Courtesy car management and day-rate insurance provider DCML has entered the body repair market with the launch of DCM Bodyshop.

The new online software platform is based on its Dealer Car Manager product, which helps over 1,300 UK franchised dealerships to manage over 40,000 demonstrator and courtesy cars.

Designed for bodyshops with fleets of 15+ vehicles, DCM Bodyshop will allow repairers to offer day-rate insurance cover direct to customers via Aviva.

It is designed to plug the growing gap presented by the growth in non-insurer provided courtesy cars.

DCML estimates that 5% of customers do not currently have access to such a vehicle, but expects that figure to treble within 12-18 months.

Vince Powell, managing director of DCML, commented: “We are in the business of using technology to lower costs and improve earnings by answering real-world needs.

“Non-insurer supported courtesy cars are only going to rise as motorists look to trim their premiums by removing standard benefits in a policy. DCM Bodyshop not only removes the repairer’s risk, but presents a new revenue stream.”