Imports hit by ACC blunder

ACC and the NZTA are moving to ensure owners overcharged for the vehicle risk-rating component of licencing fees will get refunds.  The current estimated number of people who may have paid incorrect levies for their rego now stands at about 9,000. A change in regulations is needed to place them in the correct bands and affected owners will receive refunds as soon as possible. Technical issues relate to imported second-hand cars. The error affecting the greatest number of vehicles was identified by ACC late last year and a programme to fix it was put in place, but another programme inadvertently overrode this. The issue wasn’t picked up until some people contacted ACC about their car’s bands. A second issue with data-matching of particular variants has also been found. For example, some Corolla Spacios have been classified as Toyota Corollas and put in the wrong band. ACC is working with the NZTA to resolve the issues and arrange refunds. Some will be up to $103.50, while most are for lower amounts. “All vehicle owners will save money as a result of the government reducing levies and we want to assure people the vast majority of New Zealand’s 2.7 million cars are in the correct bands,” says a spokesman for ACC. “Because it is vital owners have confidence in VRR, ACC has contracted an independent quality-assurance provider to check the rules and processes are working properly.” Malcolm Yorston, technical services and membership manager of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA), told Autofile Online: “There will always be teething issues with new systems. “We are pleased ACC has identified these problems and is taking appropriate steps to ensure affected motorists are being refunded any reimbursements for overpayments they are due. The IMVIA will continue working with ACC to ensure robust processes are in place and these difficulties can be overcome.” Motorists can call a freephone helpline on 0800-222-776 or check the list of affected models online at http://www.acc.co.nz/for-individuals/other-motorists/wpc138205