Aftersales

Bumper are thrilled to be an official sponsor of the Garage Awards - WhoCanFixMyCar.com's inaugural celebration of outstanding customer service and workmanship from organisations including global automotive brands and owner-operated mobile technicians.Devised in recognition of the best-performing businesses on the price-comparison platform, the Garage Awards will see independent and franchised workshops being acknowledged for their success, technical skill and commitment to customer service and excellence in the automotive aftersales sector.In December, WhoCanFixMyCar.com announced all 17 winners, basing their selections on key metrics such as the number of maintenance and repair jobs won via the platform and quality of customer feedback generated. IN'n'OUT Centres have been named 'Best National Group' while KAM Servicing receive the award for 'Best Regional Group'.A special 'Hall of Fame' accolade (Bumper's chosen sponsor category) has been awarded to Auto Solutions East Kilbride for its completion of over 700 jobs within a two-year period, making it the best performing garage on WhoCanFixMyCar.com. As noted by the platform, the garage offers "a perfect example of how to run a business with new technology at its heart".Auto Solutions EK's excellent performance was boosted by their decision to offer our interest free payment plans to enable motorists to manage costs more effectively. Speaking to WhoCanFixMyCar.com, Garage Manager Nathan Kelly said: "Bumper offer a brilliant service which has helped our garage to secure high value work. Our customers can now easily afford to pay for their bigger repairs as Bumper allow then to split the cost into manageable payments."We secured over 30 jobs using the service in a matter of weeks and we're confident of winning much more work in the future. Bumper and WhoCanFixMyCar.com are offering Auto Solutions EK, and our customers, a brilliant service so everybody wins".A ceremony to celebrate the winners will take place in Birmingham next month.

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The annual garage awards celebrates the best garages in the UK.

Celebrating the best garages in the UK | Bumper Blog

Celebrating the best garages in the UK

A regular car service is a mechanical check-up carried out at set intervals, usually at least once a year or after the car has racked up enough miles on the clock. The manufacturer specifies the timescale and provides a standard list of services for mechanics to follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the car is still under warranty, then the interval and services will be mandatory. If it's out of warranty, then there’s more flexibility in the timing and services performed — though for the sake of your car you should keep as close to the recommended schedule as you can.&nbsp;A scheduled service will replace old fluids and ageing parts and include visual inspections to make sure key components are working as they should.&nbsp;&nbsp;There are three different types of scheduled car service: interim, full and major. While different service centres might brand their service packages differently for marketing purposes, there will always be three levels and a tiered pricing structure to choose from.&nbsp;Each service level builds on the previous one and then adds extras that the car needs at different stages of its life on the road. The type of service you need depends on how much time has passed or how much driving you’ve done since the last scheduled service.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">The three care service levels explained&nbsp;</h2><h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Interim car service&nbsp;</h3>An interim car service is the basic service bundle designed for high-mileage car owners who drive 20,000 miles or more annually. In their case, a single annual service may not be enough.&nbsp;An interim car service will normally wrap in an oil and oil filter change, plus a visual inspection of the car's essential exterior components, such as the tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers.&nbsp;Also included in an interim service bundle will be a topping-up of the engine, brake, and other key fluids; an inspection for any fluid leaks, and lubrication of all moving parts.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Full car service&nbsp;</h3>A full service, sometimes called an intermediate service, is often scheduled for every 12 months or whenever 12,000 miles is chalked-up on the odometer. It's designed for drivers with lower annual mileages and only needs one service a year.&nbsp;It comes with a wider range of replacement parts and visual checks, adding on to those conducted in the last interim service. These can include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Changing fuel and air filters&nbsp;</li><li>Changing spark plugs&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting the brakes&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting the air conditioning system&nbsp;</li><li>Inspecting radiator and coolant hoses&nbsp;</li><li>Checking bearings and shock absorbers&nbsp;</li><li>Testing electrical components like battery, starter, and alternator</li></ul><h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Major car service</h3>The third and final service level is the ‘major’. It's typically recommended every 24,000 miles or 24 months. If your last annual service was a full service, a major service will be next on the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.&nbsp;It's the most comprehensive bundle of the three and takes everything from an interim and full service then adds on replacing parts and fluids that wear out every couple of years. These include brake fluid and cabin filter.&nbsp;Brake fluid can become contaminated over time and affect how well the brakes work. That’s obviously a serious concern when you’re on the road motoring at speed. The cabin filter can also be clogged up with dust and debris over time, affecting the cabin's air quality.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Are car service intervals really necessary?&nbsp;</h2>A scheduled car service isn’t a legal requirement like an MOT. However, your new car warranty might compel you to stick to a standard servicing schedule. Even if you’re out of warranty, regular servicing is the best way to keep your car in the best possible condition.&nbsp;Although service intervals can be pricey, there are a number of benefits that make it worth doing:&nbsp;<ul><li style="margin-left:0px;">Cars with a full-service history have a higher resale value&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Regular inspections of key components and replacing worn out parts will detect problems and keep you on the road&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Changing your engine oil and oil filter annually increases fuel efficiency and keeps the engine running smoothly&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Inspecting brake pads, discs and callipers every year means your brakes and ability to stop stay at their maximum level&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What type of service do I need?&nbsp;</h2>Working out which type of car service you need for your car depends on your current mileage, how old your car is, the last scheduled service you had done, and the make and model of the vehicle.&nbsp;Keeping track of your car service schedule can be tricky so it's usually a good idea to book service visits around your annual MOT. Though the servicing itself is legally required, it's good for your car and your pocketbook. Scheduling both at the same time means one less visit to the garage, and many garages offer discounted packages for doing them both together.&nbsp;Since most drivers can’t easily do oil changes, replace oil filters, or check spark plugs at home, regular maintenance checks are normally the best way to keep your car running smoothly.&nbsp;A trained mechanic will lookout for any issues with your brakes and top up or change vital fluids like coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid.&nbsp;Failing to keep to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule can affect your car warranty and the vehicle’s resale value.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Facing an unexpected car repair bill?&nbsp;</h2>If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, <a href="http://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair loans</a> can help ease the pain. You might also consider a ‘buy now, pay later service like ours. It lets you get the repairs you need quickly while deferring payments in easy interest-free instalments.&nbsp;

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Regular auto maintenance comes in standard packages. Find out what each one includes, and what to do when a routine checkup turns into a major bill for repairs.

What are the main types of car service? | Bumper Blog

The Different Levels of Car Service Explained 

News

Team Bumper attended the first Motortec Madrid 2022 event following the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The event, held annually, is one of the largest Automotive industry events in Europe. Described as a space for industry experts and innovators to exchange knowledge and best practices, Motortec sees over 700 companies exhibit annually. &nbsp;Across four days, Bumper showcased their interest-free monthly payments for aftersales invoices. A digital solution that allows customers at dealerships and garages to apply for finance in just a few clicks.Co-founder, Jack Allman said, "Motortec Madrid marks the start of Bumper's expansion into the Spanish market. With a widely established presence in the UK and a recent launch into Germany, we're in a strong position to expand in Spain.“Our talented and experienced sales team are engaging with dealerships and garages here in Spain about how Bumper can drive increased sales volume and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction”.Team Bumper received an exciting reaction to their innovative solution at Motortec and have secured many connections to propel them further into the Spanish market.&nbsp;<h2>About Bumper</h2>Founded in 2013, Bumper 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.Named 21st 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 Republic of Ireland, helping over 160,000 drivers to fund their servicing and repair bills.Bumper operates from the UK, Spain and Germany.For more information on how Bumper can grow your aftersales volume contact our sales team at sales@bumper.co.uk.&nbsp;

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Team Bumper attended one of the largest automotive industry events in Europe, Motortec Madrid 2022, exhibiting their interest-free finance solution for aftersales invoices.

