‘Approved repairer schemes must be scrutinised’ – Ritchie | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

‘Approved repairer schemes must be scrutinised’ – Ritchie

SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has called for the Competition Commission to look at the use of Approved Repairer Schemes in the motor vehicle repair industry.

Speaking about the issue to Newry Times, Ritchie stated, “I have been informed by constituents that certain insurance companies are using preferential deals with ‘approved’ auto repair facilities to the exclusion of other service providers.

“Such a practice hurts local business that are not on such a list and also pushes up the price for consumers who have restricted freedom in their choice of company.

“Recently the European Commission has made it clear that repair networks should be open to all firms that meet a certain standard. It would seem that the market in Northern Ireland is not operating in this fashion.

“I have tabled parliamentary questions to the Department of Transport on this issue seeking clarification on this matter. I also think it is important that the Competition Commission looks at this within the remit of their current investigation into the car insurance industry and how claims are handled.

Ritchie added, “The Competition Commission inquiry presents an opportunity for proper reform of the insurance market and it is important that this is taken.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=33010

Posted by on Jul 11 2013. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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