Lee Coomber, RAC client director at Assurant, which partners with the RAC in the aftersales sector, explained that the two organisations had much to achieve from working together.
He said: “The RAC Dealer Network provides not just high quality motor warranty products to its 1,400 members – the vast majority of whom are independent dealers – but support in many ways from sales training to marketing materials and online tools to partnerships with suppliers offering essential dealer services. It’s very much a holistic offering.
“Looking to the IMDA, we see a similar ethos and a complementary approach. This is not just a typical trade body but one that is all about offering practical support to independent dealers in a manner designed to build a collegiate, supportive environment that leads to long-term business success.”
In order to become an approved supplier to the IMDA, the RAC Dealer Network has agreed to meet a range of standards designed to ensure that the services it offers to IMDA members are of a high quality.
Umesh Samani, chairman at the IMDA, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome the RAC Dealer Network to our association. We already have many members in common and are sure that becoming an approved supplier will see more of our dealers choose to work with the RAC in future.”
The RAC Dealer Network, which numbers more than 1,400 used car, van, motorcycle and motorhome retailers across the UK, is the exclusive sales channel for RAC branded warranty products underwritten by Assurant, a Fortune 500 company.
Formed in 2017 and with more than 1,200 members, the IMDA is the only association in the UK that exclusively represents independent motor dealers. A not-for-profit association, all money raised from partnership fees is used to provide a voice and support for members. Members are offered amongst other things, benefits such as free advice on consumer law and HR.
