SEAT Spain has announced they are launching Bumper across their network. Franchisees will be offering both PayLater, Bumper’s interest-free monthly payment option, and PayNow, a one-off payment option customers can use to pay remotely from their own devices. 

Initial uptake has sky-rocketed with 182 sites signed up and 228 vehicles repaired through the Bumper platform, an uptake in part due to the promotion through SEAT’s website and social media channels. 

Easing car repairs amid the cost-of-living crisis 

Bumper’s Buy Now Pay Later allows drivers to better manage their finances by easing the burden of car repairs into their monthly outgoings. This a trend we’ve already seen take off across the retail sector with the likes of Klarna. 

Nick Squire, Bumper’s International Sales manager, responsible for Bumper’s roll-out across European markets, commented, “We’ve seen fantastic early adoption of Buy Now Pay Later here in Spain, with sites already seeing a reduction in discount levels in favour of offering Bumper’s monthly payment option. 

“Moreover, SEAT’s quick roll-out has helped to increase traction with dealerships by placing considerable focus on driving our BNPL offering via their Facebook and website. Getting the product in front of dealerships is key to the early stages of our move into Spain and SEAT has proved to be essential in making that happen.” 

SEAT Spain Launch Interest-Free Monthly Payments for Car Repairs with Bumper 

SEAT España y BUMPER lanzan pagos en cuotas sin intereses para reparaciones de automóviles 

Hybrid battery replacement costs sit around £2,000+ for UK drivers. Sales of these vehicles have jumped in the last few years, making them one of the fastest-growing car choices. But battery technology remains their biggest limitation. 

So, how long do hybrid batteries last, and what does it cost to replace them in the UK? 

This blog breaks down the facts and answers to the key question: Is replacing a hybrid battery worth it?

How much does a hybrid battery replacement cost?

In the UK, replacing a hybrid battery typically costs £2,000 or more, depending on the car’s make, model, and age.

While smaller and cheaper than full EV batteries, hybrid batteries are still expensive to replace. They also require specialist tools and expertise due to their high voltage, making DIY replacement dangerous. 

Replacing a hybrid battery is usually worth it if the rest of the car is in good shape. 

If you’re unsure, compare the cost of a new battery with replacing the car entirely. You should also bear in mind that second-hand hybrids may come with hidden issues. 

High mileage or multiple repair needs could tip the balance, but because hybrids are generally expensive to buy, investing in a new battery often makes sense. And if the upfront cost is a concern, you can spread the expense with 

. This separates the cost into interest-free monthly payments.

Hybrid battery replacement costs by make and model

Replacing a hybrid battery can be costly, but prices vary depending on the make and model. 

Toyotas are generally the cheapest hybrids to replace batteries for, but you can use the table below to compare typical costs in the UK.

Let’s take a closer look at popular models and the reasons behind the hybrid battery replacement costs. 

Replacing a Toyota hybrid battery varies by model and age. 

On the Prius, costs range from £1,500–£4,000 for the second generation and £2,500–£6,000 for the third. Other models like the Auris, Yaris, Corolla, and RAV4 are typically more expensive (£3,000–£9,000). 

The Prius, popularised over 22 years with 86,000+ UK sales, is one of the cheapest hybrids to replace, thanks to parts availability and multiple service options. 

Older models are easier and cheaper to repair, while newer ones can be costlier due to limited service access and more complex technology.

Replacing a Lexus hybrid battery typically costs anywhere from £2,200 to £6,000. 

While Lexus shares some parts with other luxury brands, hybrid batteries are mostly car-specific, so Toyota batteries don’t fit directly. Despite this, there’s a strong network of independent and specialist services offering replacements. 

Lexus also provides a 15-year warranty if serviced at a dealership, which can cover costly hybrid system parts, making maintenance more predictable and potentially cheaper.

Mercedes hybrid battery replacement cost 

At the higher end, replacing a Mercedes hybrid battery typically costs £7,000–£15,000. 

Mercedes’ luxury hybrid models combine complex electrical systems with high-priced parts, making replacements significantly more expensive than most other brands. 

Labour costs at Mercedes dealerships are also among the highest, adding to the overall cost of battery replacement.

