Universal Vehicle Services has launched a new claims management service for insurers to speed total loss claims processing.Currently inspections alone are estimated to cost the UK insurance industry £17 million per year.

The new service reduces inspection and handling costs, and accelerates claims settlements, linking Universal's network of inspectors to the company's computerised claims management system via Internet communication.

Called Engineering Services, the operation has been running with Equity Insurance for two years and is now being rolled out nationally to cover all car, motorcycle and commercial vehicle claims.