Allianz Cornhill plans to expand its approved repairer network to cope with rising business after an increase in policyholders.

Philip Brailey, manager of Allianz Cornhill's motor engineers unit, said: “We are currently reviewing our entire network with the help of the RMI to find out where there is spare capacity. When that review is complete, most probably by late September, we will be in a position to offer approved repairer contracts to a number of bodyshops.”

Bob Hood, RMI Bodyshop Services Division director, added: “After the recent treatment of approved repairers by certain insurance companies, it is encouraging to see Cornhill taking this pro-active lead. By expanding its network, Cornhill is breathing life into an industry that has, of late, suffered some serious knock-backs.”