Tower has announced that it will reassess its motor repairer relationships across the country. The insurer said it seeks to formulate a streamlined model that “prioritises strong partnerships, innovation and streamlined experiences for customers.”
On June 20, Tower will issue a request for proposal (RFP) to allow motor repairers to showcase what they can offer Tower and its customers. The RFP is open to motor repairers in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin until July 18. An RFP for the rest of New Zealand will be launched by the end of 2022.
Tower chief claims officer Steve Wilson said the RFP is among the ways the company is investing in partnerships with small- to medium-sized businesses to deliver better quality and more localised and personal service to customers. These partnerships also aim to help the motor repair industry amid the challenging economic environment in New Zealand.
“When we partner with a motor repairer, we’re essentially welcoming them into the Tower family and want to ensure they feel this partnership is much more than just transactional,” Wilson said. “Our motor repairers are ultimately the face of Tower from a customer perspective, so we know how important it is to invest in these relationships and get them right. We want to engage with motor repairers who are investing in the sustainability and scalability of their own business, looking to innovate, and are keen to grow alongside us.”
According to Tower, customers can access a range of benefits by transitioning to the new model, including straight-through claim processing, understanding of Tower’s policies and products, a technology-integrated process, and a lifetime guarantee on all authorised repairs.
Tower currently works with around 80 repairers across six regions. As part of this remodel, the business will instead focus on stronger partnerships with a scalable group of suppliers, it said.
“Going to market allows us to work closely with new suppliers, so we can build strong relationships and send a higher volume of work their way,” Wilson said. “This gives our partners a commitment they can rely on for investing in staff, tools and the facilities required for repairing modern and future technology in vehicles.”
