ILC ARTICLE

Industry standard for reclaimed parts to tackle quality inconsistencies between suppliers

6th October 2020

The percentage of bodyshops using reclaimed parts has increased from 57% in 2019 to 74% in 2020 according to The ABP 2020 State of the UK Body Repair Industry report published today.  However, the main reason for bodyshops not fitting reclaimed parts is no longer resistance from policyholders or work providers, as was the case in 2019 – it is now the quality of the reclaimed parts that needs to be addressed.   

e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management [e2e] is encouraged by the growth in bodyshops using reclaimed parts and frustrated by the quality concerns raised by respondents to the ABP survey. The company welcomes the newly launched industry standard for reclaimed parts from the Vehicle Recycling Association – The VRA Certification scheme – and believes the standard will help to address the issue of quality inconsistencies generated by some suppliers of reclaimed parts, which are holding the market as a whole back. 

e2e has seen demand for reclaimed parts continuing to grow in 2020, influenced further by delays in OEM parts supply due to Covid-19 and concerns about the impact of Brexit on the horizon.  This growth in demand is built on a reputation for quality and transparency. 

The salvage and recycling network provides clients with access to the largest stock of high quality, warranty assured reclaimed parts in the UK with over 3 million parts available at any one time and delivered within 24 hours of order.  Reclaimed parts sourced through e2e are tested to ensure they are working as per specification and provided with details of donor vehicle history and mileage to indicate the work the part has previously done.  Reclaimed body panels are inspected to ensure they are in the best condition possible.  Any imperfections are imaged and recorded and an appropriate quality category placed on the panel. 

Giovanni Adamo, Chief Technical Officer at e2e comments: “84% of bodyshops surveyed by ABP reported that they fitted reclaimed parts at the request of the policyholder to avoid a total loss.  Policyholders and fleet operators want to retain their vehicle and insurers want to retain their customer and reclaimed parts can help all parties avoid a total loss situation.  But there has to be confidence in the product.  Unfortunately and crucially, not all suppliers of reclaimed parts have the same recycling skills and focus on quality as e2e members and this is the issue for the industry because inevitably, inconsistencies arise generating poor customer experiences.  Our members have embraced the VRA Certification Scheme.  They see it as a way of reinforcing their own long established, comprehensive quality processes and compelling other suppliers to raise their game which will benefit the entire industry.  We want to see reclaimed parts routinely considered for more motor claims and not restricted to borderline total loss cases and an industry wide quality standard will support that aim.”