Team Bumper attend Motortec Madrid 2022 | Bumper Blog

Team Bumper attend Motortec Madrid 2022

To keep a car running like clockwork you need to bring it for regular servicing, usually after 5,000 to 6,000 miles of driving. Some services are quick and simple while others are time and cost-intensive. There’s a lot of variation in the price of what you pay, so how do you know if you’re getting good value for money?&nbsp;On average, UK car owners spend around £280 on servicing each year. The age of a car is obviously a major factor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Newer cars usually have fewer problems and the manufacturer’s warranty limits the cost in the first few years. Older cars are often out of warranty and the added wear &amp; tear from more years on the road means <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">the cost of service and repairs</a> goes up.&nbsp;&nbsp;And not every year is the same. You'll spend more in a year when your car has had a breakdown or is scheduled for major service, less in years when only minor services are due.&nbsp;To help you navigate the wide range of costs and price tags out there we’ve analysed the top search engine results British car services and calculated the average prices you should expect.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s how it breaks down:&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What are the different levels of car service?&nbsp;</h2>There are normally three levels of regularly scheduled car service: interim, full, and major. Manufacturers set different intervals for each one based on the age or mileage of the vehicle.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Interim is usually recommended every six months of 6,000 miles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Full service is usually recommended every 12 months or 12,000 miles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Major service is usually recommended every 24 months or 24,000 miles&nbsp;</li></ul>The manufacturer draws from analysis of all the vehicles of your type it has on the road. It uses repair and breakdown data to determine when you should bring the car in to the shop and what parts and fluids need looking at.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the car gets older, naturally things start to break down. Scheduled service is meant to address common issues before they turn into a problem.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">How much do scheduled service tiers cost?&nbsp;</h2>As the time and replacement parts required by the mechanic go up as you move up the three levels, so does the cost. Here are the factors that determine how much time and effort servicing will take:&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Engine size&nbsp;</h3>Cars with an engine size smaller than two litres will usually be less expensive to service. High-performance cars with larger engines and more expensive components will cost more. Electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids often need specialist servicing, which comes at a higher hourly rate.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Make &amp; model&nbsp;</h3>Popular cars like the Vauxhall Corsa and Kia Sportage will typically be in the lower price range for servicing since so many of them are on the road.&nbsp; Parts are cheap and readily available and their simpler design means they’re generally faster and easier to fix.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Warranty status&nbsp;</h3>If a car’s warranty cover is still in place, the cost of a scheduled service will be capped by the policy. Of course, to sustain the warranty's validity you have to stick to the prescribed service schedule. Skipping or putting off a scheduled service to save money isn't really an option.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What do different car services cost?&nbsp;</h2>Looking at the search engine results for UK car services we've been able to come up with these average prices. For reference, we assumed a 2019 1.2 Vauxhall Corsa SXi with 42,000 miles on the odometer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an oil change&nbsp;</h3>Changing engine oil and filter is usually part of an interim service, but you can also buy it as a standalone service. The average oil change and filter price was £61. Depending on the quality of engine oil and size of your engine, that price could go up.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an interim service&nbsp;</h3>The average cost of an interim service is around £96, with service centres including an average 35 checks in their interim service.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a full service&nbsp;</h3>The average cost of a full car service is currently around £158. Garages bundled in an average 53 checks in their full service.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a major service&nbsp;</h3>Not every garage offers a major service so lack of supply tends to push up the price. From those garages that do offer major car service, the average price was £219 for about 62 checks on average.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of an MOT</h2>The price of a class four MOT, required for passenger vehicles that have seating capacity for eight passengers, Westminster limits the cost to £54.85 maximum. Beneath that level the price of an MOT can change significantly from one garage to the next. In some of our searches we found MOT prices as low as £20 when booked at the same time as an interim, full, or major service. Dealerships tend to charge more and most price an MOT at the maximum £54.85.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">Cost of a combined MOT with service&nbsp;</h3>Since many garages offer discounts and package deals for booking an MOT together with an interval service, it makes sense to have your car serviced and get the MOT done all in one go. You’ll cut down on time without your car and save money on the overall price of a combined service.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if the garage doesn’t offer discount, consider doing your MOT whenever your next scheduled service is due. You’ll save time and hassle, even if you don’t save money.&nbsp;Worried about how you’ll pay your next car repair bill? Consider an <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair loans</a> from Bumper. It’s easy and fast.&nbsp;

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Bumper discusses the different types of car services and how much they cost.

What’s the annual cost of servicing a car? | Bumper Blog

What’s the annual cost of servicing a car? 

Bumper joined National Park Rangers in woodland near Calver for a unique day of volunteering. The team worked together to collect hundreds of vintage glass bottles and ceramics that were found when the site was recently cleared due to Ash Dieback Disease. It's believed that the area was on the site of an old Victorian tip.The Team found old Heinz bottles and Bovril glasses. Items that looked of interest were sent to archaeologists for analysis.It was important for the team to clear this glass to protect the safety of the wildlife and members of the public with four-legged friends who enjoy what the Peak District has to offer. Glass can also be a wildfire hazard as heat from the sun can cause devastating damage.The Team was extremely efficient and filled all the containers before the proposed finished time – this was probably propelled by a meal booked in the local pub after!Bumper is supporting the Foundation after signing up for its Peak Partner scheme, which allows businesses to care for the National Park while meeting their Corporate Social Responsibility goals.James Jackson, CEO said: “The Peak District National Park is an incredible area, right on the doorstep of our Sheffield office.“This partnership allows us to work closely with an amazing local organisation, but also to have a positive impact on the environment. Here at Bumper, our corporate social responsibility has always been a priority for us. Working in the automotive industry, we’re acutely aware of the progress our industry needs to make toward solving the climate crisis and we know we need to be doing all we can to support this.“We’re proud residents of Sheffield and love the area surrounding our office there. The Peak District National Park Foundation not only works to conserve the environment but is also a great asset for Sheffield.Becoming a Peak Partner was a no brainer for us, and we’re thrilled to be working with the Foundation. We really enjoyed our day clearing the woodland, meeting the staff who work in the National Park and talking about our CSR goals.”The Foundation’s fundraising development officer Claire Barlow said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bumper as a Gold Peak Partner. It was great to meet the team out in the Peak District, we’d like to say a huge thank you to them for their help and look forward to working with them in the future.”<h2>The Peak District National Park Foundation</h2>The Foundation is an independent charity that cares for the Peak District National Park. Its aim is to work towards a Peak District that is conserved and enjoyed by everyone. It funds projects that care for the landscape and wildlife in the park, help fight climate change, and connect people from all backgrounds and situations to nature and the outdoors.

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Team Bumper took to the woods this month to help clear the Peak District in aid of wildlife conservation. 

Bumper volunteers with Peak District National Park | Bumper Blog

Bumper volunteers with Peak District National Park

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&nbsp;Jack Allman, CCO and co-founder, Bumper.“As Europe’s biggest automotive market, Germany will play a pivotal role in the growth of Bumper across the continent.“The average age of cars 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.&nbsp;“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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/ft1000-2022">FT1000</a> for the second year in a row.

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Bumper has launched its interest-free monthly payments for car repairs in Germany. 

