Allianz Cornhill is to issue a new contract to its approved repairer network, all of which are RMI bodyshop services division (BSD) quality control members.

Mark Bull, BSD operations manager, said the new contract was a positive move by Allianz Cornhill: “It is refreshing to have a meaningful contract in the body repair market, as body repairers have had genuine concerns, stemming from certain insurer actions last year.

“The contract provides a twelve-month termination clause - should the bodyshop adhere to the terms - and provides an anticipated number of repairs per month, which assists in business planning.”

Philip Brailey, manager of Allianz Cornhill's motor engineers' unit, said: “The draft contract was delivered via one-day roadshows, and we feel this demonstrates a true partnership with repairers - they must be able to participate in our future planning and have an opportunity to voice their opinions. It is the repairer we rely on to give our customers a first-class service.”

The Consultative Group, chaired by the RMI BSD, developed a 'blueprint' generic contract which has been presented to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). It has also been discussed with other insurance and accident management companies. The principles within the generic contract, if adopted, are meant to provide “a more equitable” solution to bodyshops in addressing certain key issues, without becoming involved with any of the commercial aspects of insurer/repairer arrangements.