Most hail-hit cars to get WOF

The owners of vehicles damaged in last month’s hailstorm have been thrown a lifeline by the NZ Transport Agency, which confirmed most vehicles can pass a warrant of fitness.

NZTA has updated its vehicle inspection requirements manual to reflect that the majority of haildented vehicles have not suffered structural damage, in response to Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) and other WOF issuers turning away cars hit around the roof structure or pillars.

‘‘Dents smaller than five millimetres deep and 40mm in diameter – even in the pillars, directly on the cant rails, or any other similar roof structure – aren’t considered to affect the vehicle’s structural integrity,’’ an NZTA spokeswoman said.

‘‘The damage caused by hail stones is almost entirely cosmetic and hail stones the size of those in Timaru do not have the energy required to damage both the vehicle’s outer skin and its core structure.’’

The spokeswoman said the update would keep most vehicles on the road, alleviating ‘‘pressure’’ on vehicle owners awaiting repairs or replacements.

‘‘This amendment will provide welcome relief to vehicle owners, who will have the peace of mind that the hailstorm damage – provided it fits within the measurements mentioned above – will not stop their car from attaining a WOF,’’ she said.

‘‘Our vehicle standards team worked alongside the Repair Certifiers Association to find a balance that established a safe upper level of damage that would not affect the structural integrity of these vehicles, and allow vehicle owners to continue using their vehicle, and provide a common-sense solution for vehicle owners who need to keep using vehicles while working with their insurers on a longterm solution.

‘‘To have the amendment completed in a matter of a couple of weeks since the issue was brought to our attention is a timely response to an extreme weather event.’’

Only a small number of haildamaged cars would be ineligible for a WOF, the spokeswoman said.

‘‘Any damage larger than 5mm deep or 40mm in diameter should be referred to a repairer for additional information,’’ she said.

‘‘In the unlikely event that the structural frame of the vehicle has been in any way deformed, this would be considered to be structural damage.

‘‘Hail damage that was large enough to break the windscreen, or other glass, and cause water to enter the vehicle could harm the safety of the vehicle due to waterdamaged safety systems.’’

Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton said the update would ‘‘help ease unnecessary pressure’’ on vehicle owners in the leadup to Christmas.

‘‘It was concerning to hear that WOF weren’t being issued, as it was not the understanding of insurers and repairers that hail damage would be counted as structural damage.

‘‘Unfortunately, this also delayed many claims settlements, with insurers having to wait for NZTA clarification.’’

‘‘It was concerning to hear that WOF weren’t being issued, as it was not the understanding of insurers and repairers . . .’’ Tim Grafton