UK: Inspections made simple

The RAC has made its Inspections service more accessible to potential buyers by simplifying its pricing structure.

  • RAC offers new pricing structure

The RAC has made its Inspections service more accessible to potential buyers by simplifying its pricing structure. The cost of an Inspection will no longer depend on the model and specification of a vehicle, but the level of assurance needed when buying a used car and the complexity of the vehicle itself.

Buyers who now book an RAC Inspection can choose between three packages. Essentials checks the basics and is suitable for the more confident buyer of cars under 10 years old; Essentials Plus is the comprehensive inspection, it focuses on standard cars including saloons and provides a more in depth inspection; Specialist is for vehicles that need extra time or expertise, such as those vehicles over 20 years old, 4x4's, and prestige and performance cars.  

An RAC Inspection can provide invaluable information to a buyer before they make a purchase, telling them if a vehicle has any mechanical faults they may not be aware of or if the vehicle has undergone any major accident repair. Armed with these results, buyers can ensure repairs are made before purchase, or negotiate a better price for the vehicle.

Nicola Johnson, manager of RAC Inspections, comments: "With our simplified pricing structure, buyers can now assess the options available to them and quickly choose the inspection that suits their requirements and the vehicle they are looking to buy. People buying a used car are entering a minefield of potential problems and it can be easy for buyers to overlook the mechanical condition of a vehicle. The simplified pricing structure reflects the amount of time required to inspect each vehicle. Most modern cars that have been well looked after and maintained can be inspected within a couple of hours. However, prestige, high performance or 4x4 vehicles are more complex and can require more time and specialised knowledge - such inspections can take up to a whole day to complete, and we have decided to introduce a ‘Specialist' level of inspection to reflect this.

"Not everyone has the level of knowledge to know what to look out for when purchasing a car, however overlooking something can prove costly or even dangerous further down the line. This new price structure should encourage buyers to conduct an inspection on a vehicle before purchasing and save themselves a lot of time, money and inconvenience."

Conduct an RAC Inspection at www.rac.co.uk/web/vehiclechecks/examination or call the dedicated number 0800 085 2529.

An Essentials Inspection costs £125 for RAC members and £139 for non-members.

An Essentials Plus Inspection costs £189 for RAC members and £199 for non-members. 

A Specialist Inspection costs £349 for RAC members and £379 for non-members. 

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For further information:
Dominic Dennis, Margot Tomkinson or Justine Hoadley at HSL 0208 977 9132. hpiteam@harrisonsadler.com

Notes to editors:

About the RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.

RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its members and has been ranked first for customer service by JD Power and Associates' UK Roadside Assistance Study for the past two years.

Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 15%.

RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at http://www.racnews.co.uk/

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