The demands on bodyshop and insurance company vehicle damage assessors have become more exacting over recent years and this competition is designed to reflect this – to recognise the excellence of the winner beyond the competence of achieving the ATA standard.

If you have what it takes, then enter today.

ATA

Following the successful tie-in with ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) two years ago, the 2010 Vehicle Damage Assessor Award final will follow ATA assessment procedures current at the time of the final. This means that all non-ATA accredited finalists achieving the standard will be awarded the nationally recognised ATA standard without having to pay an assessment fee (normally £400 plus).

For more details on ATA visit: www.automotivetechnician.org.uk

Entry procedure & Selection process

Entry procedure broadly follows the same lines as in previous years but, because of the tie-in with ATA, there are a few changes for 2010. It is worth pointing out that, although we ask for estimates to be submitted using any manual or computer based system for the first stage of the competition, this year’s finalists will be expected to be able to prepare a fully worked repair plan for the vehicles at the final without the use of an estimating system.

 
We strongly recommend that participants have a good understanding of the ATA Vehicle Damage Assessor’s requirements including how to complete a repair specification sheet and a good understanding of how to prepare an accurate accident damage vehicle repair plan.

Stage 1 Read the guidance notes.

Stage 2 Send us a fully costed repair estimate, by fax or mail, together with a parts list, for each of the three vehicles, photographs for each can be viewed by clicking here. (please note due to the file size this may take a moment or two to download)

           You will also need to provide answers to 6 questions, which can be viewed by clicking here.

           Complete the personal details form with the answers to the questions and return along with the three estimates to Joseph O'Neill, Plenham Ltd, FREEPOST (HH826), Aylesbury, HP22 4BR or fax to 01296 640044. DEADLINE: 12th April

Stage 3 Our judging panel will compare the submissions against a fully costed benchmark estimate for each vehicle.

Stage 4 The 12 most accurate estimators will be invited to take the ATA online test at an ATA centre between Tuesday 25 May and Friday 4 June 2010.

Stage 5 The top eight entrants achieving the highest marks for the online test will then be invited to take part in the final at Thatcham’s Vehicle Damage Assessment Centre, Nuneaton on 25 June 2010. Please note that the final will be run under ATA assessment conditions, current at the time. Overnight accommodation will be provided for all finalists at a nearby hotel on the evening of 24 June 2010.

           Note: details of the ATA syllabus can be found on the ATA website: www.automotivetechnician.org.uk

Stage 6 The top four vehicle damage assessors will be invited, with a guest, to attend bodyshop’s annual Awards Dinner on Friday 24 September 2010 at The Hilton Birmingham Metropole, where the winner will be announced. Each will be entitled to two  complimentary Event delegate packages including places at the Gala Awards Dinner and overnight accommodation on Friday, 24 September 2010.

bodyshop would like to acknowledge the invaluable help of the following companies and organisations in the preparation of this entry form and the Vehicle Damage Assessor competition in general: IAEA, IMI, Thatcham and D Hales (Salvage Management Specialists).