Seasonal trends in the automotive repair and insurance industry are nothing new, and whether it’s the icy roads in winter increasing the number of incidents, through to summer holidays bringing a slowdown in activity, both insurers and repairers face distinct pressures at different points in the calendar.
But the real question isn’t about whether these patterns exist; it’s how well we respond to them.
For repair management companies like CVS, whilst these shifts may seem complex at first, they do in fact present an opportunity to help insurers and repairers stay agile, connected and efficient, no matter the time of year.
Keen to find out how?
It all begins with…
Understanding the seasonal landscape
Peaks and troughs in demand can cause real issues if not planned for. For examples, winter typically brings with it a surge in non-fault incidents due to weather-related conditions, whereas summertime often leads to reduced availability of parts and people as many technicians take annual leave and more repairers operate with leaner resources.
Because of this, insurers often experience the feeling of having a flood of new claims during peak periods, and slower processing times during quieter months as internal resources are reallocated or reduced. Plus, for bodyshops, there’s also the additional challenge of maintaining throughput and technician productivity during lulls too.
As a result, this seasonal imbalance puts strain on customer service, repair timelines and cost control, all of which affect both insurers’ reputations and repairers’ operations.
So, what’s the solution?
Sharing insight and planning ahead
One of the key steps towards better outcomes is mutual planning, and whilst it is common for insurers and repairers to forecast independently, it’s rare that these forecasts are shared in a meaningful way.
This can lead to mismatched expectations, particularly during high-demand periods, but by working more closely on forecasting and scheduling, insurers and repairers can take a more joined-up approach to staffing, workflow prioritisation and capacity planning.
For example, if an insurer knows that a spike in first notification of loss (FNOL) is likely due to bad weather or bank holiday traffic, that data can inform how repairers prepare their diary weeks in advance.
Here, a repair management company such as CVS can play a crucial role in bridging this gap by sitting between insurer and repairer, sharing intelligence in real-time, spotting emerging trends and adjusting plans accordingly to ensure that everyone in the chain is better informed and able to adapt before a seasonal challenge becomes a customer complaint.
Creating flexibility within repair networks
Seasonal shifts affect more than just volume; they can impact geography too.
For example, rural areas might experience fewer claims in summer as people travel elsewhere, while city-based repairers may suddenly see increased footfall, which is why it’s so important for repairers to be able to move work around a national repair network or flex the type of work each repairer undertakes.
Here, our extensive network at CVS allows us to direct repairs to the most appropriate location based on real-time capacity, repair type and turnaround requirements, meaning that insurers can benefit from improved key-to-key times, while repairers avoid becoming overwhelmed or underutilised depending on the season.
But, this kind of dynamic response is only possible when both sides trust the intermediary to manage capacity effectively.
After all, it’s not just about moving vehicles; it’s about making sure everyone’s working to a shared standard and set of expectations.
Streamlining communications to avoid delays
Miscommunication is one of the most common causes of missed targets throughout seasonal shifts. Any delays in authorisations, unclear repair instructions or lack of visibility on total loss decisions can all cause bottlenecks and extend downtime – especially when teams are stretched.
Centralising communication and providing a consistent point of contact can help here and allows repair management companies to take the burden off both insurers and repairers, and to help, our team at CVS manage approvals, chase updates and ensure that all parties are kept in the loop throughout the repair cycle.
This allows repairers to focus on the repair itself and insurers to maintain control over their customer journey, and the impact of this kind of hands-on support is most noticeable during periods of disruption, whether that’s through increased volume, reduced staffing or changes in part availability.
Investing in data and tech to stay ahead
One of the most effective ways to navigate seasonal swings is by using data to predict, prepare and act.
Here, repair cycle data, claims patterns and parts supply trends all offer valuable insight if they’re shared and acted upon, and at CVS, we use this data to drive better decisions across the board.
This can look like monitoring market fluctuations and using what we learn to advise both insurers and repairers on how to approach the months ahead, adjusting SLAs, shifting repair types across the network or flagging risks before they cause issues – and we also invest in systems that give full transparency across the claim and repair journey, giving all parties real-time access to the information they need to make quick, informed decisions.
In other words, we’re proactive in every action we take.
A smarter way to work together…
Whilst seasonal changes are inevitable, being caught off guard doesn’t need to be, and by improving visibility, streamlining processes and bringing a more flexible approach to capacity and claims management, insurers and repairers can achieve better outcomes year-round.
With CVS offering nationwide coverage, expert support, and connected solutions, we provide the operational support to ensure that, regardless of the season, the insurer-repairer relationship runs smoothly – with the customer always at the centre.
If you want to take control of VOR and reduce the financial and operational impact on your business, contact us today via our website, calling 0333 3609525 or emailing: enquiries@completevs.co.uk to speak with our team today.
