Membership Packages (Email)
IGA Membership
We know that providing services for your customers is just a small element of what goes into running your garage.
IGA membership is designed to ensure that garages like yours have access to support that covers all aspects of running a business – ultimately to ensure that your garage thrives!
From a dedicated technical helpline, members forum, legal advice, to HR support – we have you covered with IGA Membership.
All IGA members have access to Technical Support, Technical Training, Business Support as well as access to Trust My Garage Code of Practice.
Get in touch and a member of our team will contact you to go through your application.
Technical Support
The Technical Helpline is supported by fully trained, RMI employed staff that have a wealth of hands-on technical experience in vehicle repairs and customer care.
We don’t suggest that we have the answer for every fault that can go wrong with a vehicle, but we are here to discuss your concerns and offer guidance as required, and advise if we have any common issues with the vehicle in question.
We are available to discuss, advise and support you when: you are experiencing problem repairs, help you with undocumented fault codes or guide you through wiring diagrams. Sometimes this can help in situations where technicians have become ‘snow blind’ with the situation they are in – it’s ‘good to talk’ as they say!
We can guide you through the process of accessing technical data sites, including vehicle manufacturer’s web sites which may also give access to repair information and allow access to vehicle service history too.
- Annual VAT-free fee of £135.00 (36p per day) and gives access to a telephone helpline – Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (excluding bank holidays)
- Includes 10 Tech Tips bulletins per year which are currently posted in ‘hard copy’ format (includes all past copies of the Tech Tips to view online)
- Online Technical Forum which gives subscribers 24-hour access to post and review technical issues for motor vehicle mechanical, electrical and body repair topics
Many independents already harness the power of the internet for technical information – indeed the majority of manufacturer information is delivered online these days. But information alone is not enough to solve some vehicle problems. What is needed is insight and advice – and the IGA’s member forum can help you learn from your peers and share your experiences.
The IGA member forum is a growing platform of shared technical information. You can post, share and discuss technical problems with fellow members, post product reviews, discuss the latest MOT news and more.
The forum can be used on your smartphone too, so you can access it anywhere. Anyone can view the forum, but you must be an IGA member to log in and post.
IGA members can rent Opus IVS’ multi-function diagnostics platform DrivePro at a reduced rate of only £350 per month, with no long-term commitment or contractual fees.
- Exclusive to IGA members
- Only £350 a month with no deposit or upfront cost
- No long-term commitment – you can cancel your rental at any time after 3 months initial use (must provide 30 days’ notice)
- Use of IVS 360™. This unique diagnostic support service gives you instant access to brand specific OEM-trained Master Technicians, for live step-by-step guidance.
- Access to pay as you go Remote Assist Programming (RAP®) services
Fully supported multi-brand diagnostic solution
The DrivePro™ Elite Diagnostic Kit brings you all the advanced capabilities of our revolutionary DrivePro, also our capability of our R.A.P and Remote Services offering – enabling your workshop to carry out Control Unit Reprogramming, Variant Coding and Complex OEM Diagnostic Procedures.
IVS 360TM Support
Live support from over 100 OE brand-specific master technicians who remote directly into the vehicle providing repair guidance and flash programming services.
Diagnostic Software
In-depth diagnostic software for 64 vehicle brands across 3 diagnostics Software’s.
Built-in DriveRAP Service
Hassle-free, flash programming remotely performed by our IVS 360 support team eliminates the uncertainty of programming a vehicle yourself.
Rugged Automotive Tablet
With built-in software and a simple user interface, DrivePro has been made easy to use and more affordable than buying the software directly.
Vehicle Visuals
Make your service and repair explanations easy to follow and convert recommended work into revenue with Vehicle Visuals 3D animations, available at an exclusive subscription price to IGA members.
Vehicle Visuals is a platform that offers hundreds of interactive or narrated animations showing vehicle parts and systems to make complex descriptions easy to explain and understand. This can help you to build trust with your customers by breaking down the technical language barrier that prevents them from understanding the reason for essential servicing and repairs.
Customers who see a Vehicle Visuals animation gain confidence to make educated decisions about their vehicle and are more likely to return to the same workshop for future service and repair. Vehicle Visuals is your technical interpreter, creating trust and confience that customers remember.
