Have you signed the “Save the Cars” petition?

May 29, 2018

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Since Autobiz launched the "Save the Cars” campaign to highlight the unfair and unjust policy of Irish insurers with regards to cars over ten years old, over 2,500 aftermarket businesses and the general public have signed our petition.

It seems the campaign has struck a real chord with Irish motor trade businesses. The policy of Irish insurance companies of not quoting, or not providing a competitive quote, on cars over ten years old is having a devastating impact, on the independent automotive aftermarket.

Thousands of sound, clean, low emission vehicles are being scrapped, making a mockery of the NCT system, because they can no longer be economically insured. The practice is now causing garage closures and job losses in other supporting businesses and often means a vital amenity is taken away from a local community.

The policy also has a profound effect on the motoring public, especially in rural communities. Many car owners have also found their vehicle’s value has been slashed, as the trade in cars over ten years old has been almost wiped out. It also means large swaths of Irish drivers are effectively being excluded from the roads, especially young people and low income earners. This is having a massive impact on rural mobility and independence.

In an age where we are constantly encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle, the policy also makes no environmental sense, taking sound, low emission older vehicles off the road and encouraging new car purchases where the manufacturing process leaves a huge carbon footprint.

Autobiz has been greatly encouraged by the response to the campaign. Not only are readers signing the petition in huge numbers, but they have also been encouraging family, friends, employees and customers to do so. We have also had many calls and emails of support for the campaign.

Perhaps the saddest aspect of the feedback we have received is a number of calls we have had wholeheartedly supporting the campaign, but regretfully informing us that it has come too late for their garage or workshop as they have already been forced out of business by the lack of older cars on the road.

Let’s get common sense restored, save these cars, bring an end to this nonsensical practice and reverse this devastating trend of garage closures.

What can you do?
1. If you have not already signed the petition do so now by clicking Save the Cars .
2. Encourage everyone you know to sign, including family, friends, employees and work colleagues, fellow club members, etc. Remember this does not just affect the motor trade. It has an impact on everyone.