Bumper launches digital payment platform in Germany | Bumper Blog

Bumper launches digital payment platform in Germany

With the cost of owning a car skyrocketing, new research conducted by vehicle repairs service<a href="http://www.bumper.co.uk">&nbsp;www.bumper.co.uk</a> 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 past 12 months, with an average cost of £803 (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:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>London - £1,796</li><li>Oxford - £1,587</li><li>Bristol - £1,267</li><li>Birmingham - £1,112</li><li>Exeter - £1,098</li></ul>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:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Tyre replacement - 62%</li><li>Brake repairs - 52%</li><li>Windscreen repair/replacement - 43%</li><li>Wheel alignment - 29%</li><li>Spark plug replacement - 20%</li></ul>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 common repair reported was windscreen repair/replacement (59%).James Jackson, CEO of<a href="http://www.bumper.co.uk">&nbsp;www.bumper.co.uk</a>, commented:“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.”<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">About Bumper:</h2>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.Named 21st 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 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.

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A recent study by Bumper has found UK drivers spent £18bn on repairs over the last year, with an average of £803.

Motorists have spent over £18bn on repairs in the last year | Bumper Blog

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

A recent survey by the Motor Ombudsman found&nbsp;that 68% of motorists plan to decrease vehicle-related expenditure due to the current cost of living crisis.The survey of 2,000 participants revealed that 56% of car owners didn't currently have a service plan, 23% expected to delay their service and 33% expected to miss their annual recommend service entirely.Although an annual service isn’t mandatory, the check is recommended by manufacturers and is important for keeping the vehicle in good condition and safe for road users. 60% of respondents recognised the importance of an annual service and 35% understood the positive impact a service history can have on the vehicle’s resale value.The survey revealed motorists were concerned about the cost of living hike, with 87% of motorists concerned about the high cost of petrol and diesel, as well as other large increases, such as National Insurance rising to 1.25% and an increase in inflation resulting in higher supermarket goods.Consumers plan to react by cutting back on their vehicle use by walking or cycling, driving more efficiently to reduce fuel consumption, and shopping around for cheaper car insurance.<a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/blog/guide-to-reducing-fuel-consumption">Find out more about reducing your fuel consumption.</a>Bill Fennell, Managing Director of the Motor Ombudsman, said&nbsp;“April has seen a coming together of several cost of living increases, which have unfortunately hit the wallets of consumers all at the same time. It’s therefore inevitable that something has to give, and our study has shown that servicing and vehicle maintenance is being seen as less of a priority. This is of course concerning – not following the vehicle manufacturer’s servicing schedule, and not taking their car to a garage to be looked at by a professional in the event of any mechanical problems is essentially compromising the safety and value of the vehicle.”&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">About Bumper</h2>Bumper’s PayLater platform puts drivers back in the driving seat by allowing them to split repairs, MOTs, services and accessories in monthly instalments, completely interest-free. Our quick and easy-to-complete applications are completed online in just a few clicks.<a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/registration/dealership">Complete the registration form on our website for more information about how Bumper can grow your aftersales department.</a>

Bumper explores how the cost of living crisis is affecting the automotive aftersales industry. 

Motorists plan to delay service due to cost of living crisis | Bumper Blog

Motorists plan to delay service due to cost of living crisis

Bumper, the digital payment platform for vehicle repairs, services, accessories and add-ons, has announced the appointment of James Hind as a non-executive director.The co-founder and CEO of carwow brings a wealth of digital automotive experience to the business as it prepares to launch across Europe.“We’re incredibly excited to welcome James Hind as a non-executive director. His extensive experience of successfully scaling a disruptive automotive tech business in the UK, Spain and Germany will be invaluable to us,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder, Bumper.“As an entrepreneur James is highly regarded across the automotive sector having grown carwow from a small start-up to an international business with over 400 employees and £5bn of car sales through it in 2021 alone, so we’re thrilled to have him onboard,” he said.Speaking about his appointment Hind said: “Car repair and servicing bills are often a big financial burden for many consumers and Bumper has created a great way to spread the cost of that, helping avoid the need to take on expensive loans. Its platform is great for dealers too, providing them with a full suite of digital payment options for customers to fund workshop and add-on bills which has been a gamechanger and that shows with the huge adoption they’ve got.“I’ll be supporting the management team as they grow its operations and offerings in the UK and across Europe. I’ve followed Bumper’s rapid rise with keen interest and look forward to working with the business to assist the next phase of its growth,” he said.Hind joins Bumper following the recent expansion of its executive team with four new appointments: Francisca Gutierrez (chief product officer),&nbsp;Paul Edgecombe (chief compliance officer), Matt Williams (chief growth officer) and Leah Ellis (interim chief people officer).Last month Bumper&nbsp;was&nbsp;named by the Financial Times as one of the fastest-growing FinTechs in its FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest growing companies.

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Bumper has announced the appointment of James Hind as a non-executive director. The CEO and Co-founder of carwow brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the business as it expands across Europe.

Bumper appoints carwow’s James Hind | Bumper Blog

Bumper appoints carwow’s James Hind as non-executive director

Bumper is offering LEVC taxi owners in London access to interest-free credit for servicing and repair bills.The&nbsp;Bumper&nbsp;service is being&nbsp;promoted&nbsp;through LEVC’s London Central dealership in Islington and marks the first&nbsp;collaboration&nbsp;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.&nbsp;“Since the introduction of Bumper we have been able to assist even&nbsp;more of our customers, helping to get them&nbsp;back on the road as quickly as possible,” he said.“Many of the drivers appreciate the option of using this&nbsp;service&nbsp;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.

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Bumper has partnered with LEVC to offer London taxi drivers interest-free payments for repairs to their vehicles.

Bumper offers taxi owners in London interest-free payments | Bumper Blog

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

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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

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Bumper ranks as one of the top fastest-growing Fintechs in Europe for a second consecutive year. 

