Repairers receiving work from AI Claims Solutions have a year to gain Thatcham/BSI Kitemark accreditation or risk losing its approval.

The motor claims management company has stipulated the Kitemark as a must-have for its 150-strong repair network by August 2008.

Jim Monteith, AI Claims Solutions’ technical services director, said physical audits would continue until the Kitemark BSI was achieved. Self audits will remain in place, and AI is certain that it will maintain its own auditing function to police the network after August 2008.

The company said there was strong support for adoption of the Kitemark among its repair network members. Asked whether repairers would be retained if they attain the PAS125 standard outside the Kitemark scheme, Monteith said: “Clearly, repairers are masters of their own destiny and can adopt whatever route they feel is best for them. In terms of our network, we are insisting upon the Kitemark as we understand that adoption of PAS125 outside the Thatcham BSI Kitemark scheme does not approve method, process, people and practice.”

AI will support repairers in its network through the Kitemark process by providing seminars alongside BSI, guidance from BSI and its approved consultants, and sharing its own technical knowledge.

“Kitemark accreditation clearly demonstrates to the insurance industry and the public that we are committed to quality and safety standards. It enables repairers to publicly demonstrate that they have competent people and use recognised methods, material and equipment.

“With 82% of the UK adult population recognising the Kitemark, meeting its standards can only have a positive impact on the future of the industry,” he added.