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 was unveiled 15 years ago on 23 May 2008 with the principal aims of driving up standards in the service and repair sector, and reducing 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.
The widening and updating of the scope of the longest-standing Service and Repair Code of Practice in the motor industry, comes in response to both the growing usage of mobile mechanics for vehicle repairs, which was particularly notable during the pandemic when many motorists were isolating, as well as the increasing number of requests for Motor Ombudsman accreditation from off-premises repairers. Independent mobile mechanics, and those operating under a franchise arrangement, will now be able to apply to be a part of the Code, and will be subject, on application, to the same stringent assessment as businesses with a named location. This ensures that the high standards of work and service required by Motor Ombudsman accreditation are continually met.
Furthermore, 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 to help reach a fair and swift outcome, should a dispute not be concluded between the two parties in the first instance.
Motor Ombudsman accreditation offers service and repair businesses an extensive suite of benefits, which are namely, access to the body’s Business Line for advice and guidance relating to best practice and the handling of disputes, the privilege of displaying The Motor Ombudsman’s Service and Repair and Approved Code logos on websites and vehicles, the opportunity to generate leads through an eye-catching profile page on the popular Garage Finder (TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Garage-Finder) and other marketing initiatives, the option to undertake exclusive training courses tailored to the automotive sector, as well as the ability to enter The Motor Ombudsman’s annual Garage Star Awards for added exposure and recognition.
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.”
Bill added: “We look forward to welcoming mobile mechanics and repairers to our Code of Practice, and building the coverage of our UK-wide accredited network in this growing segment of the service and repair sector.”
