Repairer Says Web-based Nrma System Not Safe
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday December 6, 2005
A SMASH repairer would not participate in NRMA Insurance's new web-based car repair system because he thought it was unsafe, an inquiry has been told.
The NSW Government's Staysafe Committee yesterday began investigating Insurance Australia Group's Preferred Repairer Scheme, marketed under NRMA Insurance. Under the scheme introduced in July, NRMA Insurance puts details and photos of minor vehicle damage on its website and approved smash repairers bid to carry out repairs. NRMA Insurance says the scheme, which does not include major damage, is more convenient for customers who want work done on their cars. But some smash repairers say it removes consumer choice and erodes direct contact with customers. Greg Henson, owner of Callaghan Collision Centre in Taren Point, told the inquiry yesterday he did not take up an invitation to be part of the scheme out of safety concerns. "I've elected not to do it because I have a duty of care to my customers and the motoring public to ensure that we repair collision damaged vehicles back to a quality safe standard, he said. "Under this new system, I don't believe (we) can do that."
© 2005 Illawarra Mercury