FOXY signs of good garage quality
Few motorists (male or female) realise that UK garages aren’t licensed and mechanics don’t have to be qualified or regularly accredited thereafter to service or repair our cars. Hence the level of complaints in this area of course. And why FOXY looks for measurable signs of quality before we award FOXY Lady Approved status to garages or car dealers.
We recommend ALL motorists check out garage and repairer credentials because any garage can claim to be good but cheap garage solutions COULD compromise your personal safety. Whereas the more a business has invested in quality, the more likely their work will result in a safer car.
We suggest you make an informed short list of the best local garages or repairers capable of doing the work BEFORE comparing their prices and services. Or join FOXY Lady Drivers Club and ask us to…
Consumer Codes Approval Schemes (CCAS)
www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) operates Consumer Codes Approval Schemes (CCAS) for ‘car service and repair’, ‘car body repairs’ ‘new car sales’ ‘vehicle sales’ and ‘vehicle warranty’ categories.
Code sponsors are typically trade organisations who are required to promise and then prove that their members are following the core criteria of the code. The aim of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme is to raise standards for all motorists and reduce the number of complaints.
The following organisations operate schemes that are backed by the CTSI:
- The Bosch Car Service garage network operates a ‘car service and repairs’ scheme for its garage members
- The Motor Ombudsman, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) operates four schemes; one for ‘new car sales,’ one for ‘car service and repairs,’ one for ‘vehicle sales’ (ie second hand/used/nearly new cars) and one for ‘vehicle warranty.’
- The RAC Used Vehicle Code of Practice has been adopted by every RAC Approved Dealer.
- Trust My Garage is a CTSI ‘car service and repair’ scheme run by the Independent Garage Association (IGA), owned by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).
- The Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA) operates a scheme for bodyshops and vehicle repairs and is now part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).
Look out for the TSI approved purple and green logo to show which businesses are part of these schemes.
IMI Professional Register
imiregister.org.uk
Individuals with ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation), members of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and employers of ATA staff are listed at the IMI Professional Register. ATA tests the competence of motor industry specialists in a range of disciplines including:
- Accident repairs
- Electric vehicles
- New and used car sales
- Servicing, repair & MOT work
- Tyre, exhausts and fast fit repairs
Individuals are checked every three years to make sure they keep up to date, carry a dated photo ID and sign an ethical code of conduct. We also recognise supporting employers for making this financial commitment to quality standards in their business.
To be sure of an accredited mechanic, accident repairer or car sales person we recommend that all motorists search the IMI’s Professional Register before choosing a suitable local garage, repairer or car dealer to do business with.
Kitemark in Vehicle Body Repair
www.kitemark.com
No matter the extent of the bodywork damage, you want to be sure that any repair is carried out by a professional accident repairer. Whether it’s a cosmetic repair, work that involves aluminium bonding or a complete structural re-build you must be able to rely on a professionally carried out accident repair, by a qualified specialist.
Any accident repair centre or bodyshop with the rigorous and expensive Kitemark in Vehicle Body Repair (also known as BS10125) has had to demonstrate clean and professional premises, skilled bodywork technicians and a commitment to only carry out work at the customer’s request and at agreed prices. Nominated staff are required to attend rigorous training programmes including a thorough assessment every five years.
An increasing number of insurance companies require their network of approved repairers to hold the Kitemark in Vehicle Body Repair. It’s expensive to have. We like this standard.
Michelin Certified Centres
www.michelincertifiedcentre.co.uk/whatismcc/default.aspx
Michelin Certified Centre status means that a tyre dealer has reached superior standards in all areas of their business including the management, premises, facilities, equipment and all tyre sales/fitting processes. Having achieved this status is therefore a sign of exceptional quality and customer service.
Pirelli Performance Centres
www.pirelli.com
Pirelli Performance Centres have to demonstrate exceptional customer service and expertise when it comes to recommending, fitting and balancing high performance tyres. Centres are required to pass a demanding technical audit twice a year with the current process including 130 separate items.
NB: If you choose a FOXY Lady Approved garage, accident repairer or dealer listed by FOXY Choice they will have signed the FOXY Promise stating “We will never knowingly overcharge, patronise or sell women anything they do not need or want.”
If any listed business subsequently disappoints, FOXY will record and monitor the resolution of a complaint, reserving the ultimate right to suspend or de-list a business, depending on the severity of an allegation or a ‘couldn’t care less’ attitude towards customer concerns.
