Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob. Smith
The certifier needs to be very rich. To cover the 10 million $ + insurance policy that must be paid for seven years after he retires. The test that must be done for braking and handling are far beyond the requirements of major auto manufacturers.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob. Smith
The requirement then was the giant insurance and the post retirement follow-up to exempt the RTA from any litigation. My engineer was reasonably close to retirement so he took it. He was an Industrial Mechanical Engineer by day and his hobby was the Auto signatory role.....he loved it and was extremely thorough with his inspections and reports. Thanks again for the clarification.
Rob.
|
G'day Rob,
Firstly, thanks for your feedback. I'm in much the same position as your engineer in that I will be doing this work at weekends, outside of my current role.
Next, there are two key things you have mentioned which I'd like to address further:
1. Having to do more than major manufacturers.
Although major manufacturers get some leeway in applicability of ADR's based on current model line-ups, we have to accept from the start that our projects count as new vehicles. By going to VSB14, we get numerous allowances in which ADR's apply - those listed in VSB are not the most current. There is also a change to the emissions requirements, back to the levels of 37/ (I think, off the top of my head if I'm wrong, I'll reference the appropriate material). This must be checked with an IM240 test, but this test is only ~1/3 of the full emissions cycle that the major manufacturers have to go through at the more stringent levels of 79/02 for a new model.
For vehicle handling, and brake performance, it is quite simple. We have an abridged brake test to perform (much shorter than a full brake test), and there is a lane change test. The lane change test, brake test and drive by noise tests can all be set up and carried out in a relatively short period - I'm estimating 2 to 2.5 hours.
We do not need ESC. The testing for ESC is hugely expensive, because to carry out the test, a robotic arm must control the steering inputs, and the vehicle must recover. At least we don't have to do that!
Finally, insurance. It's no secret that we are now required to carry insurance for $20m public liability and $5m professional indemnity. The operating structure of the signatories, the RMS and the customer is such that the signatory will bear the brunt of any litigation. Much has also been said about the $25,000 excess. People believed that if a claim of <$25k came in, the insurers would not fight it, and then charge the signatory $25k. That's just not how it works. If you claim $10k, the insurance can make a choice if they want to argue it or not, but they have to confirm this with the signatory. Then, if the claim is accepted by the signatory, the $10k is claimed, not the full $25k excess.
At the end of the day, you buy insurance to protect yourself if something did happen. What if someone puts in a claim for $20m? at least my insurance covers it (and would fight pretty hard not to pay I'm sure). Do I have the money to defend a $20m claim? Unfortunately not...
As I said above, it's a hobby for me at weekends; like all addicts, I can stop doing it any time I want... But if you have genuine questions, I'll do my best to answer them. I didn't come on here expecting people to pay for my services, but rather to help clear the air around the RTA/RMS and help fellow enthusiasts get their cars registered. It's really not that bad!
Cheers,
Treeve