Allianz Cornhill is planning to reduce the number of bodyshops in its national approved repairer network.

The insurer is expected to finalise its plans this winter, and then inform bodyshops of the changes.

Its repairer consultative group says the volume of repairs has diminished, so it is faced with network rationalisation. With fewer jobs, work is dwindling for some in the 190-strong approved repairer programme.

Philip Brailey, the insurer’s motor damage supplier manager, says: “We’ll be looking to continue with repairers where there is a culture fit with Allianz Cornhill, who want to work with us, and who have a good relationship with us and good customer service in place.”

He is unable at this stage to say by what extent the network will be reduced. However the insurer may review cases where it has several approved bodyshops covering the same postcode area.

At a recent Allianz Cornhill Repairer Roadshow, Brailey praised his bodyshop managers for using initiative in trying new, safe techniques which cut costs for both the insurer and the repairer.