Suncorp has teamed up with UK research group Thatcham to bring online vehicle repair information system Escribe to Australia and New Zealand.

National Industry Relations Manager Rob Bartlett says the tool will “provide easy and affordable access to fully researched and globally recognised repair times and methods”.

Thatcham Commercial Director Lesley Upham says it will “enable insurers and repairers to fill an urgent gap in technical information in the Australian marketplace”.

Suncorp will invest $3.5 million over five years to develop Australian vehicle content in Escribe.

“Our aim is to cover about half of all car makes and models in Australia within the next year and about three-quarters of the Australian ‘car park’ within five years,” Mr Bartlett said.

Escribe replaces Thatchamnet, no longer for sale in Australia, and subscriptions will be available from November 1.