Auto Windscreens has become Co-op Insurance’s preferred vehicle glass repair and replacement provider after agreeing a three-year deal.

The windscreen business will now manage Co-op’s direct motor insurance book, along with its corporate fleet.

The alliance follows a longstanding relationship with the insurer via brokers, where the equivalent of 1% of every policyholder’s glass claim excess has been donated directly to Co-op supported charities, Hope for Justice and British Red Cross.

Sam Edge, Auto Windscreens’ sales director, said: “We are extremely excited to be working with Co-op’s team and to build upon our already positive relationship with them.

“Auto Windscreens and Co-op form the perfect partnership; we’re both innovative companies well-known for delivering excellent customer experiences, while also supporting local communities and charitable causes.”

Over 20,000 glass repair and replacement jobs are anticipated yearly through the contract, which will be handled by Auto Windscreens’ contact centre and technician workforce.

Co-op’s Andy Johnson said: “Auto Windscreens impressed us throughout the process with a solution that we believe will create a seamless claims journey for our customers.

“Having access to data instantly is a huge benefit, giving us a clearer view of claims management and forecasting.”

This latest news follows an announcement that a new, in-house driver training programme is being rolled out by Auto Windscreens to improve its technicians’ on-road practices.

Regional training officers have completed an advanced driver course with Applied Driving Techniques (ADT) enabling them to optimise driving across its 260-strong mobile technician workforce.

Auto Windscreens also recently announced that Rupert Armitage will step down from his position as managing director, as former operations director James MacBeth takes up the role. 

MacBeth’s career with Auto Windscreens spans nearly 30 years. Commencing as a trainee technician in 1992 and progressing to fitting centre manager, he took up the position of regional manager in 2013, two years after the business was acquired by Markerstudy Group. He was then promoted to operations director in 2016.