New Zealand insurers have rejected claims that industry red tape is delaying car crash repairs, pointing instead to a shortage of skilled panelbeaters.

Collision Repair Association (CRA) GM Neil Pritchard has argued insurer paperwork is slowing the process and leaving cars off the road for longer than necessary.

But Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Tim Grafton says the CRA approached his organisation earlier this year regarding a skills shortage in the crash repair sector.

“They need more skilled staff who know how to work with high-tech cars and they need more staff in repair shops in the major cities where we have seen an increase in both cars on the road and crash repairs,” he said.

“There will always be cost negotiations between panelbeaters wanting more profit and insurers wanting to keep costs down so insurance remains affordable for everyone.”

He says CRA recently supplied insurers with research that shows an improved score for the claims process.