Total Accident Management has launched an online vehicle repair tracking service.

RepairTracker has already been applied across 80 of Total’s 140-strong repairer network and training for the remainder is expected to be completed by the end of January.

In addition to being able to view status updates online, the service automatically sends SMS text updates at each stage of the repair and notifies drivers when their vehicle is ready for collection.

Nick Smith, supply chain manager at Total Accident Management, said: “This streamlines communication about how a vehicle repair is progressing.

"With no need for the workshop to answer progress report calls from customers, it means technicians are freed to focus on optimising repair schedules, thereby improving turnaround time."

RepairTracker, created by BodyNet, has been adapted and integrated into Total’s existing customer web portal.

BodyNet expects the new system to be handling up to 5,000 jobs over the next six months, each with an average claim value of around £1100 for a conventional repair.