Plexus Online, the internet-based accident management company that went live this year, has signed up more than 360 bodyshops on the promise of more cost-effective repairs.

The system empowers policyholders to notify a claim via the Plexus website – www.plexusonline.co.uk – book in the damaged vehicle and monitor progress online.

A call centre in Rotherham deals with customer enquiries, which enables the bodyshop to minimise non-productive staff and fully concentrate on the repair.

Richard Mills, Plexus Online network manager, said several work providers had signed up to use the Plexus bodyshop network, including insurance intermediary BDML. Grant Thornton has also chosen Plexus to provide accident management services for its company car fleet.

“Work volumes are quite low at the moment because most business is from new policies written after the companies have signed up,” said Mr Mills. “We expect volumes to build quickly as we add more clients.”

He believes the optimum network would contain around 400 repairers. “We can also take on clients that have their own approved networks that they wish to continue working with,” he added. “We can offer cost-efficient benefits.”