The role of an independent Insurance Engineer Case Study 1
Part arbitrator, always a negotiator and absolutely must be able to dynamically work to achieve the best outcome for all involved. A couple of very recent examples exemplify how this works in practice.
Our client instructed us to manage a claim where they had received a panel quote of just under NZ$14,000 on a motorhome. As you can see in the image, the RH side panels looked very ugly, and the workshop had proposed to replace them. To facilitate this type of remediation work required the removal and refitting of the internal camper cabinetry and windows.
An examination of the images supplied revealed the damage wasn’t structural, and if jacked out in the right sequence using metal tags at strategic places; there was a high probability the secondary damage would be reversed. A repair plan using this technique was discussed with the repairer and it was agreed they would do some preliminary testing and report back to us.
Long story shortened, the jacking sequence reversed the majority of the primary and secondary damage, and only a relatively small amount of area required a shallow layer of filler to complete the repair. No windows or internal furniture had to be removed.
This method fitted our sustainability practises perfectly as no replacement panels had to be freighted from Germany, and nothing significant went into the scrap heap. The motorhome was returned to service weeks earlier though a much reduced turnaround time, the cost was reduced by 42.45%, and the repairer made a larger % profit on the job while not having to carry the high cost of the parts.
We were very impressed with the workmanship and co-operation of the repairers, and expressed our appreciation to the technicians involved. Our role in this case was particularly beneficial to all parties involved... apart from the supplier of the panels.
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