A New Method for Detecting Repaired Accident Cars

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A New Method for Detecting Repaired Accident Cars Set to Launch in South Africa this Month – Insights

The South African Insurance Association (Saia) has officially announced that its Vehicle Salvage Database (VSD) is set to become accessible to the public in the country by the end of this month, marking a significant step forward in consumer protection.

Initially introduced in early 2022, the VSD is designed to provide valuable assistance to buyers in South Africa by enabling them to steer clear of purchasing cars with hidden accident damage. The database will encompass comprehensive information about vehicles categorized as Code 3, 3A, and 4 write-offs, which will be openly accessible to everyone.

It's important to note that the database will exclusively cover vehicles insured by Saia member companies, encompassing a majority of the major insurers. While not all vehicles on the road will be listed, the initiative aims to encompass a substantial portion.

A Prolonged Effort The Saia's announcement of an end-of-August launch deadline comes after surpassing the initial target of the first quarter of 2023, as well as a subsequent target of the end of June, as explained by Jacques Viljoen, National Director of the Motor Body Repairers' Association (Sambra), in a statement to Moneyweb.

The extended timeline, according to Saia, was influenced by critical consultations that required engagement with various stakeholders, including the Department of Transport (DoT) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), which took more time than initially anticipated.

Key focal points during these consultations included:

  • Ensuring the stability of the platform and the database.
  • Establishing the legal framework for information provision and introducing a "proceed at your own risk" disclaimer.
  • Developing a process to identify potential errors and omissions, with corresponding revisions to the database.
  • Reaching a consensus among Saia member companies regarding the inclusion of historical data.
  • Conducting audits and verifications to ensure the accuracy of provided information, while defining future upload procedures.

Pressure from Sambra Sambra has been exerting considerable pressure on Saia to expedite the launch of the VSD due to its potential significance for the general public. Jacques Viljoen believes that the system will play a crucial role in empowering buyers to make informed decisions during vehicle purchases.

The issue of previously damaged vehicles being inadequately repaired and subsequently sold without disclosing their history is a prevalent concern in South Africa. Currently, there are limited avenues for recourse for buyers who find themselves in such situations due to uninformed or unscrupulous car dealers. The VSD is expected to address this concern by offering transparency and aiding buyers in avoiding such problematic purchases.

Reference: TopAuto