Wesfarmers Insurance (WI) has announced its new Partnered Repair Network (PRN).
The company say that: 'This initiative will allow WI to leverage its scale and capabilities across its brands of Lumley Insurance and WFI, as well as its partner brands of Coles Insurance and KTAS to continue to offer competitive motor insurance products by streamlining its repair management model.'
The first group of repairers in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth have now been selected with the remainder of states and territories to be finalised in the coming months.
Wesfarmers says that what makes this PRN different is that it is the only model in the market that is based on true partnership and relationship management.
Application have been taken from bodyshops across Australia over the past five months, while Wesfarmers Insurance consulted with key industry bodies. The repairers that form the PRN were chosen because they met the following WI criteria,
- Offer the highest customer service standards
- Offer quality of repair, presentation of their workshop and equipment levels
- Offer transparent quoting procedures
- Have competitive repair costs
- Meet Wesfarmers' probity and prudential standards
- Have excellent technical capability
John Simpson, Senior Manager responsible for the PRN, believes that this new Partnered Repair Network will: "Provide clients with the added assurance that their vehicle will be repaired by a trusted partner who offers a lifetime guarantee on the repair work.
“When a client submits a claim, it is their moment of truth. By partnering with preferred repairers we believe that we can offer the highest level of customer service to ensure a top quality and expedited repair service is offered. It will assist in keeping insurance premiums competitive as repair costs can be more closely managed," he said.
Wesfarmers says that the PRN will improve service standards, reduce turnaround times, improve repair quality and offer a lifetime guarantee of repair work.
The company says that the customer still has choice of repairer.
"A repairer that meets the customer's repair needs and suits their geographic location will always be considered during the claims process," said Simpson.
Wesfarmer says that its network of repairer will benefit through Wesfarmers Insurance and its selection of brands recommending the repairer by directing work to them.
“This will offer the possibility of a significant revenue stream through continuous work opportunities and will allow the repairer to forward plan and manage workflow knowing that business is coming their way,” Simpson said.