The much-anticipated new code of conduct for insurers and repairers will extend its feedback period to incorporate more feedback.
Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct Administration Committee announced the public consultation period will be extended by eight weeks to 23 June 2025.
The CAC said the ove was in response to industry and stakeholder feedback as it continues to gather more responses on the defining document for the industry.
A draft version of the code was released earlier this year and the initial period due to end in April was aimed at harnessing industry feedback before a final version o fthe Code of Conduct is relaeased.
Everyone should have their say
CAC Chair George Manos said at the release of the draft, the consultation period was crucial for a diverse range of sources including collision repairers to help shape a relevant code for the future.
“We want everyone to have their say,” Manos says. “As a committee we welcome public submissions, as well as direct or confidential engagement with the Insurance Council of Australia and the Motor Trades Association of Australia
“To support stakeholders, navigate the proposed new Code, the CAC has developed an explanatory memorandum. Whether through the website or targeted industry engagement, the CAC has worked on making the consultation accessible for all stakeholders.”
Something to think about:
The explanatory note released by the CAC in February also offered these three thought-provoking questions in key areas to help frame industry feedback.
- Dispute timeframes: How long should be allowed for the insurer-repairer to resolve a dispute before it is allowed to proceed to expert adjudication or mediation?
- Adjudicators: What should the appropriate skill sets, experience and attributes of an adjudicator be?
- Sanctions: What should Code sanctions be and/or how much should they be for insurers and repairers?
The Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry draft Code of Conduct and is looking for responses for from businesses, individuals and organisations.
The draft was developed by the Code Administration Committee made up of representatives from the Insurance Council of Australia and the Motor Trades Association of Australia.
Last month the CAC posed a number of questions around formative issues for the collision repair industry aimed at generating interest and reaction from repairers.
READ MORE: Download the draft Code of Conduct here
It follows a long journey and extensive work following Dr Michael Schaper’s review in 2023 of the old code that found it was under utilised and too little known about in the industry. The Code Administration Committee was set up in and a rewrite conducted last year.
The updated Code aims to improve clarity, fairness, and effectiveness in several critical areas, including Sanctions and penalties, assessment and estimation times, methods of repair, and dispute resolution processes.
The consultation period will also make available proposed changes to the governance structure of the Code and formalisation of the Code Administration Committee under an incorporated association.
The draft Code and supporting documents can be found on the consultation website here
Public submissions can be made on the website or by email to codereview@mviricode.com.au.
Stakeholders can also make confidential submissions directly to the Motor Trades Association of Australia by email to info@mtaa.com.au or to the Insurance Council of Australia by email to administration@insurancecouncil.com.au.