying informed about common car repairs, you can make smarter decisions that save you time, money, and stress. Regular maintenance and attention to early warning signs help you prevent minor issues from becoming major problems — which is 

Embracing these tips and working with a trusted mechanic when needed will not only extend the life of your car but also ensure a safer, smoother, and more enjoyable driving experience. 

Bookmark this page so you don’t forget these most common auto repairs!

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

11 Common Car Repairs Drivers Need To Know

Was sind die häufigsten Autoreparaturen?

How much should you expect to spend every year on keeping your car in smooth running order? A 2020 study by Kwik Fit found that the average UK driver spends around £1,300 every year on 

 That includes petrol, trips to the car wash, but crucially — repairs and breakdown recovery.

Ranked by cost, you won't be surprised that petrol is the biggest line item in the budget. But maintenance and repairs come in a close second.

Those figures don’t tell the whole story. Unexpected repairs and breakdowns 

. Numbers from WarrantyWise suggest the average bill for an unexpected repair is north of £600, and the more expensive the car brand, the higher the cost. 

shock car repair bill, it's worth looking at what you can do to keep your car in top condition and avoid unpleasant surprises (and you could even consider applying for 

Close to 10 per cent of drivers try and save on car maintenance by putting off 

 or delaying routine servicing. Experts agree that waiting until repairs are absolutely necessary is a ‘false economy’ that often costs drivers more in the long run. 

To avoid unexpected repairs and breakdowns, the best way to ensure your car is operating efficiently is to regularly maintain it. If you don’t, you run the risk of 

 if problems go undetected and lead to major repairs. 

But there are effective ways to keep visits to the mechanics to a minimum. Here are five proper ways to trim the cost of auto maintenance and repairs. 

Getting more life out of your car’s moving parts is often as simple as taking it easy behind the wheel. 

and tyres will all last you longer if learn to relax a bit and be sensible when you’re on the move. 

Follow these simple techniques and your car will repay you with fewer trips to the mechanic: 

Pay attention to what’s happening further up the road and brake gradually as the situation demands. Gradual versus ‘sudden’ braking will keep your discs and brake pads from wearing out before their normal lifespan expires. If you hammer the brakes on a regular basis it creates more friction and brakes down their component materials faster. 

Don’t keep your foot pressed down on the clutch pedal after you switch gears. Doing that means the clutch isn’t fully re-engaged, which could cause the plates to slip on the gearbox shaft. Over time that will cause significant and expensive damage to your transmission. 

Steer clear of speed bumps and potholes: 

Your vehicles undercarriage, exhaust, and tyres can all be damaged by flying over potholes and speed bumps. The end result can be a painfully expensive repair bill — all of which could be avoided by taking it slow over speed bumps avoiding potholes entirely 

2. Don’t put off scheduled service visits 

At risk of repeating ourselves, most car makers suggest that you bring your car in for a full end-to-end service every 12 months or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. 

While the fear of an unexpected repair bill can make people fearful about taking their car in for a checkup, in the end it can lead to a bigger repair bill when you’re hit with a failed MOT inspection down the road. In fact, the Royal Automobile Club found that close to 60 per cent of drivers who hadn't been in for regular service paid between £500 and £1,000 in order to pass the MOT. 

Keeping your car and undercarriage free from dirt and dust can help keep grit out of moving parts and stop slow-but-steady damage to the vehicle's exterior. Kwik Fit’s study of repair costs also found that UK drivers spend an average of £60 every year taking their car in to the car wash. While that might not seem like a lot of money, over the course of a car’s normal lifespan (circa eight years) you could cut close to £800 from your maintenance costs by cleaning the car at home. 

Electric vehicles are increasing in popularity and repair costs are part of the attraction. Along with being more sustainable, e-cars are rightly hailed for being cheaper to maintain. Their motors contain fewer moving parts. And perhaps most importantly, charging an electric vehicle is significantly cheaper than filling a tank with diesel or petrol. 

The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25 per cent 

with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually. 

If you’re willing to sit through a few YouTube videos and learn how to handle basic car maintenance, you can save a lot of money every year by avoiding leaving your car in a service bay for a mechanic to do the work instead. 

When you take your car in to a garage, you’re paying for both parts and labour. In many cases, a bit of shopping around will locate the same parts for less than what the mechanic is going to charge you for them. Learning how to do things like change spark plugs and do oil changes can save you hundreds of pounds every year. 

How high are auto maintenance and repair costs in the UK? 

You’ve just got a car repair quote — and it’s more than you can afford right now. It’s an unexpected expense, and you need to figure out quickly what your options are.

With the cost of everyday life already stretched, an urgent repair bill can put real pressure on your finances. One option that many drivers turn to is a car repair loan.

Car repair loans can help you spread the cost of an unexpected bill into manageable monthly payments so you can get back on the road without paying everything upfront.

On this page, you’ll quickly find out how they work and what to consider before choosing one.

There are several ways to pay for unexpected car repairs in the UK, from spreading the cost with finance to using savings, credit cards, or garage payment plans, each with different costs and approval requirements.

Below, you’ll find the main car repair loan options and their pros and cons.

A personal loan is money borrowed from a bank, building society, or online lender that you repay in fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. You usually receive the full amount upfront and can use it for car repairs or other expenses.