Bumper ranks as number 21 in fastest growing FinTechs | Bumper Blog

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

If you own a car, you’ve probably felt a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when it starts to make strange noises — a sensation that gets worse when money is tight. If you’re in this situation, a car repair loan is one popular way to keep your car on the road.&nbsp;In the UK there are a few finance options available when unexpected car repairs strike. In this blog we’ll take a look at some of the options.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What is an auto repair loan?&nbsp;</h2>An auto repair loan refers to a loan or credit line designed specifically to cover car repairs. Most of the lenders specialising in car repair loans recognise that repairs often arise in an emergency situation, so they try and make the application process simple so you can access the cash ASAP and get repairs done quickly.&nbsp;In most cases lenders look for a good credit rating in order to expedite your loan, but most offer lenders loans for bad credit as well.&nbsp;Some of the benefits of car repair loans include:&nbsp;Zero collateral: Most car repair loans are unsecured, meaning you won't have to sign your house or some other asset away in order to obtain one.&nbsp;Lump sum access: Once you’re approved, you’ll get the full amount of the cash in a bank transfer or via a special debit card that you can use straightaway.&nbsp;It’s fast: Care repair loan specialists know that car repairs are often urgent, so they aim for speed. Some will provide the money in as little as one business day. If your credit is poor, it might take a day or two longer.&nbsp;If you decide to take out car repair loan, be sure to look around. There is more than one lender out there and a range of loan options to consider.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Should I get a loan, or just use my credit card?&nbsp;</h2>While credit cards can offer a simple way to cover any unexacted expense, for car repairs it might not be ideal. If you had a credit card with 0% APR and can pay down the balance quickly, that could be an attractive option. But if you’re like most people with a higher card interest rate, or you won't be able to clear the balance quickly, the interest charges could be hefty.&nbsp;The interest rate on a car repair loan might be more competitive. For a large repair bill that could take months to pay off, a car repair loan is probably the more attractive choice.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What if my credit rating is poor?&nbsp;</h2>Any lender offering financing will want you to demonstrate good credit, however car repair loan specialists typically offer loans for people with poor credit too. You may have to pay higher fees or take on a less attractive interest rate, but on the upside, you’ll be able to cover your car repairs and stay in the driver's seat.&nbsp;Some car manufacturers have started offering car repair financing of their own. It’s worth looking into, though bear in mind that not every dealership signs up to participate. And when they do, you may have to go in person to complete an application.&nbsp; &nbsp;After that, the number of payments you can spread the cost over are often restricted to two or three. For repair jobs above £2,000, the approval processes and credit checks can be more stringent.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Another option&nbsp;</h2>As digital technologies continue to transform how we buy and pay for services, 'buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) platforms are giving consumers more options to pay for things flexibly.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the automotive sector, the leading BNPL option is <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">Bumper</a>. We let you split hefty a repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments.&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>First visit our home page and enter your vehicle registration number and postcode.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>After that you search for a local repair centre and select the one you want.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Then complete a soft credit application for up to £5,000 and receive your unique Bumper Code&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Processing typically takes less than a minute. Once approved you can book an appointment at your chosen garage&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>When agreeing the cost of the repairs, just give your garage the Bumper Code. They’ll send a link to your smartphone, where you can choose how you want to spread out the payments.&nbsp;Pick the number of months you want to spread the cost over and pick a suitable date to complete the payments. You can even use Apple Pay or Google Pay to set it up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bumper ensures that you never pay more for servicing or repairs when spreading the cost. And the maximum credit limit you’ve been offered is never shared with the garage.&nbsp;So, if car repairs suddenly become a necessity, consider your financing options. You might be able to finance the repair job and get access to the cash in a matter of minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Find out how to finance your car repairs and spread the cost, so you can fix it up without breaking the bank. Includes helpful tips on how to get started, and get your car back on the road.

Guide To Car Repair Loans | Bumper Blog

A guide to car repair loans 

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 auto maintenance and repair. 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.Here’s the monthly average breakdown:<ul><li>Petrol: £67.00&nbsp;</li><li>Maintenance and repairs: £30.00&nbsp;</li><li>Breakdown cover: £7.00&nbsp;</li><li>Car wash: £4.00&nbsp;</li></ul>Those figures don’t tell the whole story. Unexpected repairs and breakdowns can cost a mint. 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.&nbsp;To help avoid getting saddled with a <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">shock car repair bill</a>, it's worth looking at what you can do to keep your car in top condition and avoid unpleasant surprises.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Avoid the false economy&nbsp;</h2>Close to 10 per cent of drivers try and save on car maintenance by putting off regular cleaning 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.&nbsp;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 paying a bigger bill if problems go undetected and lead to major repairs.&nbsp; &nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">1. Drive carefully&nbsp;</h3>Getting more life out of your car’s moving parts is often as simple as taking it easy behind the wheel.&nbsp;The transmission, brakes, clutch and tyres will all last you longer if learn to relax a bit and be sensible when you’re on the move.&nbsp;&nbsp;Follow these simple techniques and your car will repay you with fewer trips to the mechanic:&nbsp;Brake gradually: 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.&nbsp;Don’t ride the clutch: 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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">2. Don’t put off scheduled service visits&nbsp;</h3>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">3. Keep it clean&nbsp;</h3>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.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">4. Go electric&nbsp;</h3>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.&nbsp;The latest industry research shows that electric cars are about 25 per cent cheaper to maintain than cars with a traditional petrol-fired internal combustion engine. On average, that equates to savings of about £300 annually.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0px;">5. Do your own upkeep&nbsp;</h3>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

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Worried about the cost of car repairs? Check out our guide to get an idea of what you can expect and stay away from mechanics that charge through the nose.

How High Are Auto Maintenance and Repair Costs In The UK? | Bumper Blog
 

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

When it comes to considering a car’s lifespan, mileage is a vital metric to consider. But as straightforward as it sounds, mileage is more than just accumulated driving distance over time. There are a number of variables that can make mileage more or less of an issue.&nbsp;High mileage can also mean more <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">unexpected maintenance and repairs</a>. That makes mileage a key question when you’re buying a used car. In reality, you should be asking how much time you will likely have with a car that’s seen its fair share of motorways, maintenance, and repairs.&nbsp;You might have heard that a car with 200,000 miles on it is probably headed for the junkyard. That's often true.&nbsp;&nbsp;But what about cars that have racked up less? When does a car’s overall mileage put it into ‘high mileage’ territory, and should a big number on the odometer stop you from purchasing a used car?&nbsp;&nbsp;In this article we’ll look what is high mileage for a car, along with the other factors that will influence its value and likely longevity.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Look beyond the numbers&nbsp;</h2>Generally, high mileage on a car is anything beyond 1000 miles a month or 12,000 miles per year. Mechanics usually agree on the figure as ‘average’ car use. More than that is considered high mileage, so a three-year-old car with 40,000 miles, for example, would be in the high mileage range.&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, mechanics typically use the phrase 'high mileage' when a car has 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. That sort of mileage can put a lot of owners off and many cars don't come with warranty cover for more than 100,000 miles.&nbsp;But the truth is, a car’s mileage often doesn’t actually give you much practical insight into its condition. In fact, a car that’s been used regularly is often in better shape than a car that’s been used off and on, or left to sit unused for long periods.&nbsp;So, mileage is only part of the story. What you really need to know is how it’s been cared for. A lot can depend on the make and model, the owner’s level of care, and other factors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Consider the car’s maintenance record&nbsp;</h2>In many cases, the owner’s level of care for the car is the single most important factor in determining how the machine holds up over the years. A car that’s been well-cared-for may be good to make it to 200,000 miles or more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferably, someone selling a used car should be able to provide you with at least basic information on how it’s been maintained and information on how it was driven. Was it used for daily commuting, for business purposes, mainly for leisure trips at weekends?&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to those questions, other things to look for include:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Whether the car received regular oil changes, spark plug changes and cleaning&nbsp;</li><li>Whether the car was parked outside or in a garage&nbsp;</li><li>Whether the car was driven regularly or if it's been sitting unused for a time&nbsp;</li><li>You should also ask for the car’s service record, and consider both major and minor items&nbsp;</li></ul>Of course, if a car has had a number of owners, that info may be sketchy or unavailable, which takes us to the next tip.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Look at how the car was used&nbsp;</h2>There's single rule for deciding if a car has too many miles, but looking at its history can give you an idea of its likely lifespan going forward.&nbsp;If you were presented with two identical cars, one with 50,000 miles on it and another with 70,000, the normal reaction would be to select option one.&nbsp; It has the lowest mileage so it's had less wear and tear, right?&nbsp;&nbsp;Maybe. What if the 50,000-mile car was previously part of an urban car-club scheme, while the 70,000-mile car was privately owned by someone who commuted from a market town to a trading estate via motorways and A-roads. Would that change your mind?&nbsp;The car-club car has probably been driven extensively in town. That puts a lot of wear and tear on a car’s clutch and brakes. When mileage is accumulated over short journeys, the engine is often cold — so oil’s ability to protect internal components is at its lowest point. A car club car also won't be treated with the same care by the people who drive it.&nbsp;&nbsp;A single owner is much more likely to treat their car with care and use it for longer trips on the motorway. On the motorway, you leave the clutch or the brakes mostly untouched and the engine operates at a relatively low set of revolutions, so internal components are better protected.&nbsp;&nbsp;You're also a lot less likely to pick up the scrapes and bumps that are a reality of city driving. Longer journeys also give a car more time to reach its optimal temperature, so your engine oil is better able to do its thing.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Consider the owner(s)&nbsp;</h2>A car with a small number of owners is generally a good sign. The more hands a car has passed through, the greater the chance of an unreported crash, deferred maintenance or other undesirable events.&nbsp;&nbsp;For this reason, single-owner cars are the holy grail every used car buyer looks for. It makes it much easier to find information about the car’s service history or know if it's been involved in a collision.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, here’s where you have to take the big picture into account again. What kind of miles did the owner put on the car? Were they an aggressive driver who drove with their brakes, or more of relaxed driver who could take the daily stresses of British roads in stride?&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’re contemplating a used car purchase, don’t be put off by the speedometer reading alone. Do your homework and you could bag a bargain with miles of road life left to offer.&nbsp;

