Heightened Awareness Results in Growth for Accident Management Firm
CRASH Services, the Accident Management Company based in Newry, has announced figures stating that their turnover has grown by more than 69% year on year. Turnover figures for 2007 were declared at £7.1 million against 2006 figures of £4.2 million.
This startling growth is believed to be the result of a step change in strategic direction. Last year CRASH took the decision to go direct to the consumer with their service. They launched a groundbreaking advertising campaign that is changing how motorists accident claims are dealt with in Northern Ireland.
CRASH now handle over 100 accident cases every week in Northern Ireland, a sharp increase on the 2006 average of 60 cases per week.
“Our increased business is a result of heightened awareness about what we do.” Explains Michael McKeown, Managing Director at CRASH: “Our message is simple – we are not an insurance company we work on behalf of motorists and manage the claim on their behalf. We are on their side. This ethos is the secret to our business.”
The vast majority of CRASH’s business caters for non fault motorists. They supply like for like replacement vehicles, provide the finance for vehicle repairs and ensure customers are compensated for any loss in value of their vehicle. There is no charge to motorists as these bills are sent directly to the at fault partys insurer.
Tony McKeown, Sales & Marketing Director at CRASH says: “Early last year we made a strategic decision to grow the business through advertising. We knew we had a unique service but awareness within the wider population was low. We knew if motorists were aware of our service they would work with us – therefore we became the first accident management company in the UK to run an advertising campaign on television. There is no doubt that the impact of this campaign has contributed to our significant business growth.”
Tony concludes: “There has been a major shift of attitudes regarding the insurance market. The FSA is putting a greater emphasis on their ‘treating customers fairly’ initiative starting in Northern Ireland. Motorists are increasingly aware of their rights, increasingly sceptical towards insurance companies and know we will look after their best interests. In the often traumatic aftermath of an accident, motorists want to speak to someone local who will take their side. We are available 24 hours a day and always understand their situation. We make it our business to resolve their problems as quickly as possible.”
The Accident Management sector emerged in the early 90s as a result of innocent motorists dissatisfaction with how their claims were handled by insurance companies. The sector is now worth an estimated £1bn per annum in the UK, with over 150 companies in operation. In Northern Ireland alone, CRASH have helped 15,000 motorists recoup over £45 million in losses.
To find out more call CRASH on 028 9066 0244 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week).
