VDS database access as a win for the consumer
It is a well-known fact that many vehicles legally scrapped vehicles find their way back into the market. Although repaired, most of these do not meet the OEM requirements for safety and as such poses a serious risk for buyers.
The Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), welcomes the recent announcement by the South African Insurance Association (Saia), that it will formally open its vehicle salvage database to the public.
Jakkie Olivier, the chief executive officer of the RMI, said the announcement follows four years of intense lobbying by the South African Motor Body Repairers’ Association (Sambra), a proud association of the RMI, for the Saia to release more information to the market with regard to the status of written-off vehicles.
“We know that without a register to refer to, which importantly also includes written off code 2 (second-hand) Vin numbers, there is no way of stopping these previously written-off cars from finding themselves back into the system. Olivier said he agreed with Saia that there were still important discussions to be held around the inherent risks associated with data security and potential misuse of the information. 
Jakkie Oilivier.
He did, however, stress the urgency of the process. “Every day lost in discussion is one in which a potential life-threatening vehicle is making its way back onto the second-hand market, only to be purchased by an unsuspecting and poorly advised consumer.
Up until now, the industry and consumers have been powerless to protect their rights. These vehicles, deemed uneconomical to repair by insurers, are purchased at salvage yard auctions and in almost all cases, repaired without regard for the safety of the next driver and occupants, often even without replacing the airbags that were deployed in the accident.
This presents a significant risk to motorists.” Olivier said Sambra and the RMI would host an event on May 19 in Johannesburg for all the various role players to help drive the process forward.
“We will be watching the progress carefully and will continue to lobby for information to be made available. Consumers and motorists have a right to be informed on issues which impact road safety and save lives,” concluded Olivier.
Source: Cathy Findley PR
