SMMT News

Trading Standards protection extended for motorists

27 March 2014 #SMMT News

Motor Codes has increased the support available for car owners, with Trading Standards Institute approving its Vehicle Warranty Products Code. The move paves the way for creating a one-stop advice shop for car owners.

Motor Codes already runs approved codes relating to new cars and car servicing and is a partner of Citizens Advice, last year securing over £400,000 in refunds for callers to its advice line.

The Vehicle Warranty Products Code sets customer service guidelines governing the sale and administration of car warranty and insurance products. Its approval means that Motor Codes offers Trading Standards-approved backup across a broad spectrum of car ownership – from new cars, through car servicing and now a wide range of extended warranty and insurance policies.

The code outlines exactly what customers should expect in terms of advertising, sale and claims.

For Chris Mason, Managing Director, this is another nail in the coffin for rogue operators in the car world. He stated, “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 transparent 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.”

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.”

The Vehicle Warranty Products Code approval was announced by Baroness Crawley at the House of Lords on 21 March. Motor Codes is now preparing for operational launch of the code on 2 June.

Filter News

Update Newsletter