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Our Services:

Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) Remote Support
Customer Experience Manager (CEM) Remote Support
Customer Experience Manager (CEM) On Site Support & VIP Service ( GM / VDA )

 

Virtual Assistants, to meet your Bodyshop needs, with optional site coverage.

From VDA support, CEM Enquiry Management to Debt Recovery, we offer bespoke services to support your Bodyshop.

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About Us

The journey really did start in a “Garage”

VDA & VAR Assist was established in 2026 by Richard and Lauren McArthur, with a combined industry experience of over 55 years in the accident repair industry, their careers being shaped and developed, whilst gaining invaluable expertise. Both share a passion for customer care and the overall customer journey. Their desire and drive combines delivering financial results with following processes that make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

Richard
Hi, I’m Richard; founder of VDA & VAR Assist, my journey in the Motor Trade started thanks to my Father, as I was born in my father’s business, a small fuel and service station in Stone, Stafford. I wanted to use my previous experience within the accident repair industry to create something unique, a personal touch delivering a service to meet my clients and customer's needs, virtual support. VDA & Vehicle Accident Repair Assistants…VDA & VAR Assist.

Life and travels went from the Midlands to the North, then South, ending up in a small village east of Thatcham, and as a teenager having to spend two weeks of the summer holidays working with Dad… Progressing from an Apprentice Panel Beater to a Bodyshop GM, values and principles shaping my career… As Bodyshop Manager at just twenty-eight, fortune and hard work presented such opportunities over the years, representing a unique customer database for companies with teams enthusiastic about providing the service expected from our brand approvals, McLaren, Lotus, Porsche, JLR, BMW and so many more… Outside of work, I enjoy walking and taking in the breathtaking scenery in the Southwest, and of course spending time with the family at the odd party. I am proud to have represented the BMW Approved Accident Repair Network as a Bodyshop GM/VDA for 25 years, being recognised as a top ten performer during this time, with the highlight of receiving the ABP BMW Bodyshop of the Year Award in 2022, this was truly an honour.

Lauren
Hi, I'm Lauren, co-founder of VDA & VAR Assist. My journey in the motor trade began with summer work experience, inspired by my father, and continued to support throughout my College and University years, working for free…With experience as a Customer Experience Manager, a Workshop Controller and Assistant Manager in a main dealer Bodyshop environment, I'm now focused on building my own business that delivers a personalised luxury service.

With over 16 Years customer service, still assisting Richard, if not the boss, I have progressed and now capable of walking into any Bodyshop business, covering roles from a Customer Experience Manager, to Workshop Control, or Assistant Manager, offering a service and support, quickly adapting to company process and systems, either leading from the front with my passion for customer care and teamwork, or just being a vital part of the team in my area of expertise. A truly resolute professional. And, I am pleased to say, I now get paid… Outside of work, I enjoy the life and pace in the Southwest, spending most of my time exploring, taking up the benefits as a National Trust Member. I am proud to have received esteemed recognition from the University of Kent for my active participation and contributions throughout my degree. Furthermore, in my career, I have been honoured to be recognised as the Colleague of the Year 2024.

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Mission Statement: VDA & VAR Assist

Virtual Accident Repair:
Assistants to meet your Bodyshop needs.

A clear line drawn, our goal is to support your business needs

We have a drive and passion to deliver outstanding customer care, focused on a quality of service and the financial result, whilst having some fun along the way.

It is all about the result, but the details and performance matter.

We are here to ASSIST you, even in extra time.

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Remote Service & VIP Support

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01.

Estimate Review

We carefully examine your estimates with thorough attention to detail. Drawing on our expertise, we identify every possible opportunity to increase revenue, improving your profit.

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02.

Estimate Support

Drawing on extensive Bodyshop experience and expertise to ensure vehicle safety, we specialise in providing a thorough and accurate damage assessment.

This supports and minimizes your estimating workload, allowing your Bodyshop to focus on repairs, maximising profitability.

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03.

Customer Experience Manager

We offer bespoke services for your Bodyshop, the role of a Customer Experience Manager offers remote support from enquiry management to debt recovery, tailored to suit your business needs.

Our goal is to become part of your team, improving your service and the customer journey.

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04.

VIP Services (CEM & VDA)

We provide onsite support covering aspects of your Bodyshop business needs, ideal for covering staff shortages, holiday and sickness, to include:

● Customer Experience Manager
● Staff induction and training

● Manufacturer audit support
●*VDA cover - VIP client service
●*GM cover -VIP client service

Virtual Accident Repair: VDA Assistant

Service & Pricing

Its all about the results but the details and performance matter.

Our Vehicle Damage Assessor will produce safe and accurate estimates following manufacturer or alternative methods, guidelines which are considered as a basic standard, identifying small margins to improve profit is another level.

The difference is in the detail.
Need to discuss your options, give us a call
​Access our FAQ section here..

Submit a Request

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◾ 02.  Estimate Support

Your Estimate System

£65

VDA Assist Estimate System

£85

Qualified ATA VDA with other 30 Years Experience

We log into your estimating system securely or network your estimate to us

Supports your VDA needs, covering absence and to meet demand

Estimated within 24 hours, using your approved menu pricing or VDA Assist schedule

Supplementary Assistance

Networking to engineering and chasing authority, to include final parts matching

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◾ 01.  Estimate Review: Initial & Final

Fee: 30% of authorised labour uplift value only.

Any uplift on Parts, P&M, or Other Sales,100% of that profit is ALL Yours
( No uplift – No Fee)

Qualified ATA VDA with other 30 Years Experience

We log into your estimating system securely or network your estimate to us

We check your estimates to identify small margins and omissions, supporting your VDAs to improve your profit

Estimate reviewed within 2 hours

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Virtual Accident Repair: CEM Assistant

Service & Pricing * VIP Client Service

Its all about the results but the details and performance matter.

Our Customer Experience Manager will assist your business from enquiry management to debt recovery; we support your every need.
Our goal is to improve your service and the customer journey

The difference is in the detail.
Need to discuss your options, give us a call.
Access our FAQ section here.

Submit a Request

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◾ 03. Virtual Assistant (CEM)

Half Day Rate: £90 (4.5 hrs)

Day Rate: £180 (9 hrs)

Overflow phone answering, messaging forwarding

Bookings

Customer progress updates

Estimate matching & Invoicing

Debt Recovery

Estimate follow up, Conversion and data cleansing

Manufacturer portals -loading and updating

Other Admin duties -TBA

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◾ 04. VIP Support (CEM &VDA)

CEM Day rate from: £225 ( 9 hrs)

To provide on site support through CEM VA duties, including front-and-back-of-house tasks. Induction training, audit assistance, and other necessary work

*VDA Day rate from: £270 ( 9 hrs ) (VIP)

To provide on site support, cover for staff shortages and sickness: Roles and responsibilities as for the VDA

*GM Day rate from: £325 ( 9 hrs) (VIP)

To provide on site support, cover for staff shortage and sickness: Roles and responsibilities as for the GM

* VDA & GM site support for VIP clients only
* £85 travel and subsistence fee is to be charged daily for business support exceeding a 75-mile radius

*See customer enquiries page for terms and conditions

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Customer Portal

FAQ - Click to review

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info@varassist.co.uk
www.varassist.co.uk
Mon – Fri: 8.00 - 17.00
Contact Us: 07707 285316
VDA & VAR Assist Ltd, Suite 9 Swallow Court, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7EJ
Company Number: 16942969

VAT Number: TBC

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