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When buying a used car, there are many factors that you need to consider. Having the right information makes the process easier. Here’s what you should know about high mileage in cars.

What is High Mileage for a Car? | Bumper Blog

What is high mileage for a car? 

No machine last forever and cars are no exception. They combine complex systems with multiple moving parts that face extremes of temperature, stress, and friction day in and day out. Over time, components need adjusting, fluids need topping up, and electrical parts need replacing.&nbsp;&nbsp;That means there are a lot of things that can go wrong with your car, but some issues pop up repeatedly. Mechanics often see the same repair jobs week in and week out.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this blog we’ll explain the most common types of car repair. The good news is you can often avoid them or prolong the interval between service appointments by simply maintaining your vehicle properly and not forgetting about preventive maintenance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Here is a list of the nine most frequent car repairs:&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">1. Replacing your spark plugs&nbsp;</h2>Spark plugs are palm-sized components that can lead to big problems if they aren’t replaced on schedule. Their function is to create the spark that ignites the petrol and sets your engine’s cylinders in motion. Without them, your engine won’t start, but the plugs themselves cost very little and can be replaced at home with basic tools.&nbsp;&nbsp;It’s important to do it right, however. If spark plugs aren’t installed correctly or you wait too long to replace them, the defective plug can lead to damage in the engine, transmission, and elsewhere. DIY or through a service centre, make sure it's done right.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">2. Making sure your fuel cap has a snug fit&nbsp;</h2>When your "check engine" indicator inexplicably lights up the dashboard, a loose or rattling fuel cap is usually the culprit. Leaving a loose fuel cap un-repaired will lead to bigger repair bills in the long run, as they drive down your gas mileage. Too much air in your tank means more oxygen mixing with the petrol.&nbsp; The result is you burn fuel at a faster rate and have to fill your tank more frequently.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">3. Replacing the oxygen sensor&nbsp;</h2>Oxygen or O2 sensors measure the measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust to optimize engine performance and emissions. They help regulate air-fuel ratio in your car engine. When the spark plugs set off their timed explosions in engine’s combustion chambers, the right mix of air and fuel is necessary to allow ignition.&nbsp;&nbsp;So long as the ratio of air and petrol in the chambers remains optimal, your engine will run just as it should.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">4. Ensuring brakes and pads are replaced on time&nbsp;</h2>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. Common brake repairs include replacing worn out brake pads, which wear down naturally with everyday use.&nbsp;&nbsp;On their own and when done on schedule, the cost of replacement isn’t pricey. Regular brake maintenance can also cover brake discs, drum, lines, and rotor.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">5. Oil changes&nbsp;</h2>You need to change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles or so to keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Oil collects the grit and gunge that build up in a car's innards over time, and with each passing month its ability to lubricate your engine parts properly goes down. The good news is that conducting an oil change is one of easier tasks you can learn from an online course or DIY auto mechanics course.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you maintain an accurate record of your oil changes, when it comes time to sell, your car is almost certain to fetch a higher price or more favourable trade-in. Some mechanics will even put a sticker on your windscreen reminding when the next oil change should happen.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">6. Tyre repairs and changes&nbsp;</h2>Without well inflated tyres and treads appropriate for the weather, you can sacrifice control, speed, and fuel efficiency. For that reason, it's vital to get your tyres patched quickly anytime you run over a sharp object like a chunk of broken glass, anytime you notice a leak, or if the tyres have simply become too worn.&nbsp;&nbsp;This isn't something you should take a ‘wait &amp; see’ approach with. There's a real risk that a worn or damaged tyre could result in a blowout while you're on the road. To help stop major accidents from happening, auto mechanics are actually trained to notice tyre issues first — even when a customer brings their car in for a different type of repair.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">7. The Ignition System&nbsp;</h2>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 isn’t working, the engine won't turn over — or you might end up with an engine failure in mid-journey.&nbsp;&nbsp;A weak or dead battery usually to blame when that happens, and replacing the battery is another simple task that won't cost you much.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">8. The electrical system&nbsp;</h2>In addition to the ignition and starter, also connected to your battery are key electrical components like fuses and light bulbs that need regular replacement. These types of repairs can easily be done at home and the components are easy to find at shops like Halford’s that stock automotive goods.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just do a bit of homework and be sure you have the correct specification in fuses or bulbs.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">9. Alarms installed after purchase&nbsp;</h2>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, however, the alarm can cause other systems to receive less power than they need, and to fail. Alarms can also kill the battery if installed incorrectly.&nbsp; &nbsp;Make sure the alarm you buy suits your car’s electrical and battery specs. Otherwise, you’ll have to have it removed by a professional, for a hefty fee.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">Facing an unexpected car repair bill?&nbsp;</h2>If you do find yourself facing a large repair bill for something unexpected, a <a href="http://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair loan</a> can help ease the pain. 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 installments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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When it comes to car repairs, there are some that crop up more often than others. Here's a list of the most common ones and what you can do to prevent them.

What Are The Most Common Car Repairs? | Bumper Blog

What are the most common car repairs?

