Centralised Smash Repairs
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday February 12, 1997
The NRMA's move to try to reduce panel-beating and smash repair costs through a centralised claim service now being trialed in Wollongong should be applauded if it can help cut insurance premiums (Herald, February 4).
I've had a number of bumps and scratches repaired over the years and the panel-beaters always seem to quote two prices - one if you're paying cash and a much higher one if it's an insurance claim.
Some sections of the industry have obviously viewed insurance claims as a handy way to boost profits.
It's a bit rich for them to complain now when they've clearly brought this reform upon themselves.
Rod Bruem,
February 5 Millthorpe.
A mystery has been solved. The "brains" behind the NRMA corporatisation have been found; they moved to NRMA Insurance.
Now, instead of one assessor going to 10 repairers to check 10 or more quotes a day, six repairers will go to an NRMA repair centre to quote for a job only one will get ... five more two-way journeys than the old systems ... and if the principals of the business can't get away from the business it means hiring extra staff for quotations to enter the gamble for a job.
I also wonder about the possibility (probability) of the jobs going to NRMA Smash Repairs Pty Ltd (the NRMA's own smash repair company). As for the NRMA's warning about missing ... "out on the service, guarantee of quality and all the extra reassurance which NRMA offers", all of these are now available from any smash repairer who wants to stay in business in an industry so competitive that courtesy cars and waivers of "excess" charges are a daily event.
G. Gilchrist,
February 7 Epping.
Robert Wainwright's article "NRMA man warned over repair scheme" reports on threats made to NRMA director Richard Talbot following the announcement of a scheme aimed at tackling corrupt practices in the smash repair industry. These rorts haven't been denied by the Motor Traders Association yet they have said they are opposed to a scheme which aims to halt them. The rorts obviously result in NRMA members having to pay higher insurance premiums than they need to.
As with his stand just two years ago when he took action to protect NRMA members from a misleading and deceptive attempt to demutualise the NRMA, Mr Talbot should be applauded for his stance on tackling corruption in the smash repair industry.
The question that must be asked is: why have these practices been allowed to flourish and continue for so long?
Richard Talbot's efforts on behalf of NRMA members, and, indeed, all car insurance policyholders, deserve community and government support.
Nick Jacomas,
February 5 Eastwood.
© 1997 Sydney Morning Herald
