RACQ opened an expression of interest (EOI) process on 14 February which closes on 14 March 'from automotive smash repairers to supply high quality, timely and competitive motor vehcile repair services.
Paint & Panel understands that repairers will be selected from the EOI process and invited to prepare a request for proposal.
In a statement to its members RACQ said:
“The motor insurance business environment is undergoing significant change to meet the technological advances in modern motor vehicles and the demands of insurance customers.
The smash repair industry is consolidating with the rapid introduction of high capacity, high speed, high technology repairers.
RACQ Insurance has a long-term commitment to both the Queensland vehicle repair industry, and the needs of members and customers. Therefore, RACQ Insurance has responded to these altered industry dynamics to ensure the ongoing high quality and safety of repairs for members and customers vehicles, which is our first priority.
RACQ Insurance must ensure that it has a sustainable repairer network which has the ongoing ability and technology to repair modern motor vehicles and ensure our service level expectations are met through progressive operators employing international best practice standards.
RACQ Insurance must also ensure that repairs are cost effective to ensure competitive premiums and value for money for members and customers.
Accordingly RACQ Insurance is currently conducting a review of its existing selected repairers to ensure the ongoing provision of high quality and safe repairs; to deliver an enhanced experience for members and customers through reduced repair turnaround times, improved service excellence and greater convenience; and to ensure value for money.
As a consequence of the review we expect the number of current selected repairers across the state will be reduced. RACQ Insurance is committed to achieving an open and transparent repairer network transition.
Members and customers will retain the ability to choose their repairer and the existing provision of the lifetime guarantee for repairs completed by an RACQ Insurance selected repairer.
RACQ Insurance will continue to work closely and actively with our selected repairers across Queensland to ensure members and customers are delivered the highest quality of repairs to their vehicles, with improved service levels.’
Paint & Panel Magazine will report in more detail in the March/April magazine and ask RACQ if fixed priced repair contracts or average repair contracts will feature in the new network.
Queensland rural centres will not be affected by the restructure.