Keeping your car in tip-top condition is one of the best ways to stave-off mechanical failures and unexpected repairs. It might sound like common sense, but many drivers fail to do the most simple — and relatively inexpensive — things that can keep cars running smoothly.&nbsp;Sure, anyone can let the occasional oil change slip. But put those things off for too long and you’re basically inviting trouble.&nbsp;What simple steps can you take to maintain your car and keep it out of the mechanic’s service bay? Here we’ve gathered the five best ways to stop unexpected repairs from happening.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">1. Drive sensibly&nbsp;</h2>This one should go without saying, but if you want to keep your car in tip top condition, not ragging it and treating it like a rally or a race car should definitely sit in pole position. You don’t have to drive like your Nan, but driving your car in a sympathetic manner should keep your hard earned cash in your wallet, and not in the till of the local mechanic.&nbsp;By driving your car with a little more caution it will help to reduce wear and tear and allow you to get more miles out of each tank. Not only that, but driving sensibly, changing gears smoothly, treating the steering wheel, the gearbox, even the pedals with some care and attention will pay dividends in the long run.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, driving sensibly means you’re looking ahead and keeping an eye out for hazards, reducing your need to slam on the brakes every 5 seconds - the more aggressive you are, the more likely you are to burn through fuel and require costly repairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Plus, if you’ve taken out extended warranty cover, it’s unlikely to cover you for wear and tear. So if you do want to keep your money in your pocket, treat your car with care.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">2. Replace spark plugs regularly&nbsp;</h2>Yes, the underneath of a modern car’s bonnet can appear to be as complex as the USS Enterprise, but checking the spark plugs on your car still remains an easy fix, even for a non-petrol head.&nbsp;&nbsp;Always consult your user manual before you do it, just in case, and if you aren’t sure, raise it as a concern at your annual service.&nbsp;&nbsp;When you check your spark plugs, you’re checking to make sure they don’t show signs of wear and tear. If they do, this could be an indication that they need replacing, also they can be representative of the state of your engine. So if the spark plugs are shot, and you don’t think you’ve put the car through its paces to warrant their wear, take the car to a garage to get it checked over.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">3. Top up your fluids&nbsp;</h2>Just like us, cars need fluids to stay healthy. Where we require water, they need a little more. Replenishing your car’s fluids can literally save its life, they’re vital to keeping it healthy.&nbsp;&nbsp;Get into the habit of checking the oil fortnightly. This is easy:&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li style="margin-left:0px;">Simply open the bonnet and remove the dipstick from its housing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">There are indicators on the stick of where normal levels should be.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Wipe the stick after you initially remove it to clean the indicators.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Dip it back into the oil again, and remove once more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Where the oil line sits on the indicators will tell you all you need to know about the oil level.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">If it’s low, top it up, if it’s high, drain some.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">If the oil on the stick looks dark and dirty, the oil needs replacing (it should be a light, yellow brown colour).&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ol>While you’re checking the oil level, also check the coolant levels. If this needs topping up, fill it up with half and half distilled water to antifreeze.&nbsp;&nbsp;And don’t forget to check the screen wash too. Being able to see out of your windscreen is essential to staying safe.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">4. Check the tyres&nbsp;</h2>Not only is it a legal requirement to ensure the tread on your tyres is at a suitable depth - the legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm but you should consider changing your tyres when they are between 2mm and 3mm, it could also save your life. The tyres are what grips the car to the road, and if they aren’t in tip top condition, they aren’t gripping tightly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, underinflated tyres aren’t as fuel efficient, meaning you’ll hose through fuel quicker than you normally would, so keep them topped up according to your user manual guide. And don’t forget that the pressure can be different for the back and the front tyres.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do need to change a tyre, get the wheels professionally aligned to help reduce the wear on your new tyres as this will help improve your steering and how the car handles.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">5. Keep it clean&nbsp;</h2>If you’re someone who never cleans their car, maybe this might persuade you to get out the soap and sponge — cleaning your car isn’t about pride in its appearance, you could significantly extend the life of your car simply by keeping it clean.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's no joke. Dirt, grit and muck can get into the moving parts accelerating wear and tear and causing corrosion. By giving your car a quick clean once a month, especially during the winter months, will remove the road salt, which can be incredibly corrosive.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can clean your car yourself, or for a small fee, you can take it to a car wash. Either way, keeping on top of this easy win could help keep your car healthy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">6. Have flexible payment options ready&nbsp;</h2>An here’s one extra. Bad luck can catch anyone out when it comes to cars and maintenance. If you do find yourself facing a sizable repair bill for something unexpected, our ‘buy now, pay later’ service can help ease the pain.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bumper lets you get the repairs you need quickly, while deferring payments in easy interest-free installments. Visit our <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/howitworks">How It Works</a> page to find out more.

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Avoiding unexpected repairs might seem impossible, but we’ve got news for you. It’s not! Find out how to avoid unexpected car repairs and save some money.

How to avoid unexpected car repairs | Bumper Blog

How to avoid unexpected car repairs 

Every car owner in the UK needs to pass the annual MOT inspection in order to keep their vehicle ‘street legal.’ But what do you do if your car fails the test?&nbsp;Repairs can be costly and you won’t be left with much choice. You’ll have to have them done reasonably quickly — or do without your car until you whatever’s broken gets fixed.&nbsp;&nbsp;One way to avoid being in that position is to understand what an MOT inspection looks for. That way you’ll be able to anticipate whether your car is likely to pass or fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;And if you think a failure might be on the cards, it's a good idea to have a range of <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">car repair payment options</a> at the ready. That way if you do get caught out by an expensive set of MOT-mandated fixes, you’ll be able to manage it with minimum pain.&nbsp;So forewarned is forearmed. Here’s everything you need to prepare for a possible MOT #fail.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What is an MOT?&nbsp;</h2>The MOT itself is carried out according to the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. It’s the annual check that makes sure you vehicle is roadworthy and won’t pose a risk to yourself or other drivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Every vehicle older than 3 years must have a valid MOT certificate prior to it being driven on public roads. If you don’t have a valid MOT, and you’re caught, you can receive a fine of up to £1,000. Plus, your insurance company is within its rights to invalidate a claim if you can’t prove your vehicle was roadworthy at the time of the incident.&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering the maximum price a garage can charge to carry out an MOT is £54.85 for cars, that is nothing in comparison to a potentially hefty fee and invalid insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp;In order to pass the MOT, your vehicle has to meet a strict set of criteria, based on your car’s size, age and class. If it doesn’t meet these criteria, and any faults are identified as being dangerous or illegal, your vehicle will automatically fail the MOT.&nbsp;&nbsp;For any shortcomings that aren’t dangerous now, but could be down the line, they’ll be flagged up as advisory, meaning you’ll need to remedy them prior to your next MOT.&nbsp;&nbsp;The average MOT takes 45 minutes and can be carried out in one of over 20,000 licensed MOT stations in the UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What happens if you fail the inspection?&nbsp;</h2>If you fail the MOT, your car can stay at the garage for repairs and be partially rechecked for a free MOT within 10 working days. If more than 10 days goes by, the car will need to go through a full MOT again at full cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you take your vehicle to a different garage for repairs, it can be re-inspected for half the normal MOT cost.&nbsp;&nbsp;The half-price re-test discount can only be used once, so if your vehicle fails again, you’re liable to pay for a full MOT at the next test.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">How to tell if it's time for an MOT&nbsp;</h2>If you’ve had your vehicle tested at a garage before, they’ll likely send you a reminder when it’s next due. But if you have recently purchased the vehicle, or you haven’t heard from the garage, you can easily go <a href="https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history">online to check</a> when your existing MOT certificate expires.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">What’s does the MOT checklist include?&nbsp;</h2>It’s advisable to know what is being checked during an MOT, so you don’t get any nasty surprises. By knowing beforehand if there are any issues with your car, you can get them remedied prior to submitting it for its MOT.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you’ve got extended warranty cover through a third party provider such as Warranty Direct, check to see if any mechanical or electrical issues are covered and get them fixed prior to the MOT.&nbsp;&nbsp;MOT checklist includes:&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>The number plate. This needs to be the right colour, fully legible and display the correct registration format for the year your car was manufactured. The font should also be the correct one and the plate itself an appropriate size.</li><li>Lights and indicators. It’s worth noting, some cars have more lights than are legally required, but if your car does have extra lights, they all must work. If it’s there, it needs to be functioning.</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Headlights - clear with unmarked lenses&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Indicators - must flash&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Number plate, reversing lights and fog lights - all in working order&nbsp;</li><li style="margin-left:0px;">Brake lights - must illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed&nbsp;</li><li>Tyres. These need to meet the legal minimum requirement in the UK of 1.6mm. Tyres should also not have bulges or cracks - if they do, they will fail.</li><li>Windscreen wipers. These need to be in good working order and be effective at clearing dirt from your windscreen. Side note - rear wipers aren’t checked.</li><li>Screenwash. Must be topped up and jets angled correctly.</li><li>Seat and seat belts. Must be in good, workable order.</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0px;">10 common MOT failures&nbsp;</h2>Knowing what is being checked is one thing, but also knowing what are common MOT failures, should help you ensure your car is in top condition, prior to being checked.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li>Broken light bulbs</li><li>Suspension issues</li><li>Spongy brakes</li><li>Illegal tyres</li><li>Cracked windscreen obscuring driver’s view</li><li>Stickers on the windscreen that could obscure your view</li><li>Emissions</li><li>Lack of power steering fluid</li><li>Non-retracting seat belts</li><li>Missing airbags</li></ol>Worried that your next MOT might result in a hefty repair bill? Use Bumper to split your bill into interest-free instalments. You can benefit from 'buy now, pay later’ car repairs at over 3,000 trusted garages nationwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check out our <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/howitworks">How it Works</a> page and take the stress out of your next garage visit.&nbsp;

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If your car fails its MOT, don’t panic. Car finance can help you get back on the road faster. Learn how to use car repair finance options for failed MOTs.

