Insurer rethinks repairer deals

Tower Insurance is reassessing its motor repairer relationships across the country and is starting by issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for suppliers in six major centres from June 20.

The company says the RFP is open to suppliers in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin until July 18. 

A similar process for the rest of New Zealand will start by the end of the year.

Tower currently works with about 80 repairers across six regions and it last undertook an RFP for its motor repairer relationships in 2016. 

Steve Wilson, chief claims officer, says the RFP process aims to encourage innovation and deliver a more localised and personal service to customers.

“Our motor repairers are ultimately the face of Tower from a customer perspective, so we know how important it is to invest in these relationships and get them right,” he explains.

“Going to market allows us to work closely with new suppliers, so we can build strong relationships and send a higher volume of work their way. 

“This gives our partners a commitment they can rely on for investing in staff, tools and the facilities required for repairing modern and future technology in vehicles.”

Tower’s RFP will be live on Tenderlink by 3pm on June 20 and close at noon on July 18.