A hybrid battery typically lasts 100,000–200,000 miles with proper care. 

Unlike fully electric vehicles, the battery shares the load with the petrol or diesel engine, reducing strain. The car’s computer manages power use, and the engine often recharges the battery. 

Similar to a smartphone, keeping the battery topped up, avoiding full drains, and charging gradually helps extend its life.

Breakdown of hybrid battery replacement costs 

If you’re searching for how much does it cost to replace a hybrid battery, you might also be interested in why they’re so expensive. 

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included in a battery replacement job. 

It’s very uncommon for a battery to die without any signs, so learn the precursors below and keep them in mind. 

Batteries tend to slowly degrade over time. Keep an eye on your car’s fuel efficiency and remember the signs of hybrid battery failure to stay ahead of repairs. 

Most hybrids include an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty, with some offering 10 years. Always check your warranty and insurance before booking a garage appointment, or you may not get the best deal.

Most hybrid cars have two batteries: a standard 12-volt battery to power electronics and start the engine, and a high-voltage hybrid battery that stores energy for the electric motor and improves fuel efficiency. 

Always check your car’s specifications or consult a professional garage to avoid booking the wrong service.

Can you drive a hybrid car with a dead battery?

No, you shouldn’t drive a hybrid with a dead battery. 

If the high-voltage hybrid battery is dead, the car may still start using the petrol/diesel engine in some models, but the electric motor won’t function, fuel efficiency drops, and some hybrids won’t operate at all.

Always have it checked or replaced by a professional to avoid damage and ensure your car remains safe to drive.

How to check the battery health of a hybrid car?

To check a hybrid car’s battery health, start with the dashboard indicators and warning lights. Many hybrids provide a battery status display.

Familiarise yourself with the signs of a dead hybrid battery (listed above on this page), as these can help you notice any symptoms before the battery breaks.

You can also have a professional garage run a diagnostic using specialised tools, which measures voltage and capacity to ensure the battery is in good condition.

Jump-starting a hybrid’s standard 12-volt battery is usually possible, but the high-voltage hybrid battery cannot be jump-started. Attempting to do so is dangerous and can damage the car. 

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and, if unsure, have a professional garage handle any hybrid battery issues safely. Don’t tamper with what you don’t understand!

Hybrid cars offer a fantastic driving experience, and you shouldn’t be put off buying one due to potential battery failure. 

However, it’s important to understand the potential costs and the general process of hybrid battery replacement cost before buying or replacing your car’s battery. Hopefully, this blog has pointed you in the right direction.

Battery replacement costs can be expensive. But you don’t have to pay the bill in one go. 

you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

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

Hybrid Battery Replacement Cost Guide

¿Cuánto cuesta reemplazar una batería híbrida?

Wie viel kostet der Austausch einer Hybrid-Batterie? 

As the year comes to a close, many motorists are preparing to make the journey to visit friends and family for the Christmas period. Making the necessary vehicle inspections and preparations before leaving, whether it's a short trip or a lengthy journey, may spare you a lot of worry, time, and money. We’ve put together a list of tips for safe holiday driving. 

Anytime you go a long distance, you should always perform routine inspections on your car. Waiting for the next MOT or service is a typical error and can cause

, which is the last thing you want on your trip home for Christmas! The most crucial inspections to perform before driving are checking your tyres' pressure, tread depth, screen wash levels, engine oil levels, and coolant levels. 

Having an emergency pack ready may make a big difference if you get stuck on a lengthy journey. Before leaving your home, make sure to pack your car with the emergency supplies you might need if you’re left waiting at the side of the road. We recommend taking: 

3. Stay away from your car after drinking 

Although it may seem obvious, it's crucial to avoid getting behind the wheel of your car after a drink. Drink-driving puts you and others around you in danger and might result in criminal penalties if you’re stopped by the police. 

You might believe that it’s OK to sit or even sleep in their car after drinking, but even this is prohibited and may result in legal action. So if you want to drink to celebrate the holiday season, leave your car keys at home. 

