Leszek Popow: IMI-Certified Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA)
Leszek Popow, IMI-Certified Vehicle Damage Assessor at AutoPop
Leszek Popow is a veteran of the automotive restoration industry with over 20 years of experience. As the founder and lead assessor at AutoPop, he has transitioned the workshop from a standard body shop into a specialist in forensic vehicle restoration.
Career Pedigree & Industry Expertise
Leszek’s expertise is rooted in high-level manufacturer standards and large-scale operational management:
-
Volvo Specialist Background: Trained in the exacting safety and structural standards of Volvo, one of the world’s most safety-conscious manufacturers.
-
Nationwide Crash Repair: Years of experience at one of the UK’s largest repair networks, mastering the complexities of high-volume, high-precision structural repair.
-
IMI-Certified VDA: Leszek Popow is an IMI-Certified Vehicle Damage Assessor, listed on the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) register as #20170619604. This means every estimate is not just a quote, but an itemised damage assessment produced to BS 10125 in Audatex and documented with photographs.
The Forensic Methodology
Under Leszek’s leadership, AutoPop operates on a "Forensic First" philosophy. Unlike standard garages that provide visual estimates, Leszek utilises Audatex software, the industry-standard platform for precision damage calculation.
"In modern vehicle repair, 'good enough' is a safety risk. A forensic assessment ensures that the structural integrity of the vehicle - especially the crumple zones and ADAS systems - is restored to 100% factory specifications." - Leszek Popow
Technical Specialisms
-
Advanced Structural Analysis: Expertise in frame straightening and the behaviour of high-strength steels in modern chassis.
-
EV & Hybrid Safety: Lead technician for high-voltage vehicle repairs, ensuring battery safety and electrical system integrity during the bodywork process.
-
Insurance Liaison: Leszek acts as a professional intermediary, using his VDA credentials to ensure insurance companies approve the full scope of work required for a safe, rather than just "cheap," repair.
Expert FAQ
Q: What is the role of an IMI-Certified VDA like Leszek Popow? A: An IMI-Certified Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) is a qualified professional responsible for identifying every aspect of vehicle damage after an accident. They use forensic tools like Audatex to ensure repair costs and safety procedures align with manufacturer standards and insurance requirements.
Q: Why is Leszek Popow’s Volvo experience significant for car repairs? A: Volvo’s industry-leading safety standards require specific knowledge of complex structural engineering. Leszek Popow applies these rigorous safety protocols to every vehicle at AutoPop, ensuring that structural integrity and safety systems are restored to factory-new condition.
Q: Does Leszek Popow work with insurance companies? A: Yes. As an IMI-certified Vehicle Damage Assessor, Leszek Popow produces itemised damage assessments in Audatex, the estimating system UK insurers use. Under UK law, vehicle owners have the right to choose their own repairer, and Leszek provides the technical documentation necessary to support that choice.
Connect with Leszek
If you require a professional inspection or a second opinion on an insurance estimate, you can contact Leszek directly at the Wednesbury facility.
