NIBA, a group which represents more than 40 independent car garages has warned that up to 200 local jobs could be at risk if insurance companies in Northern Ireland continue to drive accident-hit consumers to garages which only they have chosen.

The Northern Ireland Bodyshop Alliance (NIBA) claims that thousands of drivers are being unwittingly directed to use the bodyshop suggested by the insurance companies because most are not aware that on every occasion, they can choose who they want to repair their car.

In a bid to make customers more aware of their right to choose their own local garage instead of one chosen by the insurance company, NIBA, whos members employ more than 200 specialist staff at locations right across Northern Ireland, has launched a major campaign at Stormont called 'Your Car, Your Choice'.

Sean Bradley, Chairman of NIBA, said, "Most people in Northern Ireland don't realise that they are not obliged to take their car to where the insurance company tells them. Many drivers already have a good relationship with their local garage but they simply don't know that they can still use their services and many simply aren't being told. We believe that every consumer has the right to choose, so it's vital that the insurance companies who are often a first point of call inform them of this. 

As part of the campaign, NIBA has written to all 108 MLAs, to make them aware of the issue and request their support in highlighting the issue. NIBA claims that by not telling consumers that they have a right to choose their own repair garage, thousands of drivers are travelling longer distances to often unfamiliar surroundings to get the work done.

Sean added, "Independent garages are important for consumer choice, for competition and for skilled local employment and if they are not supported, then jobs will most certainly be lost.”

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), which supports the development of local towns, pledged his support for the campaign. He said, "I am very concerned about the actions of some of our insurance companies. By not telling customers that they can choose their own car repair garage, they are, effectively, distorting the market. They are denying customers their right to choose and in the process are also threatening the livelihood of hardworking local people. I fully support NIBA's 'Your Car, Your Choice' campaign and I hope it makes people sit up and pay attention."