SA Motor Body Repairers Association, or Sambra (SA Motor Body Repairers Association), has warned motorists against using repairers not approved by their insurer.“This isn’t just about brand preference – it’s about safeguarding the consumer’s financial and safety interests,” said Sambra’s national director Juan Hanekom.Sambra is a constituent association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). In a case that Sambra recently reviewed, an insurance policyholder for a taxi was told that selecting a repairer who wasn’t approved would mean losing valuable benefits from their policy. The benefits included income protection, which covers income lost while the vehicle is not on the road, reduced excess payments, additional repair costs covered during the repair process and a quality warranty. “If a customer insists on using their own repairer, they are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they forfeit these benefits,” Hanekom says:“This means if anything goes wrong during or after the repair, or if further damage is discovered, the insurer has no obligation to step in. Consumers are left entirely on their own.”He emphasizes that, while there is freedom in choosing a repairer, it should be done responsibly and with full knowledge of the possible consequences. “Repairs undertaken outside of an insurer’s approved network may not meet manufacturer standards, may compromise safety, and can reduce the resale value of the vehicle,” Hanekom is a brand name. “Most importantly, there is no quality guarantee or aftercare support if problems arise. Accreditation ensures the repairer has been independently audited for quality, equipment, and training standards. “It’s the best way to protect your vehicle investment and ensure that repairs are done safely and correctly. Cutting corners for convenience or a quick turnaround can end up costing you far more in the long run.”
2025-10-28 13:09:18
Motorists warned to not use non-accredited repairers
