Big Change At Australia’s FlexiQuote

On Saturday, June 28 at a function in Chatsworth, Sydney, FlexiQuote Quoting & Business Systems founder Charles Lo handed over the day-to-day business operations to Jacqui Neilsen. Lo, who has been at the top of his quoting and computer estimating business for the last fifteen years has decided to retire, signifying the end of an era and a formal changing of the guard at FlexiQuote. Among those who attended the function were Flexiquote staff, body shop repair representatives, and members of the auto body repair press, all of whom celebrated Neilsen’s rise to the top of the company ladder as its new General Manager.

UK Insurers Crack Down On Fraud

Figures released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) show that within the last year insurers uncovered 24,000 fraudulent motor insurance claims worth about £260 million, or $492.4 million US. The number reflects a 70% increase in fraudulent claims over the last three years.

Some examples of cheats who were caught include a man who pushed his car over a cliff, though claimed it was stolen; and a Rolls Royce owner who claimed the theft of his front grill, hub caps, steering wheel, seats, and bonnet mascot, all of which were later discovered in his home by police.

ABI's Director of General Insurance and Health, Nick Starling, said, "Insurance fraud is no victimless crime. Honest motorists pay through higher insurance premiums…This is why insurers are ramping up their crackdown to weed out the cheats. Anyone committing insurance fraud is more likely to get caught, risks a criminal record, and will find future insurance and credit harder to obtain and more expensive".

Thatcham Launches ‘Repair Equipment’ Accreditation

In recognizing the importance of using quality equipment and tools amongst repair technicians, Thatcham used its annual Triple Focus event to announce the launch of a new category to be integrated within Thatcham Quality Accreditation – ‘Repair Equipment’. The program is part of an effort to help bodyshop owners and repair technicians identify equipment with the quality build and durability necessary for daily use in the harsh environment of a busy bodyshop.

The insurer funded research center has already defined criteria for the accreditation of spot welders, spray guns and hand tools, with the option of defining future criteria for other tools and equipment should the need or demand arise.

While speaking at the Triple Focus event, Thatcham’s Accreditation Manager, Dean Lander said, “A need has been identified as repairers are unsure which equipment to invest in…this accreditation has been established to help bodyshop owners and managers make the best choice for their business. The Thatcham Accredited mark is a recognised mark of quality and gives independent recognition of product performance.”