With the use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) now common on a fast growing number of vehicles, new Insurance Industry Requirements (IIR) governing the repair and recalibration of these systems come into effect in the UK on March 31st.

The standard has been developed by repair industry experts, including Thatcham Research and is endorsed by the majority of UK insurers, many of whom operate in Ireland, including, Allianz, including Aviva, AXA, FBD, RSA and Zurich. As such, it is expected that these guidelines will be adopted by Irish insurers and applied to the repair industry over the coming months.

ADAS is set to be a huge part of every bodyshop’s business in the future and these standards are being implemented now to provide some clarity on the calibration and repair of vehicles with ADAS systems and to maintain standards in terms of calibration equipment, staff training and the recording of ADAS procedures.

The requirements state that inspection, realignment and calibration requirements must be considered in all repair situations where any of the following is included within the repair, service or maintenance procedure:  ADAS sensors, parts likely to affect the operation and functionality of ADAS sensors, or vehicle geometry.

When specified, inspection, realignment and calibration operations must be completed post repair to confirm that the sensors are functioning within the vehicle manufacturer’s technical specification.

The requirement emphasise that in all cases a repairer must:

Identify the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and ensure this is recorded.

Where ADAS are present, ensure repair procedures clearly identify if inspection, realignment and calibration are required and why.

Complete all relevant inspection, realignment and calibration activities as detailed within the repair procedures.

Inspection, calibration, realignment and road tests shall be carried out by a currently competent person.

Ensure the calibration results confirm that the sensors are functioning within the vehicle manufacturer’s technical specification.

Produce fully verifiable and auditable records and provide a copy to the vehicle owner / work Provider.

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services, Thatcham Research commented, “The IIR will deliver clarity to bodyshops who need a standardised approach to repairing ADAS. The goal is for ADAS reinstatement to become business as usual, presenting no greater challenge than fitting a new wheel.”

More information and guidance and a downloadable version of the IIR can be found at:   https://www.thatcham.org/insurance-industry-requirements/