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> "Second-hand parts are allowed" but ...
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Posted 2009-06-19 |
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The short-term Insurance Ombudsman has confirmed that the use of second-hand and pirate parts to repair cars insured by short-term insurers is allowed, as long as it doesn't compromise safety.
Ombudsman Brian Martin said his office frequently received complaints from consumers about the use of so-called "pirate parts" and second-hand parts by insurers when repairing motor vehicles.
"There is a perception in the part of the public that an insurer is obliged, when repairing a motor verhicle, to use new original factory supplied parts in all instances," Martin said.
"Depending upon the circumstances of each case and in particular the age and condition of a car, there is, however, no reason why components made by outside component manufacturers should not be used where this can result in cost savings, provided that issues of safety or reliability are not compromised," he said.
The use of second-hand parts, where appropriate, was also to be encouraged as a cost saving measure, he added.
Martin stressed that no hard and fast rule could be laid down and that each case had to be assessed on its individual merit. He appealed to members of the public to be reasonable and practical in their approach to the repair of accident damage by insurers , pointing out that the underlying purpose of insurance was one of indemnification and not enrichment.
"If premiums are to be kept at reasonable levels and increases in the premiums within similar bounds, it is imperative that everything possible be done to keep repair costs down, but at the same time without compromising safety or quality standards, Martin said.
However, "original factory supplied components must be fitted whenever a critical component of the motor vehicle may be damaged or where the warrenty or maintenance plan of a vehicle may be adversley affected by the fitting of other components, "Martin said.
A distinction was drawn between components made by reputable manufacturers which conformed to recognised safety or quality standards and those which may be classified as fake or unauthorised copies made by unspecified manufacturers , often in China.
Taken from Motoring section of the Mercury 19 June 2009
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