NTAR in action - a repairer’s view

STEVE HURLEY, WHO operates Hurley’s Smash Repairs in Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches, says he is a strong supporter of NTAR. “I wouldn’t go back to the ‘funny time funny money’ (FTFM) quoting system. Once you sign up with NTAR you have a face-to-face meeting with the NRMA and they judge your rate schedule based on turnover.”

For ongoing work there is a NTAR rates calculator online where a repairer can put in his own data using a formula worked out by Deloittes.

“Now that we manage on a properly worked out hourly rate, it’s nice to be fairly compensated for what we do,” Hurley adds.

Issues relating to charges for replacing parts or special work are worked out with the NRMA.

“If you have an issue with a repair time what you do is go to the NTAR website and file a field report. This is handled
by the research centre with personnel who respond to repairer enquiries,” Hurley says.

“For instance, the enquiry may relate to a paint or repair time. The job may be underway and the repairer cannot complete the job in the time allocated. This is sometimes the way with paint and repair times. If the job is under-way then this is field reported and the NRMA will endeavour to come out and see what the situation is. We work out the issue together. With FTFM we had no chance, this is a much better situation.”