Six motor insurers have agreed to start using only repairers that have been approved by the Standards and Metrology Institute of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA).

The approval process, known as Motor Insurance Repairs Efficiency (MIRE), has now been running for over a year and is being led by project manager Ian Clutton. He explained that with the influx of newer vehicles to Malta, also as a consequence of the scrappage schemes, it is essential to ensure that accident repairs are carried out in accordance with internationally-recognised, manufacturer-approved standards that would ensure that the vehicles are repaired in a safe manner.

“Modern vehicles are built using high strength materials and include advanced technology that is designed to protect the safety of the driver and passengers. If the wrong equipment is used, or an incorrect repair procedure followed, this could easily jeopardise the safety of the vehicle and its occupants,” Mr Clutton explained.

“We therefore want to be assured that the repairer has been inspected and approved by the Standards and Metrology Institute of MCCAA and meets the required standard.”

Francis Farrugia, head of standardisation, explained that the standards for repairers have been in place for a number of years and were defined with the input of all stakeholders including repairers, insurers and assessors.

We want to be assured that the repairer has been inspected and approved

“Our team of inspectors visit each repairer at least once a year to ensure that the standard (SM1400:2013) is being met, and where discrepancies are discovered, the repairer is given a list of requirements and a timeline within which these must be reached.”

Adrian Galea, director general of the Malta Insurance Association, said it was hoped that the public would choose a repairer that is approved by the Standards and Metrology Institute of MCCAA. “It is after all in the owner’s interest as well that his or her car is repaired by someone who has the necessary training and equipment to do the job properly,” he said.

“Motor insurers are no longer willing to pay for repairs that are carried out by people who have chosen not to be certified and then carry the risk of even more serious accidents happening as the car would not have been repaired safely.”

Approved repairers are also obliged to provide a guarantee of workmanship for a 24-month period.

Brian Fsadni, secretary of the Collision Repairers Association which represents approved garages, said that the CRA fully supported this initiative.

“We urge repairers who are not approved as yet, to seek further information and apply for such certification without any further delay,” he said.

The initiative had also received the support of the Malta Chamber of Motor Assessors.

The insurance companies participating in the MIRE project are: Atlas Insurance; Elmo Insurance; Fogg Insurance; GasanMamo; Middlesea Insurance; and Montaldo.

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