As we've seen recently, the UK's temperatures have dropped dramatically, which may cause ice and snow to form on the roads. Before starting your journey, be sure to check the wear on your tyres. You should also stock up on de-icer and an ice scraper to ensure that you can remove any ice from your windscreen. 

Giving yourself plenty of time to get home for Christmas is vital. Roads busy with drivers off to see their loved ones cause more traffic than usual on the highways. Giving yourself more time allows for more frequent stops to rest. If possible, begin your journey before Friday, December 23, when holiday traffic will start to increase. 

Most likely, your car is packed with thoughtful gifts as well as your personal belongings. Store them in the boot or behind a cover on the rear seats to keep them hidden. Additionally, if you plan to stop somewhere overnight, be sure to take your valuables out of the car and keep them with you inside. 

6 top tips for driving at Christmas 

We're pleased to announce the Dealership of the Month for November 2022 is Mercedes-Benz of Exeter. Bumper Business Development Consultant, Marc Durrant, met the team on-site to deliver their award. 

The Exeter team had an impressive month using both PayLater, interest-free monthly payments available on repairs, and PayNow, a one-off secure link customers can use to pay remotely, to improve customer satisfaction. 

This improvement in customer satisfaction is demonstrated in their Trustpilot reviews. One commented, “Never having heard of Bumper I was surprised at the speed at which everything was arranged. Everything was done very efficiently and promptly.” 

Another said, “This was very helpful; I had a huge bill, was great to know I didn’t have to pay straight away and it’s interest-free!” 

Since joining Bumper’s network in April 2022, the site quickly implemented Bumper into their aftersales process helping customers drive away happier and safer. 

Congratulations to the team at Mercedes-Benz of Exeter! 

Dealership of the Month November 2022: Mercedes-Benz of Exeter 

Team Bumper gathered in Antalya, Turkey for our first Hackathon. 

Split into three groups, members from the sales, growth, product, and development teams competed to create a new product. Tasked with one objective - take Bumper’s product offering to the next level - the teams had just two days to take their idea from conception to a valid, usable product. 

Judged by co-founders, James Jackson and Jack Allman, and members of the executive team, the groups’ products were scored in five key areas. 

Working flat-out, the developers had to work against the clock to make their team’s idea a reality. Developer Talut Tasgiran said, “The Hackathon was as fun as it was tiring! 

“The prototyped ideas will be incredibly valuable for Bumper. It was fantastic to meet with team members I hadn’t met in person before and see how hard everyone worked to achieve something so big in such a small amount of time.” 

The products created by our teams will undergo further development and rigorous testing before implementation into the Bumper system. 

Thank you to the three teams who took part in the event. We look forward to sharing our new features with our users in the future. 

Hackathon 2022: 3 teams compete to create new product 

Adding to Bumper’s trophy cabinet and wrapping up 2022 is the prestigious award for Autocar Drivers of Change for the Retail Category, received by our very own CCO, Jack Allman, who attended the event. Jack, along with CEO James Jackson, co-founded and launched Bumper – our innovative platform to ease the stress of unexpected bills faced by car drivers, enabling them to split repair bills into monthly instalments. 

 November at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. In partnership with automotive executive search specialists Ennis & Co, the Autocar Drivers of Change Awards are sponsored by SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) McLaren Automotive, TrustFord, Toyota GB PLC, Volkswagen Group UK and Peugeot. 

Held annually, the awards showcase the very best of the automotive industry’s talent and celebrate winners in 3 distinct categories – Retail, Digital and new for 2022, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Upon receiving this award, Jack said “A huge thanks to Autocar along with Ennis & Co and the sponsors for inviting me to come to this exciting and prestigious event in London. 

Thank you also for this award. It means a lot to us and the hardworking team at Bumper. This award recognises the innovation and the effort behind the Bumper platform that we are incredibly proud of. The platform is not only a good way to help the driver afford their bills, but also helps the dealer as well. By enabling the customer to spread the cost, the dealer can ensure the customer is able to approve all the necessary identified repairs.”

Bumper wins Autocar Award for Drivers of Change for Retail

The team at Bumper are delighted to have secured further funding worth £26.1 million ($30 million) during the Series A extension round which was led by Bumper’s partners, Revo Capital with participation from Autotech Ventures, InMotion Ventures (the investment arm of Jaguar Land Rover) and ITOCHU. 

