An ice little earner

THE bad weather has provided a bumper boost to trade for some vehicle repairers.

Business could more than double for some companies in the country — with family-run Adamsons Vehicle Care Centre in Cross Street, Oldham, among those benefiting.

But other local firms have seen little increase, or expect a lag between the icy conditions and drivers getting their vehicles repaired.

Edward Core is customer services manager at Adamsons, one of the first bodyshops in the UK to achieve the BSI kitemark for vehicle body repair in 2008.

He said: “Business has increased quite considerably, but it would be difficult to put a percentage on it.

“We have got an awful lot of drivers skidding on ice and hitting the kerb, and a few people have gone into the back of other cars. They are not huge bumps, things like the corners bumpers.

We have had winters previously where we have been a lot busier. This time people have been more geared up or have stopped at home.

But he said there was pressure on courtesy cars and added: “I have spoken to garages that have got customers waiting until the end of February for a courtesy car.

“We have got 45 courtesy cars. They are all out and there is a bit of a waiting list, but we are prioritising. We have been quite lucky.”

Malcolm Tagg, chief executive of the Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association, said on the whole trade was up.

“It is difficult to say how much by because we haven’t actually conducted a poll and it will depend on their type of business.”

Mr Tagg pointed out that many people who opt for significantly higher excesses to reduce their premiums may be left footing the bill for damage to their vehicle.

But he also stressed that drivers did not have to take their vehicle to the repairer specified by the insurance company and added: “Not all of our members are on the insurance company network, but the customer generally can choose where they want to take their car for themselves.

“If they want their repair done, they should do that and not be bullied into waiting weeks.”
Association of British Insurers spokesman Malcolm Tarling said: “Not unsurprisingly we have seen an increase in claims of anything between 50 and 60 per cent.”