A lack of structured communication between service departments and bodyshops to identify and process ‘incremental work’ loses dealers millions in revenue, according to new research by Accident Exchange.

While 76% of dealers referring to their own bodyshop – be that on site or local – interact daily, only 56% actually discuss every car being repaired to identify potential ‘service’ work.

“Dealers are not running the risk of losing potential business, they are losing business,” said Liz Fisher, sales director of Accident Exchange.

The problem is at its worst for dealers who sub-contract work to independent body repairers – with nearly a third admitting they are rarely in contact at all.

With a robust communication link, every in-coming vehicle should be assessed for ‘serviceable’ opportunities, said Fisher.

“Is it due a service? Who carried out that last service? Has the vehicle missed any manufacturer recall work? When is the MoT due? Are there any visible mechanical defects like tyres? These are just some of the missed revenue opportunities available to under pressure service workshops," she said.