As part of this extension round, Bumper also agreed to a new debt facility with Secure Trust Commercial Finance worth £20 million ($23 million) with some additional investment coming in the form of equity through various partners. 

The extension round ends just over one year after Bumper’s Series A round raised £10.5 million ($12 million) in June 2021, bringing the total investment to £36.6 million ($42 million).

James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper has commented on the recent funding:

“Bumper’s rapid growth trajectory has been incredibly exciting, and the new round of investment from our amazing partners means that we can continue this growth trajectory and pursue our lofty goals to expand further across Europe. As the cost-of-living crisis tightens, it’s never been more important to offer affordable and convenient payment options giving driver peace of mind when getting their vehicles repaired.” 

John Gribbon, Regional Managing Director of Yorkshire and the North East at Secure Trust Bank has said: “We first began working with Bumper’s management team nearly three years ago and since then the business has shifted up a gear, developing its technical capability and growing its network of dealerships thereby demonstrating the strength of its business model. Our close relationship with the team and our growing understanding of the business have allowed us to work quickly and flexibly, keeping pace with Bumper’s growing working capital needs. This latest investment round puts the business in pole position for further success.” 

Cenk Bayrakdar, Managing Director and Founding Partner at Revo Capital commented: “Bumper's impressive growth and history of achieving success through its comprehensive fintech solution for car repairs has well-positioned Bumper to accelerate its international growth. James and his team continue to prove Bumper's strength and effectiveness in this space, and we are excited to join them on the next leg of their journey and support Bumper’s R&D initiatives in Türkiye.” 

Alexei Andreev, Managing Director at Autotech Ventures, commented: “We are impressed by the clever finance tools and modern software used by Bumper, and how this technology is becoming essential in today’s economy. Autotech continues to support the team on its journey to becoming an industry-leading BNPL product.”

Finally, Mike Smeed, Managing Director at InMotion Ventures, also commented: “Our team continues to be impressed by Bumper’s remarkable growth in the UK, and more recently in Ireland, Spain and Germany. We are delighted to announce our additional investment into the business, and look forward to supporting the team as they expand across Europe”.

The funds will be used to continue Bumper’s expansion plans into Germany, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands. 

Bumper secures a further £26m of funding in Series A extension round

A headlight bulb replacement costs around £50 when professionally fitted, but they only cost £3 to buy in store. 

Few things are more vital to safe driving than headlights, especially in winter. Even before dark, they significantly improve your car's visibility, reducing accidents with other vehicles and pedestrians. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about UK headlight bulb replacement costs, including when to change them, average prices, and other common questions.

How much does a replacement headlight cost?

Headlight bulbs can cost as little as £3 from local car parts shops. However, you can expect fees of £15 to £100 for a professional replacement.

Independent garages often give better advice than chains and can help you fit them on the spot. But you can also buy from big brands, like Halfords and Wilco.

Fitting headlights yourself saves money and helps you understand your car. It’s a skill worth learning in case you ever need to do it in an emergency. However, if you’re unsure, you can get an expert to fit them for you. And we’ll explain where you can do this below. 

How much does it cost to buy and fit a replacement headlight bulb? 

The average cost of a new headlight bulb replacement can range from around £15 to £100, depending on your car, part costs, and whether it’s a complex fit. 

It’s worth noting that chain stores and garages charge different replacement fees. Some garages like ATS, Kwik Fit, or Wilco may charge more for the bulbs alone, but fitting is often free while you wait.

Headlight bulb replacement costs are lower than other surprise car problems. If you’re hit with a big bill, you can use

 to split the cost into interest-free repayments.

How much do Halfords charge to change a headlight bulb?

Halfords charges around £8 to £15 for fitting a headlight bulb, often offering free fitting when you buy bulbs from their store.

Prices vary by location and bulb type, but their service is quick and convenient for most drivers who don’t want to tackle the change alone.

Headlight bulb replacement cost by car make and model

Beyond garage vs DIY replacements, headlight bulb replacement costs can vary widely depending on your car’s make and model.

