Salvage Code of Practice updated by ABI
The ABI has updated its Salvage Code of Practice to bring the guidance in line with new vehicle technology such as electric and hybrid vehicles.
The Salvage Code of Practice is a voluntary code introduced by the ABI to provide guidance around written-off vehicles and help ensure that dangerous vehicles do not end up back the road.
The ABI has collaborated with industry stakeholders including insurers, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), and Thatcham Research to update the Code, improving clarity, vehicle categorisation and dispute processes.
The four categories are:
- A: Scrap
- B: Break
- S: Structurally damaged repairable
- N: Non-structurally damaged repairable
Typically, a vehicle is deemed a total loss when a repair is uneconomical, or unviable from a safety perspective.
Updated Salvage Code of Practice
The updated Salvage Code of Practice now brings electric and hybrid vehicles within its guidance, and considers megacasting, reusable parts, and other advanced vehicle construction methods.
Mark Shepherd, head of general insurance policy at the ABI, said: “By ensuring that consumers have transparency about the history of vehicles they are considering buying, the salvage code is a great example of the insurance industry working together to make the UK’s roads safer.
“It’s important the code moves with the times, and this update reflects the increasing sophistication of our vehicles, including new powertrains and construction methods.”
