NSW government conducts inquiry into motor vehicle repairer-insurance provider relationship

The New South Wales Minister for Fair Trading, the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, has announced that an inquiry will be conducted by a parliamentary committee into the relationship between insurance providers and motor vehicle repairers.

This inquiry has been welcomed by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), which hopes it will uncover some useful facts and figures that will help both industries to better serve consumers.

As part of the process, the ICA and many of its members will be asked to shed light on their experiences of helping customers with insurance claims following a motor vehicle accident.

A spokesperson for the ICA said the inquiry will shed some much-needed light on various aspects of the motor vehicle repair industry, including the "economic forces" at work that dictate how motor vehicle repairers operate their businesses.

It will also look into the ever-changing technologies being included in new motor vehicles and investigate what effect these are having on the equipment and skills motor vehicle repairers need to stay viable in the current market.

Another issue that is being raised by this inquiry is how the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct is functioning and what benefits are associated with it.

This document was designed to enhance the relationship between insurance providers and motor vehicle repairers by setting out the responsibilities of each and advocating for "transparency, disclosure and fairness" on both sides.

The parliamentary committee's inquiry should go a long way toward making the world of business vehicle insurance a better place for insurance providers, motor vehicle repairers and, of course, consumers.

If you're in need of business vehicle or commercial car insurance, get in touch with Elders Insurance today. We can help you determine what type of policy is best for you and your business and make sure you're covered if and when a loss-causing incident occurs.