What to do if you fail your MOT | Bumper Blog

What to do if you fail your MOT

Bumper 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&nbsp;Francisca Gutierrez,&nbsp;Leah Ellis,&nbsp;Paul Edgecombe and Matt Williams to the expanded executive team,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder, Bumper.&nbsp;“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&nbsp;has been appointed chief product officer, joining the company from Experian where she served as domain leader and senior product manager.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.Leah Ellis has joined as&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.

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Bumper expands its executive team with new positions, Chief People Officer, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Product Officer.

Bumper expands executive team as it ramps up growth plans | Bumper Blog

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

You don’t know what you've got ‘til it's gone, and that’s definitely the case when your car is out for repairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Being suddenly car-less can upend your life completely. How do I get to work? How will I get the kids to school? Where will I find the money to pay for servicing and parts? As with most major purchases there are options for financing, from simply putting it on your credit card to getting a loan from a lender. But your credit card limit might not be enough, and even if it is, today’s card interest rates can be punishing.&nbsp;&nbsp;A car repairs loan might be a more attractive option, but they can be time consuming and complex to obtain, with applications, credit checks, and long waits. Meanwhile you’re still stuck without a car.&nbsp;Most of us take our cars back to the dealer when something goes wrong. But will a car dealer let you finance an unexpected repair job?&nbsp;The answer is ‘sort of’. While many manufacturers have established repair financing programmes for new car owners, not every dealer in their networks takes part. When they do, you may have to visit the dealership to complete an application in person.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that, the number of payments you can spread the cost over are often restricted to two or three. For repair jobs above £2,000, the approval processes and credit checks typically get tougher.&nbsp;And what do you do if you own a used car or one that’s no longer covered by manufacturer's warranty?&nbsp;Luckily, there are new finance options available to help get you back in the driver's seat with minimum fuss and without gouging you with extra fees or high interest.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">A better way to pay&nbsp;</h2>New digital platforms are changing how we select and pay for products and services. Services like Klarna, for example, let you pay ‘buy now and pay later’ (BNPL) for things flexibly. You can make a purchase and try it out in real life before paying, or spread the cost of a larger purchase out into easy instalments. If you commit to a fixed schedule of payments at a fixed amount, the additional cost is often zero.&nbsp;That’s where <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/">Bumper</a> comes in. We’re addressing the evolving ways customers want to pay for goods and services by bringing easy 'pay later’ options to the automotive sphere.What’s the secret? Bumper lets you split hefty a repair bill into smaller, easy-to-manage, interest-free payments.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">How it works&nbsp;</h2>Bumper offers car owners a simple four-step process for using its BNPL service.&nbsp;First visit our home page and enter your vehicle registration and postcode.&nbsp;&nbsp;After that you search for a local repair centre and select the one you want.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then complete a soft credit application for up to £5,000 and receive your unique Bumper Code &nbsp;Processing typically takes less than a minute. Once approved you can book an appointment at your chosen garage&nbsp;&nbsp;When agreeing the cost of the repairs, drivers simply give the garage their Bumper Code. They’ll send a link to your smartphone, where you can choose how you want to spread out the payments.&nbsp;Just pick the number of months you want to spread the cost over and fix a suitable date to complete the payments. You can even use Apple Pay or Google Pay to set it up.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bumper ensures that you never pay more for servicing or repairs when spreading the cost. And the maximum credit limit you’ve been offered is never shared with the garage.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0px;">About Bumper&nbsp;</h2>We’re a fintech startup founded by entrepreneurs James Jackson and Jack Allman. A few years back they saw a market opportunity to bring a BNPL service to the car repairs and aftersales market. The platform they’ve created provides car owners with a simple, interest-free way to access flexible payments that’s both mobile and fully automated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Car owners love Bumper, and so do garages. Our unique AI-driven automotive scorecard helps avoid loan defaults. Over 60 percent of Britain’s <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/registration/dealership">franchised UK dealers</a> are already using us, including Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Jaguar Land Rover, and Nissan.&nbsp;Stop worrying about unexpected repairs&nbsp;At Bumper we’re committed to giving car owners more financial flexibility by taking the worry out of unexpected car repair costs.&nbsp;The automotive sector can be a bit old school when it comes to technology, but offering a BNPL option can help move it more in-sync with consumer buying habits. In the COVID era people have massively pivoted towards digital payment methods. Bumper is helping bring the automotive aftermarket into the digital age.&nbsp;Want to learn more? Visit our <a href="https://www.bumper.co.uk/howitworks">How It Works</a> page and try the online calculator.&nbsp;

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Do dealers finance car repairs? It’s a question many want to know. Find out how you can spread the cost of car repairs in this guide. 

Will A Car Dealer Let Me Finance Repairs | Bumper Blog

Will a car dealer let me finance car repairs? 

Well done to the team at Luton for an outstanding month using Bumper to help their customers.&nbsp;Since joining Bumper in July 2021 the team have introduced our PayLater product as key part of their aftersales process. The team use Bumper’s integration with CitNOW to offer a fast, digital experience and give customers more control over their finances.&nbsp;&nbsp;‘Our customers really value the option to spread payments, any unplanned work is far easier to budget for, and the process couldn’t be easier. The system is by far the easiest we have used. Support is always available on the rare occurrence it’s needed. Just the right amount of contact from Alex inspires confidence in the team.’ Aftersales Manager, John Fincher Specialist Cars,&nbsp;Well done to Graham, Rebecca, Nikki, Tracy, Jodie, Robert, and the rest of the team!&nbsp;

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This month’s Dealership of the Month award goes to Specialist Cars Luton. Bumper’s Dealership of the Month award seeks to celebrate the top performing site of the month. 

