Vehicle Research Centre Thatcham is to undertake a quality accreditation programme for crash parts produced by independent manufacturers. The programme aims to give insurers an alternative supply of quality crash repair parts.
Vehicle Research Centre Thatcham is to undertake a quality accreditation programme for crash parts produced by independent manufacturers.
The programme aims to establish, stimulate and develop a market which will give insurers an alternative supply of independently manufactured, accredited and cost effective, quality crash repair parts.
Thatcham will concentrate on front-end crash parts and rear bumpers for 3 to 10 year old cars, looking at the quality of parts produced, together with accuracy and ease of fit.
Focus will be concentrated on the volume selling parts to provide the greatest potential saving to motor insurers.
Thatcham said its accreditation scheme would sanction independent parts manufacturers to supply a specific range of crash parts. On successful completion of the accreditation process, approved manufacturers will be issued with tamper proof "Thatcham Accredited" stickers, which will be affixed to the designated quality parts.
The accreditation process is endorsed by EAPA (European Aftermarket Panel Association) and extends to cover not only manufacturers but also UK distributors. This recognises the importance of distribution quality to post production condition.
Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre chief executive Peter Roberts said: "Insurers currently pay £1.4bn for the crash parts used to repair cars. Good quality lower cost parts are available from the independent sector and Thatcham's accreditation programme will allow insurers to specify these with confidence, thus containing the cost of accident damage claims and reducing the number of older vehicles that are currently written off on the basis of cost."
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, or Thatcham as it is widely known, was formed in 1969 by British Insurers.
The Centre is independently operated and has its own Board of Directors. Its main aim is to carry out research targeted at containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims, whilst maintaining a high quality and safety in the repair process.
