The Škoda Write Off Avoidance Programme, has gone from strength to strength in the past 18 months and proved to be especially successful last year saving more than a car a week from being written off, while also providing a business boost for repairers. Open to all accident repair centres, the programme allows Škoda dealers to provide additional support in bringing repairs with in an allowable maximum where a vehicle is in danger of being declared an economic write-off.

Oisín Daly, who is responsible for Group Body & Paint Business Development at Volkswagen Group Ireland says, “The Škoda Write Off Avoidance Programme makes perfect sense for everyone involved. Where it is utilised the vehicle owner gets to keep their car on the road, the repairer benefits from extra repair work and the insurance company avoids the expensive of a total write-off. By keeping cars in the prime of their life on the road that might otherwise be scrapped it also delivers significant environmental benefits.” 

In 2019 the programme was able to save 56 Skoda vehicles and even more are expected to be kept on the road this year. This has meant a considerable labour hours boost for bodyshops across Ireland who are repairing Škodas, but as Oisín explains the scheme is not just limited to body repairs. He says, “The programme cover can be extended to all parts including engines and gearboxes. This can mean, for example, a vehicle that has been flood damaged can often also be saved.” 

The programme is quick and easy for repairers to administer. They simply contact their Skoda dealer, or Skoda directly by email to bodyshop@vwgi.ie, with a repair estimate. Response, with the additional support that can be made available, is generally within two hours. This then allows the repairer to work with the insurance company to facilitate the repair.   

Oisín comments, “The Škoda drivers we have helped have been delighted to keep their cars on the road and avoid the inconvenience and expense of having to replace their vehicle. They also have the peace of mind of knowing that they have a quality repair using genuine Skoda parts.”