From the July 1, 2009 Allianz's 173-strong approved repairer network will be required to conform to the new PAS 125 BSI Kite Mark specification.

The same criteria will also apply to any repairers wanting to join the network for the first time. 

Repairers who gain Kitemark approval will be rewarded through use of the Partner Performance Review matrix, giving them the potential to increase their labour rates by up to ￡2.00 an hour.

The Publicly Available Specification 125 (PAS 125) was developed by a panel of industry professionals, including Thatcham, insurers, professional bodies and bodyshop owners, in conjunction with the British Standards Institution, to bring a set of common standards and controls to the repair industry under a kitemark which is easily recognised by the general motoring public.

Simon Law, Motor Damage Supply Manager for Allianz Insurance, said 'Allianz Insurance has always supported standards through our association with the RMIF and sees the Kitemark as a natural progression.'

The decision has received support from the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF), which represents the interests of automotive businesses in the UK.

The RMIF plans to work with Allianz to help bodyshops take the steps necessary to meet the new specification.

Ray Holloway, Director of Independent Member Associations for RMIF, said: 'RMIF is extremely pleased that its longstanding partnership with Allianz is being continued in this further raising of industry standards.'