Crédit Agricole Assurances, Europ Assistance, and BCA Expertise, with the methodological support of the Institut Louis Bachelier, have launched an ambitious and unprecedented study aimed at mapping the CO2 emissions generated by the automobile claims management process and identifying and measuring potential reduction pathways. Other key players in the industry have joined the initiative and shared their insights and data: AkzoNobel for paint solutions, Back2car from Alliance Automotive Group in the field of circular economy parts, the Assercar network of approved garages, and Valeo, a supplier committed to remanufacturing.

This multi-stakeholder collaboration has allowed for the creation of representative datasets and enabled measurement across the entire value chain, based on a rigorous methodology.

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This unprecedented exercise demonstrates the industry’s commitment to better understanding its carbon footprint and its willingness to act by proposing a measurement methodology and concrete ways to reduce CO2 emissions.

The study highlights that the complete process of managing an automobile accident claim, from assistance to the end-of-life of the vehicle, emits an average of 146 kg of CO2eq. The results identify three main contributors to emissions: the provision of replacement vehicles—provided by assistance companies and garages, painting, and vehicle restoration.

The development of a robust methodology and the chosen approach also allow for exploring improvement avenues for the industry, such as increased use of circular economy parts (Piec) and remanufacturing.

The study suggests that adopting all the identified levers could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 22% per claim handled.

Guillaume Oreckin, CEO of Pacifica and Deputy CEO of Crédit Agricole Assurances, states: “As a responsible insurer, it is our duty to contribute to the collective effort towards a lower-carbon economy. This is why we initiated this unprecedented study to highlight high-impact environmental aspects in automobile claims management and the levers to reduce them. Our role as an insurer allows us to influence the entire value chain and create new synergies with various players in the automotive industry to embed the most environmentally friendly practices.”

Nicolas Sinz, President of Europ Assistance France, adds: “Without compromising on our mission to assist our clients in distress with the highest quality service standards, assistance has a role to play in rethinking how to organize the continuation of clients’ mobility following an accident, for example, by prioritizing the provision of electric or hybrid replacement vehicles and offering low-carbon alternative mobility solutions. This involves collaboration with our insurer partners in defining the guarantees offered to meet client expectations and with our network of providers to advance together on their energy transition path.”

“As automotive experts, a trusted third party in after-sales services, concerned with the general interest, we aim to contribute to accessible, safe, and sustainable mobility by promoting the most virtuous repair and driver support practices both socially and environmentally. Our involvement in this initiative naturally aligns with this perspective of aligning actors within a shared roadmap for the decarbonization of the industry,” emphasizes Jean Prévost, President of BCA Expertise.

Jean-Michel Beacco, General Delegate of the Institut Louis Bachelier, says: “The involvement of multiple stakeholders in claims management in this ambitious project has provided access to unprecedented data, enabling a better understanding of the sector’s emissions reality. This publication is an important milestone that will facilitate the implementation of targeted decarbonization actions and highlight future priority work.”

This partnership underscores the positive role of current regulations, which encourage companies to reduce their ecological impact. Through this collaboration, the study partners are committed to decarbonizing the sector. Their approach shows a desire to responsibly address environmental challenges and paves the way for the transition in claims management.

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About Crédit Agricole Assurances: Crédit Agricole Assurances, France’s leading insurer, is the Crédit Agricole group company that brings together all of Crédit Agricole S.A.’s insurance activities. Crédit Agricole Assurances offers a range of products and services in savings, retirement, health, personal protection, and property insurance. They are distributed by the Crédit Agricole group banks in France and in 9 countries worldwide, serving individual customers, professionals, farmers, and businesses. Crédit Agricole Assurances has 5,800 employees. Its revenue (“non-GAAP”) at the end of 2023 amounted to €37.2 billion. www.ca-assurances.com

About BCA Expertise: BCA Expertise conducts automotive appraisals in various fields such as body damage or mechanical issues on all types of equipment, total loss management, vehicle returns, and more. With nearly 1,500 employees, including more than 650 Experts, 450 Customer Advisors, and 60 technicians, BCA Expertise boasts 70 years of experience and is the French leader in automotive expertise. Each day, 5,000 assignments are handled by the teams, resulting in an annual volume of over 1 million appraisals. BCA Expertise operates throughout France, including overseas territories, with 58 Expertise Units and 16 Customer Service Units. The headquarters are located in Asnières-sur-Seine and house 150 employees. www.bca.fr

About the Institut Louis Bachelier: The Institut Louis Bachelier (ILB) is a non-profit association founded in 2008, initiated by the Directorate General of the Treasury and the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations. Its activities aim to engage academics, businesses, and public authorities in economic and financial research programs, which are notably highlighted in scientific events and other forums. One of its main objectives is to find solutions in a highly turbulent world with a focus on four societal transitions: environmental, digital, demographic, and financial. www.institutlouisbachelier.org