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Be fleet of foot, warns RAC
23 Jul 2007
Topics: Automotive, Kitemark®, PAS 125, Thatcham
Fleet managers picking repair firms risk dangerous repair quality, according to RAC Services, but the PAS 125 Thatcham BSI Kitemark® scheme for vehicle body repair represents a "vital element for fleet managers to protect their drivers and themselves".
An initiative conducted by the Metropolitan Police to investigate the ability of bodyshops to repair the "ultra-high strength steel" components in modern cars confirmed that the industry was not up to standard. This follows on from the comments of former Cheshire assistant chief constable John Dwyer, who claimed that fewer than a quarter of the UK's 5,500 garage bodyshops were equipped to repair cars built with the high strength steels.
"There is a varying standard of skill and quality among the damage repair industry and fleet managers are taking pot luck by choosing a repairer from a phonebook," says Phil Mairs, head of RAC Services. "Fleets can't be expected to know how to vet a potential repairer, which is why it's essential to tap into an approved repairer network.
"Those buying repair services should be looking for the PAS 125 Thatcham BSI Kitemark® for vehicle body repair. Developed by BSI and Thatcham - the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre - the standard covers five key elements of the repair process, including people, methods, equipment, materials and process management.
"RAC and its sister company, Norwich Union, have been instrumental in developing the standard. As part of the steering group committee, we have put forward a set of criteria and recommendations that our approved repairers must adhere to. We believe the Thatcham BSI Kitemark® is a vital element for fleet managers to protect their drivers and themselves."
For more information, visit:
www.bsi-global.com/july07thatcham
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