IGA members can subscribe to Vehicle Visuals at an exclusive price of £30 per month, with the option to contract monthly or annually, to support you and your team in delivering a professional and transparent first-class customer service.
Subscribing gives you access to their ever-growing library of over 450 video animations, providing your business with the following benefits:
- Enhance your front-of-house staff’s ability to explain the need for additional servicing on your customers’ vehicles by using a visual explanation process.
- Animated content can be sent to your customers by email, text message, WhatsApp or using social media platforms.
- Support for training your non-technical staff, who can view the animations and read our technical guides attached to every animation.
- Enhance direct marketing initiatives, including email campaigns and embedded animations on your website with Vehicle Visuals marketing link videos.
See more clips on the Vehicle Visuals website here.
Vehicle Visuals animations support you and your team in delivering the very best in customer service, with a clear jargon-free communication ensuring that your service team don’t just tell the customer, but show the customer – a picture speaks a thousand words.
Technical Training
The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills has of state of the art training facilities located in Southam, Runcorn, Lincoln, Winchester and Cheltenham.
All RMI Academy training venues offer top quality training without commercial interests for the retail automotive sector.
The Academies offer an ever-growing range of MOT, annual and technical training, including:
- MOT Tester training – Class 4 & 7, Class 1 & 2, Class 5
- MOT Centre Management
- Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment (VTAA)
- F-Gas
- Six MOT Annual Training options
- Technical Training, including Hybrid/Electric Vehicles, ADAS and Wheel Alignment
- Bespoke Training
IGA members currently receive Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 training at a heavily subsidised rate of £250 + VAT. MOT training courses are delivered at a 40-50% discount!
You can find more information about all of the courses by visiting the RMI Academy website. You can also call 01788 225 908 for any enquiries.
MOT Annual Training
Six MOT annual training packages are available through the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills, to support your testers and ensure they can confidently complete DVSA’s mandatory training requirements by 31st March each year to keep their tester status.
Annual Training Workbooks – £45
These popular, cost-effective annual training workbooks allow testers to train in their own time. The books contain self-learning material, sample assessment questions, a training log and personal login details to access the online assessment.
E-Learning – £60
Annual training and the online assessment can be carried out fully online through the RMI Academy’s e-learning platform, which combines text, photos, questions and answers, interactive elements and for an engaging learning experience.
Classroom Training – £95
For testers who prefer face-to-face training, their annual training and assessment can both be conveniently completed in half a day at RMI Academy of Automotive Skills sites in Runcorn, Lincoln, Southam or Winchester.
Enhanced Classroom Training – £195
An enhanced, full-day classroom option is available for testers who would like in-depth training beyond the minimum three hours of training required by DVSA. This package is available for Class 4 & 7 vehicles only.
Regional Training Events – £70
Training is delivered at regional events across the country and throughout the year, so that testers have access to face-to-face learning no matter where they are in the country. This package includes a training session, an RMI workbook and access to the online assessment. These events are available for Class 4 & 7 only, and a full list of upcoming events can be found at www.RMItrainingAcademy.co.uk. The online assessment must be taken outside of the course.
On-site Training – £245 for RMI members, £295 for non-members
Annual training can be delivered at your premises for up to 6 testers. The online assessment must be purchased separately at a cost of £34 per tester, and can be taken immediately after the course or at a later date.
To book a package or enquire, please call 01788 539 399, or visit RMItrainingAcademy.co.uk for further information.
All options are available for Class 4 & 7 and 1 & 2 vehicles and include access to the online assessment unless specified, prices exclude VAT.
Being a member of the Independent Garage Association provides you and your technicians with a range of training opportunities.
Our suite of technical training courses span all skill levels, progressing from introductory half day on-site training to comprehensive classroom based courses, and are flexible in the way they accommodate the needs of your business. All on-site courses can be arranged on a date and time that causes the least disruption to your workshop, and RMI Academy courses are available at all training centres.
All of our current technical training courses are listed below. Click on a course for more information, and call 01788 225 908 to book your training on a date that suits you.
- ADAS Introduction & Awareness
- ADAS Awareness & Practical
- ADAS IMI AOM 230
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Awareness and Safety
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Level 2
- Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3
- Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components Level 4
- Principles of Diagnostics
- Oscilloscope Introduction
- Intermediate Electrics
- Wheel Alignment Introduction & Awareness
- Wheel Alignment Awareness & Practical
The IGA are pleased to offer a complimentary one-month subscription to Autodata’s new online technical training platform, Autodata Training.
