A local businessman and some of his customers are upset over a new NRMA smash repair policy.
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Terry Burn from King Creek Smash Repairs says people now have to select the option to pay toward their own vehicle repairs.
“It gives you a monetary value of 60 to 100 dollars and if you fail to select to pay that extra amount of money, you have to go to a preferred repairer,” he said.
“We have had a flurry of customers who have had accidents and the NRMA are forcing them to go to Port Macquarie, which is damaging small businesses in our small town. A couple of them have been able to pay the difference and bring their car to us,” he said.
Terry said the practice is becoming more common with insurance policies.
“A couple of customers are fairly upset about it. It’s taking a lot of money out of Wauchope. It came out in March this year and it has created a few dramas,” he added.
A spokesperson for NRMA’S parent group, IAG said they were always looking at ways to improve the level of service to customers, as well as affordable insurance options.
“Customers tell us they want more flexibility with their policies so they don’t pay for things they don’t want or need. It’s fair that this is reflected in the premiums our customers pay. We respect our customers’ right to choose, which is why they can still select any repairer if they want that option,” he said.
“The decision to choose our partner repairer network is put in the hands of the customer and we respect that decision. We will keep authorising repairs at non-partner repairers as we do today.
“Cars are getting more advanced and complex to repair which is why we work closely with our partner repairers to ensure they have the right skills, technology and processes to deliver for our customers.
“Using our partner repairers means we can provide a seamless experience for our customers – from the moment a claim is lodged we will manage the entire process on their behalf.
“We’re proud of the repair businesses we partner with and our customers tell us they’re overwhelmingly satisfied with the quality and service they receive,” said the spokesperson.