So says Ian Pugh, managing of fast-growing franchise vehicle body repair network, Fix Auto, who adds that many drivers of leased vehicles are not fully aware of the financial penalties that they or their companies face when handing back damaged vehicles.

The former technician, who spent 15 years working in the insurance inspection and assessment sector, stresses that those drivers who are actually aware of the financial burden when handing back a lightly damaged vehicle all too often amplify their situation by using inexperienced repairers.

Pugh commented: ‘Drivers who try to repair themselves or obtain a “cheap” repair often make the things far worse – they have to remember a leased vehicle is put through a stringent inspection process in order to have a resale value placed on it. A shoddy or poor repair will often devalue a vehicle far greater because it becomes harder to sell at auction or on a forecourt than one which hasn’t been touched.’

In order to combat the problem and to help company car fleets, more and more Fix Auto centres across the UK are providing services such as free defleet inspections, one-day repairs and SMART repairs, alongside facilities such as office space and free Wi-Fi to ensure fleet drivers can keep working while their vehicle is being repaired.

‘All Fix Auto bodyshops are fully conversant with industry standard Fair Wear & Tear guidelines, and so are perfectly placed to advise on what does and doesn’t need rectifying.  We have processes in place to turn around a repair, which includes re-spraying, in a matter of hours and even though we keep a vehicle’s downtime to a minimum, we recognise that it is crucial for the driver to maintain productivity,’ Pugh concluded, ‘Many of our centres are now equipped ensure this is achieved with little or no disruption.’