South Australia will become the first state in Australia to legally mandate motorists right to choose their own repairer if a bold new policy is adopted.
The Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) has launched its 2026 South Australian Election Blueprint to all political parties and candidates outlining 26 recommendations aimed at supporting the local automotive retail service and repair industry.
South Australians will go to the polls for their state election on March 21, 2026.
Unveiling the document, MTA CEO Darrell Jacobs reinforced the significance of its headline recommendation around choice of repair.
“Whether it is proximity to home or work, or a repairer’s expertise and quality, South Australians deserve to choose where they can repair their vehicle following an accident,” he said.
“Managing an insurance claim after an accident is already a stressful time. This policy puts policyholders back in the driver’s seat.”
While terms like choice of repair and comprehensive insurance are widely marketed in the industry, the MTA’s 2026 South Australian Election Blueprint has called out ambiguous and inconsistent practices such as:
- Motorists can only choose from repairers selected by the insurer.
- Motorists are told that their vehicle will be repaired slower if they go to their preferred repairer.
- Motorists must pay the cost difference between their preferred repairer and the insurer’s.
- Motorists must get a second quote from a repairer, often in an insurer’s network, to exert control over independent repair expertise.
- Excessive and unjustified price differentials between choice and non-choice insurance products.
Jacobs said these practices were not to the benefit of motorists.
“Choice of repairer in today’s insurance market has more conditions than dents after a hailstorm,” he said.
The MTA’s policy announcement arrives at a time of significant insurance industry consolidation, which is exerting even greater pressure from multinational and publicly listed insurers on small, medium and family run collision repair businesses.
This includes the ACCC granting Allianz permission to acquire RAA Insurance, as well as similar moves by IAG against local member motoring organisations in Queensland and Western Australia.
Jacobs said that MTA members have contacted the organisation expressing concern and seeking support about repair work being steered away from their business.
“If left unchecked, we will see local business closures and more pressure on skill shortages at a time the industry can least afford it,” he said.
As South Australia experiences growing numbers of EVs and hybrids on local roads, the MTA’s 2026 South Australian Election Blueprint also calls for more support to assist the automotive industry transition.
“Supporting businesses to tool up, install chargers and train their workforce will be critical to ensuring a smooth ride for South Australia,” Jacobs said.
As winner of Large Training Provider of the Year at the 2025 SA Training Awards, MTA Training and Employment has offered a hand in working collaboratively with the next State Government.