MGA Claims Conference makes instant impact
The inaugural MGA Claims Conference has been hailed a resounding success.
Held in association with the Managing General Agent Association (MGAA) at 155 Bishopsgate, London on 28 September, the event attracted some 300 visitors making it one of the largest claims events of the year.
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The experiential event will aim to continue helping to create an environment for collaboration, interaction and innovative thinking across the incident repair sector.
Admiral announces major new repair network strategy
Admiral Insurance has announced that from 24 October it will only work with certain bodyshops as part of a significant change to its repair network strategy.
In a statement, the insurer said, “Our new network model will enable us to focus on strategic partnerships with a select number of industry-leading suppliers. This means we can more closely manage our customer journey and have the optimal performing repair capacity for today, and for future business growth.”
LV= goes live with new support fee
LV= General Insurance has introduced a new Energy and Inflation Support fee to help bodyshops absorb rising inflation.
From 1 October and for a period of six months it will pay bodyshops in its network £75 plus VAT for every repair they carry out on its behalf.
Meanwhile, LV= hosted its first LV= Sole Site Forum since before the pandemic at F1 Williams on 8 September, when representatives from all 28 of its sole sites heard about future network strategies and opportunities to strengthen relationships and collaboration.
FCA praises insurers’ flexibility
The FCA has praised insurers for the flexibility they have shown in handling business interruption claims.
It welcomed the way they reallocated resources to make interim payments quickly, while proactively communicating with policyholders throughout the claim. However, the FCA also raised concerns over delays and the service provided to some vulnerable customers. It has now published its findings, including examples of good and bad practice, to help insurers deliver a fair and consistent service to customers throughout the claims process.
Motor Parts Direct under new ownership
UK-based automotive parts and accessories distributor Motor Parts Direct has been acquired by South African automotive group Motus Holdings for a reported £182m.
Motor Parts Direct delivers vehicle parts to more than 14,000 customers in the passenger and light commercial sector through its network of 175 branches.
Gold Star for Mirka
Mirka has received Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), which recognised its excellent internal and external relationships and strong management team.
IPP also praised the company’s culture for engaging and empower colleagues while also supporting continuous professional development and upskilling.
New car market recovery continues
The millionth electric vehicle joined UK roads in September as the new car market enjoyed its second successive month of growth.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that there were 225,269 new registrations during the month, an increase of 4.6% on September 2021 but still 34.4% below pre-pandemic levels. EVs made up 16.5% with 38,116 units.
Meanwhile, the light commercial vehicle market enjoyed growth for the first time this year, rising 10.8% to 34,950 units.
GT Motive develops imaging solution
GT Motive has collaborated with JDK Technology to enhance its imaging services for bodyshop customers.
JDK’s solution enables photos to be sent directly from the claimant to the repairer, with images now directly integrated into the GT Global estimating platform ensuring everything is visible in a single location.
GTA announces interim rates agreement
Motor Insurers and credit hire companies have signed an interim agreement to increase certain hire rates.
The agreement, which applies to subscribers to industry protocol GTA and will remain in place until 30 June, is expected to ease the financial pressures by seeing credit hire companies accepting lower average hire rates in return for faster payments.
Transport Centre delivering Plan-Net-Zero strategy
Copart has recognised the role its Transportation Control Centre is playing in driving forward its sustainability targets.
One year after joining its Customer Excellence Centre, the Transportation Control Centre now manages a fleet of nearly 500 vehicles, with collections tailored to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
Meanwhile, by adopting the latest technology the centre is also able to monitor driver behaviour and manage peaks in demand.
Sweet 16
Carcomm Coachwords has received Mercedes-Benz approval for a 16th consecutive year.
Carcomm is one of the largest commercial vehicle repair specialists in the South East.
Chartwell receives Bentley award
Chartwell has been presented with the Bentley Bodyshop of the Year Award.
Bentley Aftersales Managers Jonathan Morris and Adam Causer visited the company’s Derbyshire site to present the trophy to Chartwell Group Director Chris Brightmore.
The company said, “Chartwell is immensely proud of this title, and we hope it demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering our Gold Standard service.”
Mirka enhances PPE range
Mirka has announced its latest range of PPE is now available to the UK market.
Its Mirka Essentials range includes coveralls (light line or carbon line), safety glasses (with UV and IR protection), and masks (offering protection against solid particles, dust and odours).
GTG achieves ‘good’ Ofsted rating
Training academy GTG has been judged as a ‘Good Provider’ for apprenticeships after its Wolverhampton site underwent a rigorous four-day Ofsted inspection.
Seven inspectors carried out a thorough assessment of the facilities and also conducted a range of interviews before delivering its judgement.
Tools of the Tech-Trade
In this episode, we speak with Phil Peace, Managing Director (International) of Repairify – a leader in advanced technology tooling and remote diagnostic support.