This offer is only available to IGA members, so take advantage and sign up here to try out the automotive industry’s leading provider of online technical training.
About Autodata Training
Take your training to the next level, with high-quality e-learning that’s available 24/7 on any smart device. Autodata Training is designed to offer world-class courses for all skill levels.
- More than 350 video training modules, which can be retaken as often as you need to
- Delivered in 65 online courses covering 9 areas of study, from fundamentals to advanced diagnostics
- New courses added every month
- No hidden charges or lock-in contracts
- Trusted by thousands of professional technicians in over 65 countries
Sign up for your complimentary subscription here
Offer Terms
- One complimentary one-month subscription per member
- Extra subscriptions can be added to the trial for an additional cost of £19.90 per month
- Your subscription will automatically end at the end of your one-month trial. To retain access at a cost of £19.90 per month, please contact the IGA member helpline
- You can amend or cancel your subscription at any time
- All costs exclude VAT
Business Support
IGA members also have access to Business Support Services. Find out more about each service below.
Our helpline is the first point of contact if members need help or advice on any automotive related issue.
As part of your membership we encourage you to utilise our expert advice whenever possible. The helpline is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday, with friendly and approachable staff who are passionate about the industry and ready to help.
We can assist you with:
- Human Resources support
- Legal advice
- Conciliation and arbitration
- Health & Safety
- MOT issues
- Member events
- Additional membership services
- Lobbying for issues affecting your business
- Implementing legislation
- Industry scam information
- Digital service records
- MOT and technical training
- Commercial services
- Exclusive member offers
…and any other issues you need help with
With employment law becoming more complex and changing frequently, it can be difficult to keep up-to-date and ensure compliance with the legal requirements placed on employers.
RMI HR gives you step-by-step guidance in every aspect of personnel via your PC. You get the facts and forms you need at the click of a mouse and advice on how to use them at the same time. And when you need detailed or emergency assistance, you can pick up the phone to the HR helpline.
RMI HR covers:
- Sample Job Descriptions
- Recruitment Guidance
- Inductions
- Policies & Handbooks
- Performance & Management
- Ending Employment
- Terms & Conditions
- Health & Safety
- GDPR
- Apprentice Contracts
The RMI Legal Advice team is here to offer guidance and reassurance on a wide range of essential topics, including employment, commercial, contract and consumer law.
- Provision of the web based HR toolkit.
- Provision of the legal helpline number that can provide assistance on HR and commercial law.
- Legal comments on letters and documents in relation to HR and commercial law issues.
- Assistance is given by a dedicated team of solicitors/barristers.
Complex cases
If you have a serious or complex legal issue, preferential rates are available to ensure that your problem can be solved in a cost-effective manner.
- Pay as you go basis
- Preferential, fixed rate if case moves into litigation
- Charges are agreed directly with the member and legal team before any work is carried out.
Received a complaint from a customer and not sure how to handle
the situation? Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a means of
settling disputes without resorting to the courts. Settlement of
disputes is typically faster and cheaper for both the consumer and
trader when using ADR.
The National Conciliation Service is an independent CTSI certified ADR provider that can help you prevent detrimental disputes and restore good customer relationships.
This key service is part of your membership and provides reassurance and peace of mind to both member and consumer.
There are different levels of ADR available through the NCS: Mediation/Conciliation, Arbitration, and Legal Representation.
IGA members can:
- Promote your membership to customers
- Inform customers about the benefits of dealing with their business as a member of the IGA
- Advise your customers of the Conciliation and Arbitration service should need arise
- Solve your dispute amicably and fairly, without court hearings
www.nationalconciliationservice.co.uk
ADR Legislation
As a member of the Independent Garage Association, a trade body which provides an ADR service for its members, you are required to provide information about your ADR provider on your website and in any contractual terms with customers.
If you haven’t added this information to your website or contracts yet, you can copy and paste the paragraph below we have created for you to use:
“We are subscribed to the National Conciliation Service (NCS) which is the UK’s certified automotive retail Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider. As one of our customers, you are able to use the NCS if you feel we have not internally been able to resolve your complaint.
