Risk management specialist Assurant expects to add 200 new members to the RAC Dealer Network in 2019, reaching a total of 1,550.

Last year, the network increased in size from 1,200 to 1,360 dealers.

Sean Kent, head of account management at Assurant, said that the ongoing growth was also leading to a commensurate surge in warranty sales, which had risen 13% by volume last year.

He said: “We believe that there remains substantial potential for network growth and are looking for dealers across the UK who want to work with us and share our passion for delivering a customer experience that reflects the high expectations associated with the RAC brand.

“While we have seen considerable expansion in recent years, we have always worked to a mantra of only recruiting dealers if they are the right dealers and can meet the kind of standard that we believe the market deserves. This policy will continue in 2019.” 

It is believed that the RAC Dealer Network now represents around one third of the used car warranty market in the UK.

Kent added: “This success has been built on getting the basics right. We offer comprehensive products backed up with high quality training and excellent systems, all of which show an expert knowledge of the needs of used car and van dealers and buyers.

The network is introducing a number of new initiatives for 2019 that are designed to provide new options for used car customers buying from members of the RAC Dealer Network and also provide additional support for dealers.