CERTIFIED STEEL STANDARD

What is the CSS Standard?

CSS - Certified Steel Standard, it is the Irish national vehicle body repairers standards programme of SIMI.

While there are many approved and accredited vehicle body repairers (bodyshops) operating in Ireland, there has never been a national Irish standard. CSS is the first of its kind for vehicle body repairers who undertake to structurally repair accident damaged vehicles.

The standard incorporates the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair outlining the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.

How does a Vehicle Body Repairer achieve the standard?

A vehicle body repairer voluntarily undertakes an annual independent audit, where they must pass the CSS details minimum requirements, which certifies that the company have;

  • Competent personnel
  • Appropriate and well-maintained equipment
  • Suitable repair methods
  • Quality of repair materials
  • Upon passing the audit the repairer will receive the CSS certification

CSS Certification is accredited by TÜV SÜD Auto Plus GmbH, clearly demonstrate to Customers and to Insurance Companies that bodyshops are committed to the highest quality and safety standards. The CSS standard embraces the repair process management with an emphasis on continual improvement and the audit is carried out on a yearly basis.

What does the CSS Standard Mean for Consumer Confidence?

A vehicle body repairer undertakes an independent audit and by dispalying the CSS Certification a repairer is

  • Ensuring the craftsmen carrying out the repairs have the appropriate qualifications.
  • Ensuring that every aspect of the job is recorded and traceable.
  • Ensuring that the bodyshop has all of the tools and equipment to carry to out the repair correctly.
  • Ensuring that customers are satisfied with the work done and they have somebody to help if there is a shortcoming with the repair.

What you should look for when choosing a Repairer?

As the owner of a damaged car you have the right to choose your own vehicle body repairer.

Choosing a CSS bodyshop guarantees that the repair will be carried out correctly and completely no short cuts, no compromises on quality. Only the correct parts are fitted by trained technicians and craftsmen, installed according to the specific recommendations of manufacturers and crash repair experts.

Look for the CSS Logo

Vehicle Body Repairers (bodyshops) which displays the CSS Logo with the current year have achieved the Certified Steel Standard.

CSS Body Shop Sign-up

CSS (Certified Steel Standard) is the new bodyshop standards programme of SIMI and incorporates the industry agreed technical specification for the process of vehicle body repair. It outlines the processes and procedures directly related to the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles.

HAD AN ACCIDENT!

Car Accident

What to do if your Vehicle is involved in an accident:

Stay Calm
Stop, take some deep breaths, this will help you calm down, so that you can ensure that you record all information needed from this point on accurately.

Check for Injury
Make sure you and all others are safe. If you can’t get out of your vehicle, or it is not safe to try – keep your seat belt fastened , turn on your hazard lights and call 112 or 999 if possible and wait for help to arrive.

Moving Your Car
If you can drive your car and are in an unsafe spot or are blocking traffic, find a safe and legal place to park the vehicle. Turn off the ignitions of the vehicles involved.

Remain at the scene
Stay at the scene of the accident until the Garda Siochana have come and gone, making sure you have the name or number of any Garda in attendance.

Exchange Motoring Details -Legal Obligation
Exchange names, addresses, driver's license details, vehicle registration and insurance details including Name and address of other drivers insurance company and the number of certificate of insurance with the driver of the other car (See insurance disc on windscreen).

Document the scene

  • Get the name and address of each witness.
  • Date, time and location of accident.
  • Debris or marks on the road relevant to the accident.
  • Rough sketch of vehicles before and after the accident.
  • Width of road, road markings, state of road surface, weather conditions, visibility.
  • Whether other driver and passengers were wearing seat belts.
  • If you do have a camera, photograph the scene.
  • Review your policy to make sure of your coverage.
  • Make a list of questions and related information you want to know.

Call your Insurance Company
Report the accident promptly to your insurance company.
Having an accident shouldn’t be viewed as anything more than it is – an accident.
If you keep a clear head and follow these simple steps, you can get through the stressful process of an accident much easier

After the Accident

The repair process what happens next:

Right to Choose
You have the right to choose a Vehicle Body Repairer to undertake repairs to your car. An insurance company may recommend their approved repairs however you're always free to choose any repairer and you don’t have to use your insurer's recommendation. It’s your decision and Insurers must meet all reasonable costs of repairs.

Standards for Repairs
Ask your insurance company or repairer if the company is CSS certified?
CSS (Certified Steel Standard) is the Irish National Standard programme for the structural repair of accident damaged cars created by SIMI, (the Society of the Irish Motor Industry).

CSS ensures

  • The craftsmen carrying out the repairs have the appropriate qualifications.
  • Ensuring that every aspect of the job is recorded and traceable.
  • Ensuring the vehicle body repairer has all of the tools and equipment to carry to out the repair correctly.
  • Ensuring that customers are satisfied with the work done and they have somebody to help if there is a shortcoming with the repair.

Recovery
If your vehicle has to be towed away contact an SIMI Vehicle Recovery Operator or your insurance company may arrange recovery.

Schedule an inspection for an estimate
The damaged to your vehicle needs to be inspected to determine the cost of repairs. In some cases the insurance company may send out an assessor depending on the level of damage or the repairer will submit an estimate of the work to the insurance company for approval. Vehicle Body Repairers will assist customers with the paper work required to submit a claim to an insurance company.

Speak with your claim handler
Your insurance company's claim handler will review all the information to help determine fault and then provide a cost estimate. Check the excess you have to pay yourself on your policy the amount varies.

Get your Car Repairer
Once your claim has been filed, coverage determined, your insurer will process your claim and will confirm if you are covered so you can consent to have your car repaired.

Safe Driving
Choosing a CSS vehicle body repairer guarantees that the repair will be carried out to a standard, correctly and completely – no short cuts, no compromises on quality. So you will have peace of mind when driving your newly repaired car.

Testimonials

For an extensive list of our CSS Vehicle Repairers from around the country.

(Repairs are listed in alphabetical order)