South Australian motorists are being encouraged to check for choice of repairer now that their motor vehicle insurance renewals might look a little bit different.
Policyholders will now be enlightened by newfound transparency when it comes to choosing their vehicle repairer.
From 1 December, relationships between motor vehicle insurers and repairers require disclosure by insurers in contracts, policy renewals and claims documentation. It follows a 6-month grace period for insurers to implement systems providing the information.
Insurers have also been updating their websites with a list of repairers they have an interest in. This includes any financial interest or contract with a repairer.
The changes are designed to increase consumer awareness and support informed decision-making regarding choice of repairer.
Policyholders will be able to clearly see the information at the time of taking out a policy or making a claim.
The disclosure arrangements follow February’s introduction of a mandatory new national Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct promoting transparent, informed, effective and cooperative relationships between insurers and repairers and includes dispute resolution processes.
The disclosure provisions will now be subject to compliance and enforcement by Consumer and Business Services. If anyone believes they’re not receiving the required details
A factsheet for industry compliance has also been made available to the sector.
