IAG will trial a motor vehicle repair facility, Repairhub, in Auckland next month as customers demand faster high-quality repairs and improved communication during the process.

Repairhub will trial enhanced technologies and techniques in its equipment, repair processes and paint.

“Repairhub will use cutting-edge technologies and streamlined processes to provide greater customer experience, further improve quality and get our customers’ cars back on the road quicker,” IAG’s EM Claims Services Dean MacGregor said.

Customers will continue to have choice over who repairs their vehicle.

But New Zealand's Collision Repair Association (CRA) GM Neil Pritchard says the initiative is anti-competitive. He argues it is important that motorists have a resolution structure in place which provides a degree of independence in the event of any issues.

The NZ trial may be expanded into other markets via IAG Australia, Mr Pritchard says. The CRA would instead like to see the insurer work more closely with existing repairers to help reduce repair times and improve communication with customers.

IAG says the customer remains free to choose a member of IAG’s approved repairer network, Repairhub, or otherwise.

“We continue to have a very strong relationship with the industry and industry bodies, and we look forward to a continuation of that,” Mr MacGregor says.

The IAG Trade Scholarship Program has paid tuition for 515 people since 2002.