For many years now independent bodyshops have suffered by having repair work steered away from them, by insurers, and directed into their approved networks. Of course while one can appreciate the insurer’s position, such action not only deprives the owner of a choice of repairer, it often leaves the bodyshop out of pocket. For example, by the time the damaged vehicle is “steered” away, the bodyshop may perhaps have carried out estimating work, or incurred recovery and storage costs. Added to this they miss out on the repair work. Also many repairers may have an already established relationship with their customers, through previous repair operations and supported by written and electronic follow up messages and reminders.
Running a modern bodyshop is a costly business and owners, needing to maximise the supply of work, find the redirecting of anticipated repairs away from their bodyshops galling and frustrating to say the least.
However at last someone in the form of Andrew Moody, of Retail Motor Law, is taking a stand on behalf of repairers who feel aggrieved and has organised a petition to draw attention to what many owners allege to be an unfair practice. The petition has been approved by the Downing Street Number 10 web team and it is hoped that as many people as possible will support it. Remember this is not just for owners to sign; staff and customers should be encouraged to do so as well. Simply put loss of work can lead to loss of jobs, hence the need for staff to sign. Likewise customers being directed away from a known repairer, and into an unknown one, may find the experience to be inconvenient or unnerving, especially at times of stress when a friendly face is always welcome.
Qualified barrister and solicitor Mr Moody, director of RML, comments: “The practice of vehicle insurers and fleet management companies ‘steering’ customers is widespread and it is bad for both the repair industry and consumers. I strongly urge those in the bodyshop trade and members of the public to pressure the PM to introduce anti-steering legislation by signing the petition on the Downing Street website.” The petition to the Prime Minister can be accessed at the following on line address.
Please do not hesitate to contact Andrew on 01832 293003 if you require any further information
As an organisation firmly committed to supporting the interests of repairers, the Bodyshop Fellowship supports the action being taken by Andrew Moody. It is hoped that visitors to this website, be they repairers, bodyshop staff or customers will stand up and be counted by adding their names to this important document.
