The Motor Vehicle Repairers' Association said it had had an encouraging response to its 'model contract' concept, which was introduced to the marketplace two months ago.
The Motor Vehicle Repairers' Association (MVRA) said it had had an encouraging response to its 'model contract' concept, which was introduced to the marketplace two months ago.
The concept was first mooted after the MVRA decided to work with both motor vehicle repairers and insurers to solve common problem areas.
In a statement, the MVRA said although the details of the contract had yet to be finalised, it was thought they would recognise the significance of regional differences and include proposals to move away from an emphasis on the labour rate.
It added that the contract details would also consider ways to share the burden of some of the "extraordinary" costs that repairers were expected to carry.
MVRA managing director Mike Monaghan said as a result of the proposals several insurers and repairers had already agreed improved contracts.
Monaghan said: "At the heart of this model contract is one simple truth that is often ignored - repairers are not all the same.
"Until this is properly recognised we will be unable to improve on the current situation and build a repair industry that can appropriately meet the complex demands of the 21st century.
"This contract will encourage us all to move forward by protecting insurers and repairers alike and by breaking away from the blame culture of the 'them and us' mentality that has dogged us for far too long."
The MVRA said the development and refinement of the model contract would continue in 2002, and a draft document would be available by the end of January.
The final contract will be unveiled in late spring.
