The RMI has published the first in a series of guides for bodyshops to help them prepare accurate estimates on the Audatex system. The move, in consultation with Audatex, follows repairer discord over the lack of a pearlescents paints option.

Bob Hood, RMI bodyshop services director, says: “For too long insurers appear to hide behind apparent deficiencies in the Audatex estimating system to avoid paying for repairers' work. These guidelines give bodyshops crucial information to enable them to estimate more accurately.”

Hood warned insurers that interference in bodyshops' businesses would be “resisted and challenged” by the RMI.