THE Retail Motor Industry Federation has jumped to the defence of accident management companies following claims that some body repairers resented the services offered by the sector.

Two weeks ago Ron Nicholson, managing director of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association, warned about the growth of accident management companies and claimed they were flourishing in the car body repair sector as a result of the inability of repairers to deal efficiently and effectively with customers (Fleet News October 18). This week RMI Bodyshop Services adviser Robert Hadfield leapt to the defence of accident management companies, saying the concept was 'growing and here to stay'. The RMI works alongside accident management organisations VELO, Elite Repair Services, Fleet Assistance and Motorcare.

Responding to Nicholson's claims that sections of the body repair industry resented accident management companies because of the referral fees they took, Hadfield said: 'They provide an essential service for the insurance industry, vehicle fleets and bodyshops. If the critics are suggesting that the profitability of bodyshops would be improved without the involvement of accident managers, I would say to them that the market will dictate whether they succeed or not and all the signs are that the concept is growing not only in the UK but also in other countries.'