Trade body urges CC to probe vehicle write-offs

The National Association of Bodyshops (NAB) wants the Competition Commission to investigate written-off cars as part of its current motor insurance probe.

The commission has said it has no plans to include write-offs in its investigation of competitive practices in the private motor insurance market.

It contends that the issue of write-offs applies to the supply of used cars, rather than the provision of insurance.

Sale and disposal

However, NAB argues that the insurance industry is responsible for the sale and disposal of most write-offs to vehicle salvage operators. Also, the association said, all repaired write-off vehicles must be insured before they are returned to the road.

As a result, NAB believes that this is an issue that should fall under the Competition Commission’s motor insurance investigation.

NAB head Frank Harvey said: “Written-off vehicles not only place other motorists and pedestrians at risk, but also result in further insurance claims, which then lead to an overall escalation in insurance premiums.

Further investigation

“NAB urges the Competition Commission to undertake further investigations into write-offs to make certain that consumer safety is protected, by ensuring a history of vehicles that have been repaired is made available.

“If the Competition Commission still feels that this does not fall within their remit, we would welcome any guidance on which government departments would be best placed to investigate these matters.”