Malta's new QVR (Quality Vehicle Repair) Scheme is proving to be a success following its launch earlier this year by the MIRE (Motor Insurer Repair Efficiency) Project. This innovative system is an opportunity for all local vehicle damage repairers namely panel beaters and paint-sprayers to have their garages inspected and certified regularly so as to maintain their certified status or to improve it.

So far around 70 garages, situated across Malta and Gozo, opted to participate in this QVR Scheme and were fully certified. The first batch of garages, which were inspected earlier this year, have started to receive their certification reports. The certified repairers will be identified by the QVR Sign that will be displayed in a prominent position outside their premises.  The scheme is coordinated and managed by Project Manager Ian Clutton, who has over 35 years' experience working in the UK in the vehicle body repair and insurance industries.

"To date this scheme has been running well and I'm pleased to note that the number of vehicle repairers joining it is continuously increasing. This shows that the QVR registered repairers are embracing MIRE's initiative of raising the standards in vehicle repairs to a higher level. Thanks to the QVR Scheme, repairers and the insurances companies forming MIRE are striving to provide motorists with high quality vehicle repairs that ensure safety," said Mr Clutton.

The QVR Certification Scheme is backed up by CESVIMAP an international organisation focusing its research on the latest repair methodology of vehicle accident damage. The data obtained from this research is made available through training activities, publications and multimedia content.

Mr Clutton stated that informative seminars will be organised again in the near future for interested garage owners to join this advantageous scheme. He also highlighted the fact that inspection sessions are being organised on an annual basis. The next phase of the scheme will be extended to the vehicle parts supply chains; these would be followed by Accident Repair Mechanics.

The Insurance companies that form part of the MIRE project will, as of November 2016, be guiding customers to use the QVR certified repairers that are most suitable to repair their type of vehicle according to the extent of damage sustained, ensuring the vehicle is safely reinstated to its pre-accident condition. From January 2017, the said insurers will only use QVR Certified repairers to undertake Insurance-funded accident repairs.

MIRE consists of the top four insurance companies in Malta (Atlas, Elmo, GasanMamo and Mapfre Middlesea) and is set to attract more insurers. Those interested to know more about the QVR Scheme can call on 21 23 26 40 or send an e-mail to [email protected].