AMBRA Chairman Jeff Williams has written this article to remind repairers of one of the Code of Conduct's strongest protections for all industry participants, section 7.4.
Section 7.4 provides protection for repairers when assessors may choose to change a method or a part of the method from the method recommended by the repairer and that the two parties cannot reach an agreement to that change.
So where is the line in the sand for repairers? As the repairer and expert trained in repairs;
4.1 Repairers:(a) will provide estimates and carry out repairs that are in accordance with: (i) the documented manufacturer’s technical specifications including those supplied by other Industry recognised authorities; or (ii) any lawful mandatory specifications and/or standards; or (iii) methods that are consistent with standard Motor Vehicle warranty conditions; or (iv) current Industry practice; while having regard to the age and condition of the Motor Vehicle.
As insurers;
4.2 Insurers will:(a) not require repairers to provide estimates, or carry out repairs that are not in accordance with: (i) the documented manufacturer’s technical specifications including those supplied by other Industry recognised authorities; or (ii) any lawful mandatory specifications and/or standards; or (iii) methods that are consistent with standard Motor Vehicle warranty conditions; or (iv) current Industry practice; while having regard to the age and condition of the Motor Vehicle.
As we have all experienced insurers will at some point request the use of alternative parts or non dealer sourced parts as some may describe, however it is just that - a request. However if an assessor insists on changing your recommended repair method or part that does not meet the spirit of section 4.2, then section 7.4 provides protections to repairers.
If an insurer won’t commit to backing up a request, the repairer should use the 7.4 form as per the MVIRI code and send the copy with assessor and insurer's details along with the amended assessment to your association divisional manager. It will be passed on to the MTAA for further consideration
Click on the link for the IDR AMBRA forms you should use:
1. Code of Conduct Indemnity form
As repairers you choose the course of action to define your destiny, don’t just leave it in the insurers' hands