 People needing to cover a large repair bill and who prefer structured, longer-term repayments.

A credit card lets you pay for car repairs upfront and repay the balance over time. 

Some cards offer 0% interest promotional periods, but standard rates apply once these end. Bumper recommends checking the fine print for your card before making any payments.

 Smaller repair bills or short-term borrowing when you can repay quickly.

Some garages offer their own finance or “pay later” options, allowing you to split the cost of repairs directly with the workshop. 

However, these plans aren’t always on offer and may be subject to the garage’s own terms — which may not be very favourable.

Drivers who want an in-garage solution without arranging external finance.

Specialist providers focus specifically on car repair finance (such as Bumper), allowing you to spread the cost of a repair bill into monthly payments. 

In many cases, the garage is paid directly and the customer repays the provider over time.

 Drivers facing unexpected repair costs who want a fast way to spread payments.

A car repair loan is a specific form of lending that helps pay for car maintenance or repair bills. These loans split the costs into multiple payments over a series of months, allowing you to minimise the impacts of a big surprise cost.

Usually, the amount is paid directly to the garage doing the work, and the car owner repays the loan company in monthly payments until it is complete.

Can you get a car repair loan with a bad credit score?

If you have a low credit score, it may still be possible to get help covering the cost of car repairs, but approval is never guaranteed. 

Lenders will look at your overall financial situation, including your income, existing credit commitments, and ability to make repayments, rather than just your credit score alone.

Who gives car loans for poor credit scores?

Car repair finance for bad credit is typically available through specialist lenders or providers that offer flexible eligibility checks, including some garage finance options and dedicated repair finance services. In some cases, you may also consider credit cards with lower limits or personal loans aimed at “near-prime” borrowers.

Advantages of car repair loans for low credit scores

The main advantage is that these loans may still be accessible even if you have a poor credit history, as some lenders focus more on affordability and current financial circumstances than your credit score alone. 

They can also provide fast access to funds, helping you cover urgent repair costs and get back on the road without delay, while spreading payments into manageable monthly installments.

Drawbacks of car repair loans for low credit scores

However, there are drawbacks to consider. Interest rates may be higher, credit limits can be lower, and not all providers will accept applicants with poor credit histories. 

It’s also important to ensure repayments are affordable, as missed payments could further impact your credit file.

For a more detailed breakdown of options, see our guide to 

 service is the speed of approval. Simply, apply online and choose from thousands of reliable repairers. Applications can be completed in just a few seconds.

Banks and credit unions typically charge interest on money lent, but car repair loan companies like 

Bumper makes money by charging the garage a small service charge instead. But don’t worry. This cost will never be passed on to you through inflated rates. We’re here to make the experience easier, not more stressful.

What fees are there for securing a car repair loan?

As the borrower, none! There shouldn’t be any fees to the customer to secure a car repair loan.

Here at Bumper, we charge the garage a small service charge, and that’s it. Assuming you make all the repayments on time as agreed prior to arranging credit, there are no fees to be paid with our car repair finance.

At Bumper, it couldn't be easier. Our website will guide you through the steps one by one. To get started, visit our 

The process for car repair finance is simple:

Enter your reg & postcode to search for a trusted local service partner.

Apply for up to £5,000. We don't need to know how much your bill will be.

Get an instant decison and a unique code to give to the garage.

Book an appointment with your selected service partner. When it's time to pay, give them your code and they'll set up the rest.

What information do I need to apply for a car repair loan?

If you need a loan to get your car fixed, you’ll need a few personal details.

On our website, you will be asked to provide information about your car and location. From there, we’ll present a suitable selection of local garages.

We also do a ‘soft credit check’ in order to guarantee eligibility for a car repair loan, and this will require information such as your full name, address, date of birth, and any current credit lines you have.

Do I have to provide security for a car repair loan?

No, unlike many bank loans, you don’t need to provide collateral for a car repair loan.

This means you don’t need to own your own home or car outright to get approved for a car repair loan, making the process much easier.

An option lots of people use for large purchases is a credit card. This allows you to cover the cost of large bills without needing to pay upfront, but they do have their downsides.

credit card companies offer zero interest rates

 on a fixed term, say 18 months, these are usually offers rather than permanent schemes, meaning it's very important to check and double-check what interest you'll have to pay.

After the first month, many credit card lenders charge in the region of 20% APR, with this compounding if payments are missed. If your credit score isn't perfect, this rate can skyrocket to 40 or 60%.

Bumper allows guaranteed 0%-interest repayments over a timescale that is established before the money is lent, meaning you won't get any surprises when your statement arrives next month.

As well as Bumper or using a credit card, there are a few other ways to spread the cost of car repairs, each with its own downsides and benefits.

Paypal has offered a buy now pay later option for a while, for some customers can give 4 months zero interest loans.

Whilst its platform is widely used online and in e-commerce purchases, in our experience, there aren’t many garages that will accept a PayPal scheme.

Another downside is that PayPal’s standard credit limit is £1200, which is often not enough for more serious repairs.

Klarna is a payment tool that is popular in retail stores and is available in a few garages, but this is limited by the very same points mentioned above, including a restrictive payment plan and limited availability.