The NCS has been certified by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) as compliant with UK and EU regulations in respect of ADR.”
Allianz Insurance has been our exclusive insurance partner for over 25 years, and we have designed this motor trade insurance policy specifically for our members.
It provides a broad range of insurance covers, catering for a variety of activities, such as sales, servicing and mechanical repairs, as well as tyre and exhaust fitters and auto electricians. In addition to insurance cover, Allianz’s policy provides relevant benefits for members that can help you to run your business more effectively, such as:
- free risk management support – helping you to manage your health and safety obligations
- exclusive discounts – on risk management products and services via Allianz’s extensive range of preferred suppliers, including telematics solutions and security installations
- Allianz’s Motor Insurance Database – which provides you with immediate access to vehicle data to help you establish a robust reporting process. A helpdesk is also available.
You can also receive exclusive, enhanced policies and direct dealings with an Allianz specialist automotive underwriting team by using Gallagher Insurance Brokers. For half a century the Gallagher automotive team has been protecting a full spectrum of motor trade businesses across the country – from small family firms and independents up to the largest franchises. Their nationwide team of specialist brokers’ places over £33 million of premiums annually with a wide range of specialist motor trade underwriters, helping ensure you have the competitive and comprehensive cover in place that’s right for your business.
Gallagher are pleased to advise that they have arranged inclusion of MOT Loss of Licence cover as standard for any RMI member with an authorised MOT test centre taking out an Allianz insurance package. This is available to RMI/IGA members when you purchase an Allianz Motor Trade Policy from Gallagher via the RMI. The Loss of MOT Licence cover is included in addition to the enhanced Gallagher/RMI Allianz policy wording already offered to members.
Certain Allianz T&C’s apply, please contact the RMI or Gallagher for full details.
RMI Independent members benefit directly from our preferential credit rates.
Providing card payment services can boost your customer base, allowing customers a better choice of payment options with your business.
- Low cost credit card charges
- Reduced debit card costs, keeping money in your business.
- Worry free PCI-DSS compliance
RMI Utilities provides all RMI members with a comprehensive ‘energy management service and telecoms review’ designed to take the pain out of dealing with your energy and telecoms supplies and suppliers.
The service will help you to minimise your time and the cost for these essential utilities by searching out the very best deals in the market, and handling all aspects of the renewal process, with no charge for members of the RMI.
RMI Utilities will:
- Cut costs and save time by researching the entire market on your behalf
- Avoid you getting caught on ‘roll over’ or expensive utility contracts
- Ensure you are not ‘locked in’ high price contracts
- Align multiple supplies to one renewal date to ease future administration
- Advise on Change of Tenancy, new meter installations, and supplier objections
- Provide access to energy efficiency products and services
- Give assistance on all aspects of your telecoms including broadband, mobiles, and phone systems
As part of our Invoice Checker service we also offer checks for your Business Rates. Find out more by clicking here.
The IGA’s new service to help members assess and reduce their energy costs, called Workshop Utilities Healthcheck, is now available to book.
The Workshop Utilities Healthcheck is an audit carried out at members’ premises to survey their energy output and highlight areas where money could be saved.
Areas covered within the audit include equipment, heating, water, lighting, insulation and employee awareness.
The service is included for no additional cost as part of IGA membership, so please contact us today to book yours.
Are your business rates right? They are unavoidable but complicated to work out, so how can you be sure that you are not being overcharged?
RMI Rates offers a service that will:
Review your business’s future rateable value and provide clarification for you where needed in terms of your projected liability.
Conduct further research on your property and determine if an appeal should be lodged.
See if there is scope to challenge your existing rating valuation if this has not already been undertaken.
The RMI Rates service will never cost you anything – the audits are conducted on the basis of “no savings, no fee”, so the only fee you will ever face is a small percentage of whatever savings you gain.
As part of our Invoice Checker service we also offer checks for your energy and telecoms services. Find out more by clicking here.
In 2021, 39% of UK businesses have identified cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months, costing an average of £8,460 per business that lost data or assets after breaches.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a Government department that provides advice and support for the public and private sector in how to avoid computer security threats. They have a wealth of simple guidance for small and medium sized organisations that anyone can follow and implement to make their business more cyber secure, without the need to be technologically-minded.
