Motor Industry Codes of Practice
Motorists get industry backing in fight against rip-off garages
The motor industry has launched a robust new code of practice to improve the standards of garages across the country, addressing complaints which cost consumers an estimated £4billion a year.
Motorists now have the reassurance of a new scheme and tough enforcement regime to ensure fair and honest treatment by garages.
“
This is one of the most important pieces of consumer protection in the last 30 years
”
Motor Codes director, Chris Mason
Responding to consumer concerns over pricing, quality of work and customer service, the new Code now commits subscribing garages to:
- Honest and fair services
- Open and transparent pricing
- Completing work as agreed
- Invoices that match quoted prices
- Competent and conscientious staff
- A straightforward, swift complaint procedure
And offers motorists:
- An online search facility allowing consumers to locate their nearest subscribing garage
- A free consumer advice line
- Free conciliation and low cost, legally binding arbitration
What is the Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair?
“
Regular inspections, tough penalties, a helpline for advice and a searchable guide will help people to get a good deal.
”
Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, Rt Hon John Hutton
- An industry-wide, self-regulating Code of Practice to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping them to identify better businesses and encourage garages to raise their standards of customer service
- Any garage in the UK which services and/or repairs cars or light commercial vehicles can sign up to the Code, providing they agree to meet the standards set
- The Code will be monitored by the Code administrator (Motor Codes Ltd), which is in turn monitored by the OFT
- Subscribing garages will face a regular compliance check to ensure they continue to meet the standards set out in the Code, with compliance checks carried out by an independent body, The RAC
Advice to consumers
In the event of a dispute:
- Speak to Trident's dedicated customer service representatives:
- If unable to resolve the complaint, phone the free consumer advice line on 0800 692 0825
- Refer complex cases to the conciliation service
- If conciliation does not resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the consumer, subscribers will agree to independent arbitration, with a fixed fee for each party, if the consumer wishes
- Freepost reply forms available at each garage or online via http://www.motorcodes.co.uk/ , allow garage customers the opportunity of appraising Motor Codes of the sector performance
Further information
For further information , please visit: