THREE companies have launched schemes to cut out the hassle faced by accident victims. Perry Contract Hire has launched an accident repair management scheme for its customers. Car, van and truck rental company Willhire/Hertz has launched 'WILLHELP' in East Anglia and the Home Counties. Brighton-based Elite Repair Services announced a third party claims scheme to minimise motor insurers' and fleet operators' costs by managing and controlling repairs for them.

Perry Contract Hire's service, apart from the cost of repairs, is available free to the company's customers. It uses the Perry Group's Nationwide Network Services company, which has its own bodyshop network, instead of a variety of independents. The company claims the scheme offers customers the benefits of a streamlined, in-house service with reduced administration and vehicle downtime resulting in increased efficiency.

As well as reducing costs and administration for customers, Perry Contract Hire says the scheme provides a complete recovery and repair service from one source which becomes operational with one call to a 24-hour freephone number.