National Transport Insurance (NTI) has launched an accredited repairer scheme in a move to raise industry repair standards and ensure higher quality and faster repairs.

NTI Premium Repairer was recently launched in Perth on the site of the first heavy vehicle smash repairer to join the scheme.

CEO Wayne Patterson says some repairers in NSW and Victoria will join the scheme soon.

Mr Patterson says the heavy vehicle industry is very different from the car industry. It does not have as many participants but it attracts more capital investment.

The move comes as insurers and car smash repairers continue to exchange fire over a public inquiry by the Productivity Commission into the commercial relationship between the repair and insurance industries.

The commission has been instructed by Treasurer Peter Costello to investigate ways of improving transparency, competitiveness and consumer protection in the smash repair industry.

But Mr Patterson says the NTI scheme is different from the schemes car insurers use. “They are the ones attracting the attention of the politicians and the media.”

He says the NTI scheme is open to all repairers who meet a set of benchmarks. These include all aspects of a repair service, including paint, parts, equipment and staff training.

“In return for that investment in their own businesses we are prepared to reward them with one of the highest sets of rates paid by any insurer.”