4:09 pm, May 29, 2011
FORD is launching an accident management system for its customers which could shake up the industry.
The Blue Oval will launch its new service on July 1 with the aim of channelling accident repair work into Ford Accident Repair Centres (FARCs).
Owners will have access to a free helpline which will connect them to a 24/7 response centre. The response centre will ensure people and vehicle are recovered safely and will start the process of arranging the repair and arrange provision of a replacement car for the duration through Ford Rental.
Industry insiders say that while the move is not revolutionary, it is a bold step for Ford as it confronts the accident industry’s reputation for being complex by getting rid of excessive credit hire charges, and shys away from ‘ambulance-chasing solicitors’ and ‘insurer-approved repairer’ routes.
‘Our customers tell us that they want Ford main dealer quality of repair and service,’ said a Ford insider, ‘But they have often been channeled and coerced by their insurers to use accident repairers outside the dealer network.
‘Ford Accident Management is designed to return the option to the customer obtain what they want, which is the quality of repair they would expect from a Ford dealership and repair centre and which fully meets the quality of service to make sure that all manufacturer warranty provision remains intact.’
