Autocirc and Norwegian insurer Storebrand have formed a strategic partnership to scale the use of reused original (OEM) parts in collision repairs, lifting Storebrand’s target from 10% to 15%. Storebrand will sell all irreparable write-offs directly to Autocirc, enabling cross-border parts availability across its network, with warranties retained by the insurer and safety-critical items excluded.
Autocirc is pleased to announce it has entered into a strategic partnership with Storebrand to further accelerate the use of reused original parts in vehicle repairs.
Through the agreement, Storebrand increases its ambition for using reused parts from 10 to 15 percent, strengthening the transition towards more circular and resource-efficient car repairs.
The partnership challenges today’s traditional solutions and agreements in the insurance and dismantling market.
Stian Stramrud, Category Manager Purchasing at Storebrand Insurance, said:
“We are setting a new standard for the handling of redeemed vehicles and used car parts in a rapidly changing European market.”
Centralised flow across borders
All redeemed vehicles from Storebrand that cannot be repaired will now be sold directly to Autocirc, instead of being distributed among many individual car dismantlers. Storebrand does not reserve any parts from the vehicles, as is common practice in the insurance industry. Instead, the parts will be made available to Autocirc’s entire network, across national borders.
Bjarte Kaldestad, Country Manager at Autocirc Norway, said:
“This is precisely what makes the agreement unique. We are optimizing the flow of parts throughout the system, rather than locking them to one player or one market.”
Autocirc is the largest vehicle dismantling group in the Nordics and has, in recent years, made significant investments in acquisitions, systems and technology specifically designed for electric vehicles and the handling of electric car batteries.
“The vehicle fleet continues to evolve. To succeed with reuse and circular solutions, we need systems, competence and technology that are built for electric vehicles, not adapted afterwards,” Bjarte Kaldestad adds.
Increasing the share of reused parts in repairs
“The new agreement is a big and important step for us. It will significantly increase the number of used, equivalent parts in car repairs, which in turn means faster repairs for our customers,” says Alexander Asbjørnsen, Head of Purchasing at Storebrand Insurance.
An equivalent part is defined as a reused original part that is no older than the vehicle it is installed in. Safety-critical components such as airbags and seat belts are excluded.
As with new parts, the insurance company carries the warranty responsibility, ensuring safety and peace of mind for motorists.
Storebrand has a long-term ambition to reach a 15 percent share of reused parts in repairs, and the partnership with Autocirc is a key enabler in achieving this goal. For circular repairs to scale, reused parts must be both attractive and easy for workshops to choose.
“Autocirc combines nationwide presence, strong logistics and infrastructure, and a position across the entire value chain, from vehicle manufacturers and towing to dismantling and repair,” says Asbjørnsen.
By making parts available across European borders, Autocirc increases availability, turnover speed and overall resource efficiency. The agreement is structured so that all parties benefit:
- Workshops gain access to more parts and improved margins on reused, equivalent components
- Storebrand enables a significantly higher share of reused parts in repairs
- Autocirc accelerates time-to-market for parts and increases volumes across its European network
“Real change happens when economics, availability and quality work together,” says Stramrud.
A platform for long-term development
Both parties emphasise that this is more than a volume agreement.
“This is a long-term partnership where we can develop new solutions for the entire industry. Storebrand is willing to invest and share data and insights, helping take circular car repairs to the next level. It is a clear signal of where the automotive and insurance industries are heading,” concludes Bjarte Kaldestad.
Further Reading on Auto Recycling World
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How Autocirc’s circular model with insurers is redefining the industry
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Dutch insurers urged to unlock the full potential of green parts
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Autocirc launches Europe’s first established solution for circular management of EVs and batteries
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SRA trials recycler label for motorcycle used parts
