MOTOR INDUSTRY LEADS IN GOVERNMENT DRIVE FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION

Regulatory body Motor Codes has launched the Vehicle Warranty Products code of practice, a set of customer service guidelines for buyers of car warranties approved by the Trading Standards Institute.

The code regulates the advertising and sale of policies, outlines exactly what you should expect from the claims process and commits code subscribers to producing policy documentation written in plain English. It also ensures that no high-pressure selling is endured by customers of approved code subscribers.

The voluntary code of practice launches with more than half of the UK’s warranty providers signed up at inception. This brings protection to around 3 million policy holders of products such as MOT test insurance, roadside assistance and extended warranties.

Discussions between Motor Codes, the Trading Standards Institute and all remaining warranty providers are ongoing, to ensure that the highest levels of consumer protection are maintained within the car warranty sector.

The launch of the new code increases protection for motorists, adding to the New Car Code and Service and Repair Code already administered by Motor Codes. Reflecting government’s drive to ensure maximum protection for consumers, all three codes are overseen and approved by the Trading Standards Institute.  Leading the way on consumer protection, Motor Codes is the only code operator, across all retail sectors, with multiple approved codes. New car buyers and customers of the UK’s 8,000 Motor Codes garages can be sure of receiving the highest standards of service and, importantly, enjoy expert, independent support if they need advice. All three codes are backed by a free-to-access advisory service endorsed by Citizens Advice.

On the approval of the code, consumer minister Jenny Willott MP said:

“This new code should give peace of mind to consumers that when something goes wrong they will be dealt with fairly and transparently by those businesses which have signed up.”

For Chris Mason, managing director at Motor Codes, the launch of this latest approved code paves the way towards delivering a one-stop advice shop for car owners:

“Motor Codes has created a safe shopping environment when it comes to cars. With new cars covered, an approved garage finder and online reviews system and now this rubber-stamping for warranty providers, it’s never a lottery when it comes to spending on your car, as long as you choose a Trading Standards-approved business.”

Motor Codes directs people to reputable garages, subscribers to the Service and Repair Code, through an online search and review website, motorcodes.co.uk, where more than 220,000 online reviews are currently viewable.

People who need advice on a car warranty can call the Motor Codes helpline on 0800 692 0825.  Motor Codes commits to resolving warranty-related calls within 14 days.