RSA has joined up with Audatex to improve its parts sourcing and claims settlement business.

The insurer’s approved bodyshop network will now use Audatex’s automated parts procurement service, Audasource.

The move means that repairers, who were previously able to choose their own non-OE parts partners, will now have to use RSA’s non-OE supplier, SEL Imperial.

Deploying Audasource and SEL Imperial together “provides a much slicker solution for repairers”, said Ian Thompson, RSA head of motor operations.

SEL Imperial, based in Doncaster, was selected as RSA’s preferred supplier. The insurer believes “SEL has the best offering in the market”.

Bodyshops will also be able to request payment electronically when finishing a job, using Audatex’s Audainvoice, removing the need for paper invoices from repairers.

Systems will be rolled out across the network by the end of 2008.

While its parts procurement service is free, the new electronic invoicing and payment will cost bodyshops, although RSA, as yet, is unclear how much.

RSA said the use of Audasource and SEL Imperial non-OE parts will “help repairers increase their profitability while ensuring quality, safe repairs”.

Audainvoice will eliminate the cost of producing and posting invoices.

“For our repairer partners there are measurable cost savings and transparency of process,” Thompson said.

Audatex’s parent Solera Group has appointed Dave Shepherd as its global account manager.

He will be responsible for developing relationships between its subsidiaries and insurance companies.

Shepherd is well known in the bodyshop sector, having owned Deejay Accident Repair Centres until its sale to Norwich Union’s Solus bodyshop chain in June 2006.

He will report to Paul Tucker, managing director of Audatex UK.