New Code of Conduct agreed

An agreement has been reached on an updated text for the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct.
The new Code of Conduct will commence in all states except NSW on 1 January 2016. The current Code of Conduct will remain in place in NSW pending the required amendment of legislation.
The new Code brings significant changes to the dispute resolution system, with binding arbitrations being enabled for the first time. The CAC will monitor arbitration closely over the first twelve months to ensure it is working effectively for all parties. Disputes will only be recognised if they are registered through the CAC website, giving greater ability to track and understand the issues the industry is dealing with.
The new Code also requires Insurers at their next PDS update to put clearer information about choice of repairer and parts policies. It clarifies the quoting process for all participants, and has improved language and usability.
"This is a document that has undergone substantial change," Code Chairman Peter McMahon said. "There was a significant amount of agreement with all members that it was time to sharpen the document, and give some improved dispute management options.
"The new Code of Conduct has been agreed to by the constituent members of the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA) and the members of the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). It has been a long process, but it was important that all parties had their say, and a balanced and fair outcome has been reached."
The new draft of the Code is now available at: www.abrcode.com.au.