HDI Insurance and the Solvd Group, a global leader in digital solutions for claims and repair management, are entering into a long-term strategic partnership. At the core of the collaboration, HDI Insurance will in future make use of the Solvd Group’s processes and services in the areas of repair shop networks and claims analysis. Together, both partners aim to further develop these services and set new standards.

As part of the partnership, the Solvd Group will acquire SSV Schadenschutzverband GmbH from HDI Insurance and integrate it into its service portfolio in order to further expand its business with private customers, fleets, and OEMs.

Going forward, the Solvd Group and its subsidiaries – including ControlExpert and Innovation Group – supported by SSV Schadenschutzverband GmbH, will take over key services for HDI Insurance such as repair shop management and invoice verification. The collaboration is designed for the long term and secures both the expertise of SSV employees and the proven services of the repair shop network.

For HDI Insurance, the partnership offers the opportunity to realize economies of scale and to leverage innovations in the repair market more quickly. Cooperation with the Innovation Group’s repair shop network ensures even broader regional coverage and improved services for HDI customers. The claims platform Gateway efficiently connects insurers, repair shops, and partners, integrating all processes in claims and repair management. This ensures clear, digital workflows that also benefit repair shop partners through more assignments, an expanded customer network, and reduced administrative effort.

The Solvd Group views the partnership as an important step in further expanding its end-to-end claims and repair management. With the help of modern technologies and artificial intelligence, all process steps will be interconnected—from claims reporting through to full repair. The Solvd Group’s vision: enabling claims settlement in under one day.

Statements on the partnership:
Sebastian Lins, Chief Markets Officer, Solvd Group says: “The partnership with HDI Insurance is a strong signal to the market: it shows that leading insurers place their trust in our experience, our technological expertise, and our integrated solutions. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in claims management—efficient, transparent, and future-ready. For us, this step is further proof that as a neutral and reliable partner, we can create added value for the entire industry.”

Christoph Kemmner, Head of SHUK Claims at HDI Insurance and Managing Director at SSV Schadenschutzverband GmbH, adds: “With the Solvd Group, we are actively shaping the future of claims management. By combining modern digital infrastructure with the long-standing expertise of SSV Schadenschutzverband GmbH, we are setting new standards in service and process quality. This partnership enables us to further strengthen our excellent claims service while keeping contributions stable for our customers.” The Solvd Group unites market-leading companies such as ControlExpert, GT Motive, Innovation Group, and, in future, SSV Schadenschutzverband GmbH under one roof. With decades of experience and cutting-edge technology—including artificial intelligence—the group delivers pioneering solutions for claims and repair management.

By: Iris de Jager, General Manager: Claims, Innovation Group South Africa

With over 460 000 new vehicle sales concluded in 2021, no one can contest the fact that South African’s love cars! It’s only logical, seeing that we have access to the top vehicle manufacturers on local soil, a large variety of models to choose from and access to some of the most scenic routes to enjoy them on.

Whether we use them for basic transportation needs, conducting the daily school run or even just exploring our beautiful country, there’s just no getting away from the fact that we are a nation of car lovers!

But, as much as we love our cars for the beautiful machines that they are, how many of us return that love through regular and thorough maintenance checks? So often we spend most of our time focusing on the exterior of the vehicle – regular power washes, the quick windscreen clean or checking the tyre pressure now and then – that we often forget to focus on the basics of what keeps our cars running.

Conducting regular maintenance checks on the basic or key components of your car will not only keep it in good running condition, but it can also save you from costly repairs down the line. It gives you an opportunity to check whether there are any signs of minor problems, like cracks, leaks, as well as excessive wear and tear due to friction.

Some of the most important maintenance items on your vehicle includes:

• Oil: Oil changes are considered the most critical routine maintenance item for any vehicle, as the oil lubricates the majority of moving parts in your engine and helps to cut down wearing of the components. Changing the oil on a regular basis is key to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your engine.
• Fluids: Your car relies on different types of fluids to run properly. So, be sure to regularly check coolant levels, power steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid. A leak with any of these fluids can affect the way that your car drives.
• Engine air filters: Dirty air filters can cause dust, dirt and other particles to enter your car’s engine which may reduce its efficiency
• Brake pads: If you experience shuddering or vibrations when hitting the brakes, it’s worthwhile having it checked out!
• Belts and hoses: Keeping your car’s belts and hoses in good shape can help your car running and may help avoid a breakdown on the road.

Whilst service plans are designed to cover the annual servicing of your car, focusing on specific serviceable components at specified intervals, maintenance plans are more comprehensive and focuses on covering the labour and expenses of specified parts, whilst also focusing on specified non-serviceable components that are subject to regular wear and tear like batteries, wiper blades and brake pads. A maintenance plan might be more costly than a service plan, but if you enjoy the open road and like to travel regularly, you may experience more frequent wear and tear.

Beyond keeping you safe, regular car maintenance improves your car’s reliability and performance, minimizes the chances of roadside emergencies and prevents surprise repairs that can be very expensive! Let’s keep loving our cars through regular maintenance!