Fleet managers 'should use approved repairer network'

Posted : 04-04-2007

Fleet managers are being urged to use only approved garages after a recent Metropolitan Police investigation which found that fewer than one in four of the UK's bodyshops are equipped to carry out work on cars built from new high-strength steel.

According to the RAC, many fleet managers continue to take "pot luck" with their choice of repairer, failing to assess the skill and quality of the bodyshop garage they choose.

"Those buying repair services should be looking for the BSI PAS 125 Kitemark for vehicle body repair," said Phil Mairs, head of RAC services.

"Developed by BSI and Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, the standard covers five key elements of the repair process, including people, methods, equipment, materials and process management."

Project managers should also ensure that their fleet is covered by a commercial vehicle insurance policy, with many insurers working in partnership with approved repairers, thereby allowing them to be certain that their vehicles will be worked on by a bodyshop with the required experience.


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