Insurer is the first to offer recycled parts in vehicle repair
Allianz Insurance is the first UK insurer to offer motor policyholders across the country the chance to use recycled parts to repair their vehicles.
Drivers will have the opportunity to reduce their carbon-footprint by having recycled green parts fitted to their vehicles by Allianz's nationwide network of approved repairers.
The insurer said safety and quality of repair is not compromised as the recycled parts used are not structural, subject to wear or have a safety function such as brake and steering components. The recycled green parts include lamps, radiators and internal door components.
The use of recycled green parts is beneficial to the environment, reducing the amount of waste disposed of in landfill sites. The scheme is also cost effective for both insurer and repairer. For a £1,000 claim, on average up to £240 can be saved by using recycled green parts, the company added.
The decision to push ahead with the scheme follows a successful pilot scheme with a small number of repairers and distributors in Northern England.
Policyholders that took part in the pilot gave positive feedback to the pilot. Not only were they pleased to use parts that would otherwise have been disposed of, but in many cases the use of recycled green parts meant that their vehicle was not a total loss.
Allianz Insurance motor damage claims manager, Dane Loosley, said: "Take up of the offer to use recycled green parts was around 40 per cent in some locations, but when there was a possibility of the vehicle being a total loss, this increased to 80 per cent. Of those policyholders that agreed to the use of recycled green parts, we had no complaints about quality or service received.
"We have demonstrated that the use of recycled green parts is worthwhile, for the insurer, repairer policy holder and last but not least the environment."
The initiative has received support from the British Vehicle Salvage Federation (BVSF), which represents the UK vehicle salvage industry.
British Vehicle Salvage Federation Chairman Alan Greenouff, said: "The greater use of recycled parts in vehicle repairs clearly has the full support of our members for the benefits it will bring to all interested parties. The BVSF is delighted that Allianz is leading the way for motor insurers on the issue.
"Re-use makes eminent sense especially in the present high profile climate of protecting the environment from waste. Our members will provide every assistance to Allianz in meeting their objectives on this major development in the UK market."
