Climate change has increased damage to cars in Italy, with an exponential growth in repair requests. In 2023, as is unfortunately also happening in 2024, intense hailstorms hit hard, causing costly and often uninsured damage. In addition to hail, fallen branches and Saharan dust are becoming increasingly frequent problems. Lever Touch responds to these challenges with innovative, cost-effective and fast solutions with a strong commitment to quality and environmental sustainability.

Hail: the effects of climate change on the automotive sector

The year 2023 was a record year for hail damage, with an increasing number of cars being taken to garages for repairs. Federcarrozzieri recorded 1,468 episodes of intense hail in Italy, with 596 cases of ‘very large’ hail and 67 of ‘giant’ hailstones. In the last 10 years in Italy, Federcarrozzieri estimates, the number of requests for assistance for damage to vehicles caused by extreme weather events has grown by 50%: the regions with the highest number of repairs related to such problems are Veneto, followed by Lombardy, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna, which together account for almost 70% of the total number of requests for ‘weather damage’ received by Italian bodyshops. Added to this, not all cars are covered by specific hail insurance policies and, even when they have a policy, it may have high deductibles.

Saharan dust: a new challenge

Another emerging problem is the Saharan dust that increasingly falls on cars during rainfall. If not removed properly, this dust can scratch paint and car windows, causing damage that requires costly polishing. These treatments, necessary to restore the vehicle’s original appearance, can cost between 300 and 500 euros. Unfortunately, these expenses are generally not covered by insurance policies, leaving car manufacturers, insurance companies, large dealers and car rental companies to deal with these unexpected costs.

Lever Touch: innovative solutions for car repair

In this context of increasing climate challenges, Lever Touch stands out for its ability to provide innovative and high-quality solutions for car repair and maintenance. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Lever Touch specialises in paintless dent repair (PDR) and Smart Repairs. This approach allows damage to be repaired quickly and effectively, while maintaining the original condition of the cars intact.

“Lever Touch Group boasts a network of more than 600 partner bodyshops throughout Italy and operations in several countries, including Spain, France, Germany, the United States, Brazil and Argentina,” explains Valerio Gridelli, General Manager Italy & France and Global Back Office Director of Lever Touch. “This extensive network allows us to offer timely and high-quality services globally. Our Group works closely with car manufacturers and insurance companies to manage damage caused by extreme weather events. We offer rapid repairs, often completed in less than 48 hours, helping to reduce costs and improve the satisfaction of our major customers.