While most common UK vehicles only require a modest outlay, premium models or those with more complex lighting systems can be significantly more expensive.

Here’s a snapshot of typical UK price ranges for popular cars. These prices are only estimates.

Labour costs of headlight bulb replacements

Labour time for replacing a headlight bulb depends on the car and how accessible the unit is. 

Most jobs take 15 to 30 minutes per bulb, though tricky designs can take longer. Typical garage rates range from £50 to £100 an hour, similar to other minor repair work.

Lastly, the type of headlight you require can affect the final fee. Which brings us to the different types of headlights.

Here’s a quick overview of common headlight bulb types, how long they last, and estimated cost ranges. Read more about halogen vs HID bulbs at the end of this article. 

Car headlight bulbs come in different types because modern vehicles vary a lot. Some headlights use a single filament bulb, while others use bulbs with two filaments for different light functions.

Single filament bulbs are used in cars with two pairs of headlight fittings and reflectors; one for the main beam, and one for the dipped beam.

Headlight bulbs are labelled using the H notation. The following bulb types are most commonly used: H1, H3, H4, H7, H11, HB3, and HB4. 

 None of the bulbs are interchangeable, so it's essential to find out what one your car uses before buying.

How to find which headlight bulb you need

The user manual is the best place to check. It lists all bulbs needed, including for headlights, brake lights, and indicators.

Want to check now? You can find bulb information online. Google your car manufacturer’s website or check forums to see what drivers of the same vehicle say. 

You can also contact a local garage for in-person advice. This way, you’re not guessing based on internet answers.

Headlights typically last over 500 hours.

Over time, they wear out like any other part. When one goes, replace it quickly to stay safe and visible on the road.

They use less power than HID or halogen bulbs but shine brighter with better control. They also run cooler and last much longer.

Is it worth upgrading your headlight bulbs?

Upgrading to LED headlights improves visibility with brighter, whiter light and lasts much longer than halogen bulbs, up to 30,000 hours. They use less power and run cooler, making them more efficient.

While upfront costs are higher, fewer replacements and better safety make upgrading a smart investment for many drivers.

Yes and no. It ultimately depends on your vehicle.

Older cars make it easier to swap bulbs yourself. However, newer models often need bumpers removed, requiring more time, tools, and space, meaning a garage visit might be necessary.

In summary, cars today are more complex, and many simple tasks like bulb changes aren’t as straightforward anymore.

Changing a headlight varies from car to car; it's always best to check your owner's manual for a guide on how to do this before attempting. 

Here is a brief guide on how to change a car headlight bulb: 

: Avoid touching the bulb glass because skin oils can cause it to fail early, even after washing your hands.

The above procedure sounds simple, but some cars obscure the back of the headlight with other components in the engine bay.

In some cases, the entire headlight has to be removed in order to get to the bulb. If this is true for your car, you should work with a professional or contact a garage for assistance.

Here are the key signs that your headlight bulb may be faulty and in need of replacement.

Headlights come in many types, from traditional filament bulbs to LED. You usually can’t choose when upgrading since it’s built into the design, but it helps to know when replacing your own car’s bulbs.

Halogen is the most common type of bulb. They use a tungsten filament similar to old-fashioned home light bulbs, but are much smaller in size.

Often producing light with yellow tones, it’s easy to spot which cars on the road use these types of lights. The name halogen comes from the gas used to fill the glass chambers, to prevent the filament from reacting with oxygen in the air.

These bulbs have a typical life expectancy of 2,000 - 3,000 hours. The lowest of all types of bulbs available. They also offer the lowest light output but are considerably cheaper to produce and maintain.

While the technology has been around since the 1990s, it was only really beginning to become a common sight by the mid-2000s. Often offered as an optional extra from the factory, HID headlights provide a much brighter experience than halogen. 

HID bulbs work using an electrical arc sustained by metal salts inside the bulb and initiated with the help of xenon gas.

Emitting a bright white light, they give a more modern look from both inside and outside of the car. The life expectancy of HID systems is 10,000 hours or more. 

What's the difference between HID and halogen bulbs? 

Here’s a quick guide to the main differences between HID and halogen bulbs, so you can see which might suit your car and driving needs best.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer