<p>When a van is off the road for accident damage, very little of the delay is spent spraying panels. It is spent waiting: for photos, for an estimate, for an insurer, for a part. Every one of those is fixable.</p> <h2>Where the time goes</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Reporting delay.</strong> Damage happens Tuesday, the office hears about it Friday.</li> <li><strong>Estimate delay.</strong> Nobody has usable photos, so the vehicle has to be driven in just to be looked at.</li> <li><strong>Authorisation delay.</strong> Insurer or leasing company sign off with no named contact chasing it.</li> <li><strong>Parts delay.</strong> Ordered only after authorisation rather than at estimate stage.</li> </ul> <h2>What actually helps</h2> <ol> <li><strong>Same day reporting with photos.</strong> Four photos from the driver, on the day, are enough for a firm estimate on most cosmetic damage.</li> <li><strong>One repairer relationship.</strong> A repairer who knows your fleet will hold a slot, order parts on provisional authority and prioritise a vehicle you need back.</li> <li><strong>Batch the cosmetic work.</strong> Send three vans with scuffed bumpers together, in your quiet week, rather than one at a time when they look bad.</li> <li><strong>Agree a courtesy vehicle position up front</strong>, in writing, so it is not negotiated while a van sits in a car park.</li> <li><strong>Use SMART repair where it fits.</strong> Localised bumper, alloy and small dent work is usually same day, with no need for a full panel.</li> </ol> <h2>Set the standard before you need it</h2> <p>Agree repair methods, timescales and reporting with your repairer while everything is calm. A one page fleet repair policy that drivers carry, naming who to ring and what photos to take, takes days out of the average job.</p> <p><a href="/fleet-checklists">Download the free fleet forms</a>, or <a href="/getaquote">send photos for an estimate</a> and we will come back with a price and a date.</p>