Motor Ombudsman expands Code to mobile repairers
The Motor Ombudsman has expanded the coverage of its Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair to include mobile mechanics, tyre fitters, and smart repairers.
The comprehensive Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Code aims to drive up standards in the service and repair sector, and reduce the level of consumer detriment.
Accreditation has previously only been applicable to the physical sites of independent garages, franchise dealer workshops, and body repair centres across the UK. However, the Code now offers consumers the same level of protection when using a mobile mechanic as if they had taken their vehicle to the premises of a repairer.
Mobile mechanics that commit to operating in accordance with the Service and Repair Code will abide by the same guidelines as those followed by thousands of businesses across the country. These clauses include the use of honest and accurate advertising, open and transparent pricing, staff that act in the customer’s best interests, having a swift complaints handling process in place should something go wrong, and signposting a vehicle owner to The Motor Ombudsman’s free-of-charge independent and impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service should a dispute not be concluded between the two parties in the first instance.
Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “It is essential that our Codes of Practice evolve in line with the direction of the industry and vehicle ownership trends. Mobile mechanics and repairers provide an important and valuable service to consumers, and expanding our Service and Repair Code to encompass this area of the market gives motorists an even greater level of protection and recourse when getting their vehicle repaired. Conversely, mobile mechanics will have an automotive authority to consult for information and expertise on managing disputes swiftly and effectively.”
