Land Rover is planning a drive to encourage buyers of its cars to use its approved bodyshop network if they are involved in an accident. Its decision follows a similar move by Jaguar, its Ford PAG stablemate.

AM reported on November 4 that Jaguar was issuing buyers with a card and leaflet warning them against letting non-manufacturer approved bodyshops repair their cars. The Jaguar Assistance document warned customers: “Don’t let your insurance company turn an accident into a catastrophe.”

Gordon Grant, Jaguar & Land Rover UK body and paint programme manager with Carter & Carter, says the brands are not aiming to be confrontational with insurers. They are simply advising owners to ensure their complex vehicles are repaired using appropriate methods and expertise.

“If Jaguar and Land Rover can look after their customers in partnership with insurers, they will take that route,” says Grant.

“If, however, the insurance companies prefer to send vehicles to repairers that don’t have Jaguar or Land Rover approval and, as a consequence, don’t have the equipment, technical information, product knowledge and repair competence, then we will be forced to circumvent the insurers to ensure customers are cared for.”