Specialist Cars Luton: Dealership of the Month | Bumper Blog

Bumper’s Dealership of the Month for December 2021 goes to Specialist Cars Luton 

Bumper CPO Francisca Gutierrez has become the latest business leader to join the Automotive 30% Club.&nbsp;Gutierrez said gender balance is central to the expanding business’ accelerated recruitment drive as it scales up its digital aftersales payment platform in the UK and across Europe.&nbsp;The Automotive 30% Club is a voluntary group comprised of managing directors and CEOs founded to achieve a better gender balance across the automotive industry, with the aim of filling at least 30% of key leadership positions in its members’ organisations with women by 2030.&nbsp;Gutierrez said: “I’m really excited and honoured to be joining the Automotive 30% Club and look forward to working with the team and fellow members to actively promote gender balance by recruiting and retaining the best possible talent across the automotive sector.&nbsp;“As a fast-growing fintech business, Bumper is now hiring a lot of people at scale, which brings a number of challenges. Being a member of the Automotive 30% Club will help us build a framework and structure to ensure our hiring process is always as inclusive and diverse as possible.&nbsp;"This is not only a moral and ethical responsibility but also adds commercial value, as we believe a diverse management team makes better strategic decisions.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Julia Muir, the founder of the Automotive 30% Club, said: "It's great to welcome Francisca Gutierrez to the Automotive 30% Club. I'm very pleased that Francisca is putting a gender-balance and inclusion strategy at the centre of Bumper's growth plans and it is evident that she recognises the important role played by gender-balanced diverse teams in achieving business success. I shall look forward to bringing her into our network where we all share ideas and solutions to achieve diversity and inclusion goals"&nbsp;

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Bumper CPO Francisca Gutierrez has become the latest business leader to join the Automotive 30% Club.

Bumper CPO Francisca Gutierrez joins Automotive 30% club | Bumper Blog

Bumper CPO Francisca Gutierrez becomes latest member to join Automotive 30% Club 

Leah has 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.Leah will manage the rapid employee growth Bumper is planning following its recent Series A funding round and its expansion into several key European markets, which will take the fintech’s headcount from 40 to over 100 within the next 12 months.“This is an exciting time to be joining Bumper as the business accelerates its growth plans. My role will be to recruit the best possible team members to make this growth possible, while also helping shape the company’s evolving culture to ensure we have ways of working that will enable us to grow in the way we want to,” she said.An immediate priority is the recruitment of tech staff to develop Bumper’s expanding platform as the UK-based business launches into new international markets.“I enjoy working in the tech start-up world and look forward to helping Bumper achieve its growth plans by having the best possible staff in place over the coming months. We have an ambitious plan to virtually triple our headcount by the end of 2022 and that process is now underway,” she said.

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Bumper has appointed Leah Ellis to the newly created position of Interim Chief People Officer

Bumper appoints Leah Ellis as Chief People Office | Bumper Blog

Bumper has appointed Leah Ellis to the newly created position of Interim Chief People Officer 

<h3>The UK startup offering interest-free flexible payments for car repairs sets sights on Europe after ‘bumper’ year</h3><ul><li>Funding is led by Autotech Ventures, with participation from Porsche Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s InMotion Ventures and angel investors</li><li>Bumper’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) platform offers interest-free flexible payments and a fully automated platform for financing and managing car repairs and maintenance</li><li>Already profitable, Bumper’s GMV is set to triple by the end of 2021 and it was recently named 8th fastest growing European fintech in the FT1000</li><li>Ambitions to be in every major European market by end of 2022</li></ul><h3>13th December 2021, London, UK</h3>UK-based auto fintech startup Bumper has raised $12M in Series A funding to roll out its car repair financing platform across Europe. The round is led by Silicon Valley based Autotech Ventures, with participation from Porsche Ventures and Jaguar Land Rover’s fund InMotion Ventures, and a group of prominent angel investors. The latest round brings total funds raised by the company to $17.5m.Bumper enables customers to spread the cost of car repairs by offering interest-free, flexible payments to help drivers better afford necessary repairs and maintenance. Customers can split bills and authorise repairs in seconds via a fully digital automated process, making the process more efficient and removing the need for uncomfortable price negotiations with dealerships. <a href="https://www.smmt.co.uk/2021/08/new-car-market-slows-as-shortages-suppress-growth/">With new car purchases currently at their lowest since 1998</a>, there is a burgeoning used car market with a growing need for financing repairs on older vehicles. This is reflected in the European aftersales market, which is projected to <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Industries/Automotive%20and%20Assembly/Our%20Insights/Ready%20for%20inspection%20The%20automotive%20aftermarket%20in%202030/Ready-for-inspection-The-automotive-aftermarket-in-2030-vF.pdf">hit €300 billion by 2030</a>.Alongside the consumer offering, Bumper partners with the world’s leading OEMs including Volkswagen Group, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan, and approximately 60% of the franchised UK dealer market currently use Bumper’s payment platform. For automotive partners, using Bumper’s payment solution increases repair conversion rates and reduces discounting and price negotiation, a costly practice which leads to losses for the retailer and poor customer satisfaction. Bumper charges a small transaction fee to the dealerships in exchange for providing the full cost of the repair up front.Bumper is the only BNPL provider to aggregate thousands of vehicle and consumer finance data, with thorough affordability checks, ensuring it is always lending responsibly. To ensure both dealerships and consumers are protected from loan defaults, Bumper has developed a Machine Learning-enabled automotive scorecard as part of a rigorous credit checking process; this includes accessing the dealerships’ APIs to source customer information quickly and without laborious application processes.Already a dominant player in the UK and Ireland, Bumper is currently rolling out its product in Germany, plans to launch in Spain and the Netherlands in the next three months, and has ambitions to be in every major European market by the end of 2022. The new funding will go towards hiring in these new markets, scaling the tech team, and marketing efforts as they build out the B2C proposition.Plans are also in the pipeline for the widespread launch of a consumer app, which will act as a one stop shop for all automotive requirements, such as payments for congestion charges, parking and tolls, and approving repair work. The app is due to launch in the UK in January 2022.Bumper was named eighth fastest-growing European fintech by the Financial Times this year, and has already been profitable for the last 18 months, with GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) set to triple by the end of this year. Unlike other Buy Now Pay Later models, Bumper’s transactions are typically large, one-off sums. This means that customers are not being encouraged to regularly borrow more than they can afford, and default rates are low.James Jackson, CEO and cofounder, Bumper said: “The current process for handling car repairs is broken on both sides, with dealerships selling just 40% of identified repairs and drivers left out of pocket and with dangerous vehicles. Bumper offers a simple alternative to unexpected car repairs. It’s a very different proposition to other Buy Now Pay Later services, as we’re not encouraging people to buy things they don’t need, we’re enabling them to purchase necessary repairs at an affordable rate. We’ve seen huge demand for expanding the services we offer, and are looking forward to bringing Bumper to customers across Europe.”Alex Smout, Principal, InMotion Ventures said: “Buy Now Pay Later is the fastest growing online payment method globally. Bumper’s market-leading proposition will benefit the millions of consumers who need more flexibility when paying for crucial repairs. The technology seamlessly integrates with the existing systems of dealerships and OEMs, which combined with rigorous credit checking, offers merchants and dealerships a level of security previously unseen in the industry. We’re looking forward to working with the Bumper team and supporting the expansion of the business across Europe.”Alexei Andreev, Managing Director, Autotech Ventures said: “We are very excited about the Buy Now Pay Later business model, which has empowered consumers all over the world. We believe that automotive repairs and the aftermarket are the next big BNPL frontiers, and that modern software and clever financial tools can unlock substantial value for industry participants. The Bumper team has succeeded in building an industry-leading product in the UK and we are eager to support its expansion to Continental Europe. Bumper’s business ties with leading automotive OEMs, deep integration with dealerships and repair quotation tools create formidable entry barriers for other players. Autotech Ventures is fully committed to providing business development resources and bringing new partnerships to accelerate Bumper’s growth”.<h3>About Bumper</h3>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.Named eighth fastest growing fintech in the 2021 FT1000 rankings of Europe’s fastest growing companies, Bumper works with 2,500 franchised dealers, over 700 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 London and Sheffield, with a tech development centre in Ankara, Turkey.

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UK ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ provider Bumper raises $12M Series A from Autotech, Porsche Ventures and Jaguar Land Rover

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