driving abroad

Repair guide published for ADAS-equipped vehicles

Thatcham Research has published an ‘Insurance Industry Requirements’ guide, also referred to as the ‘IIR’ to provide the motor insurance and repair industries with clarity to ensure the safe calibration and repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles.

It has been introduced following the rapid expansion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the automotive market as the number of ADAS-enabled vehicles on UK roads has reached 4.5 million – a figure that is set to grow exponentially as manufacturers add the technology to new models.

ADAS equipment on a vehicle provides critical safety functions. Repairers and technicians working on those vehicles must be sufficiently competent to ensure that any repairs that directly involve, or impact ADAS sensors, are carried out to best practice standards.

To prepare the guide, Thatcham consulted with the BVRLA as well as other leading industry bodies including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), National Body Repairers Association (NBRA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Independent Garage Association (IGA), Garage Equipment Association (GAE), the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and representatives from the Motor Insurance Engineers Technical Committee (ETC).

The Insurance Industry Requirements can be read in full on the Thatcham Research website. u

Prepare customers for driving abroad

The easing of lockdown restrictions during the summer brought a welcome boost to the vehicle rental sector as an increasing number of holidaymakers chose to hire cars, motorhomes and campervans to travel to their UK and European holiday destinations.

During July, the BVRLA saw demand surge for its VE103B certificates, the documentation required by drivers taking a rented or leased vehicle overseas and although current travel restrictions have brought a halt to many holidaymakers’ plans, members are being advised to stock up now, in preparation for the next upsurge in demand when travel restrictions ease. The BVRLA saw a 79% increase in the number of people visiting the Taking a Vehicle Abroad information on the BVRLA website during the summer, as vehicle rental customers looked to the BVRLA for the latest advice.

Members needing stock can purchase VE103B pads or single certificates via the BVRLA website. u

Did you know?

To support members with their communications to customers, the BVRLA has produced a Taking a Vehicle

Abroad Communications Toolkit

containing a suite of printed, digital and social communications resources to help make customers aware of the importance of carrying a Vehicle on Hire certificate (VE103) when taking their rented or leased vehicle overseas.

It is free to access and co-branded versions can also be supplied. Members can log in to the BVRLA website to access the material.