IAG New Zealand is opening its first wholly owned repair shop in Auckland as a response to clients enduring longer wait times to get their cars repaired.
According to Australasian Panel & Paint Magazine, the insurer had already advised repairers of its intention to open its own shop in the Auckland suburb of East Tamaki on a trial basis later this year. During the trial run, IAG NZ aims to deliver repair services that integrate into the claims lodgement process.
IAG New Zealand told the Collision Repair Association (CRA) it will evaluate the success of the trial and then consider next steps. According to Panel & Paint, the insurer also plans to change the wording of their auto insurance policies to allow customers to choose their own repairer – albeit, at a higher premium.
The insurer seems to be taking its cue from IAG Australia, which plans to roll out its own network of collision repair facilities across metropolitan areas in a joint venture with the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria.
It remains to be seen how IAG NZ’s move will affect its existing network of repair shops.
