Axa repairers have been told to invest more than £6,000 in the Glassmatix III computer estimating system in order to be considered for a place on a reduced approved network.

The oversized network - 1,300 bodyshops including 250 'premier' repairers - is a legacy from Axa's acquisition of Guardian last year.

Barry Jones, Axa head of motor engineering services, said the move would raise efficiency and supply “more consistent volumes of work” to repairers.

“We plan to increase our utilisation rate - currently 40% of volume - towards 60% on our current mix of business,” said Mr Jones.

But he stressed Axa “had no plans” to achieve its goals by following the route of other insurers, like Royal & SunAlliance and Direct Line, who have acquired their own bodyshops.