NTAR continues to spread its wings

THE NRMA SAYS it is encouraged by the take-up rate for New Times and Rates (NTAR)and the willingness of repairers to give the method "a go."

NRMA's NSW Claims Manager, William Reilly, said that in NSW/ACT more than 40 per cent of all work is now quoted using NTAR with more repairers coming on daily.

"More than 400 repairers are now on board, with 88 per cent of the 400 NTAR repairers being our network repairers. We remain committed to NTAR becoming our primary quoting methodology in NSW/ACT by July 1, this year," Reilly added.

NRMA Insurance have written to all network repairers requresting them to submit a rate or giving them the option of using a rate which NRMA have proposed.

"The proposed rate is based on our knowledge of the individual business, however, the repairer may always opt to propose their own rate.

In a state by state report Reilly said NRMA Insurance are optimistic about the NTAR oucome:

Victoria
• There are now three catcments-Melbourne's metro east region, rural northeast and metro northeast

• Metro-east has more than 32 per cent of network repairers using NTAR

• NRMA are on schedule to complete the Victorian voluntary roll-out by July 1, this year

• NRMA are working closely with VACC in areas such as information sessions for repairers to help a
smooth roll-out in Victoria and will continue to do so West Australia

• NRMA commenced its WA pilot late last year and is about to expand the pilot with up to 10 WA repairers expected to participate until mid-June

• As the pilot progresses NRMA will monitor what changes, if any, are required to refine NTAR for the WA market

SA/Qld/Tas/NT

• NRMA's South Australian pilot is planned for October this year and we are still working to confirm a
date for Queensland. NRMA will need to review these plans as it continues the implementation of NTAR throughout Victoria and WA

• The insurer will work with repairers and trade associations prior to commencement of any pilot in these states.