The NCSC recommend working through the list of advice and resources below if you are looking to improve cyber security within your business:
1. Cyber Aware – Cyber Aware is the government’s advice on how to stay secure online. It outlines six actions to take to improve your cyber security and offers a tailored plan for you or your business.
2. NCSC Subscription Centre – The subscription centre provides the opportunity to receive various communications from the NCSC including NCSC Newsletter, Advisories and the Weekly Threat Reports
3. Small Business Guide – Explains how to improve your cyber security; affordable, actionable advice for organisations.
4. Small Charities Guide – Explains how to improve cyber security within your charity – quickly, easily and at low cost.
5. Top Tips for Staff and Cyber Security for Small Organisations E-learning – Both designed to be integrated into your organisation’s training platform.
6. Exercise in a Box – A free online tool which helps organisations find out how resilient they are to cyber attacks and practise their response in a safe environment. Exercises include from 15-minute micro exercises, 1-3 hour discussion based exercises and a 3-4 hour simulation exercise.
7. Response & Recovery Guide – Guidance that helps organisations prepare their response to and plan their recovery from a cyber incident.
8. Ten Steps to Cyber Security – Take things a little further: breaks down the task of defending networks into ten essential components.
9. COVID-19 Guidance – This guidance includes home working, video conferencing and moving your organisation from physical to digital
10. Supply Chain Security – This guidance will provide organisations with an improved awareness of supply chain security, as well as helping to raise the baseline level of competence in this regard, through the continued adoption of good practice.
11. Cyber Essentials – Cyber Essentials government backed certification scheme helps you to guard against the most common cyber threats and demonstrate your commitment to cyber security. As mentioned a lot of government and some private contracts are now requesting Cyber Certification as part of their tender process.
12. Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool – A free, online resource that guides organisations through a series of questions related to the Cyber Essentials criteria to help prepare them for certification. The tool asks questions about an organisation’s use of hardware, software, and boundary devices such as firewalls, as well as use of passwords and protections against malware and provides clear, non-technical advice for the user. Upon completion of the tool the user receives a tailored action plan that outlines the steps they need to take to achieve Cyber Essentials certification. This tool, developed by IASME on behalf of the NCSC – a part of GCHQ – was launched at the NCSC’s flagship conference CYBERUK 2021.
Videos on several common cyber security threats can also be accessed via the links below:
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in May 2018, is EU-designed legislation with the objective to strengthen the rights of individuals when companies use, collect and share their personal data.
If you haven’t taken the steps required to comply with the regulations and protect your customers’ data you could now be liable to a fine of up to 4% of your turnover. If your business isn’t compliant, you should work through the IGA’s ‘Garage Guide to GDPR’ workbook in full, as it contains all the steps you need to take to ensure that your business complies with the new legislation.
No matter your current level of GDPR compliance, the IGA continues to offer the following on-site support services, and we will keep you up-to-date with new changes to the legislation via the bulletin.
GDPR Gap Analysis – £245 + VAT half day
- The GDPR gap analysis service provides an assessment of your organisation’s current level of compliance with the Regulation, seeking to highlight the standard requirements and the shortcomings in relation to those requirements
- This will assist in establishing an appropriate action plan in relation to the needs of your organisation, showing areas of strength and weakness
- You will also be provided with a general, indicative figure of overall compliance with the Regulation
GDPR Consultancy – £245 + VAT per half day or £395 + VAT per full day
- This will assist in ensuring your organisation meets the necessary GDPR requirements
- Provides assurance for customers, employees and all other data subjects that their information is being processed lawfully and stored securely
- We will work with you to produce personalised policies, procedures and guidance to facilitate compliance with the Regulation
GDPR Quality Assurance Certification Audit – £395 + VAT full day
- During the certification audit, we assess, in detail, your degree of compliance with the requirements of GDPR
- The audit consists of informal interviews, examinations, observations of your system in operation and review of relevant documentation and performance in identified focus areas
- Findings, including non-conformities, and conclusions are presented at the end of the audit in a closing meeting and included in the audit report
- After the audit you will be informed of non-conformities you need to address and respond to within an agreed deadline
- When found compliant, we issue you with the below quality assurance certificate that you will be able to display at your premises:
Workwear, Hygiene & Laundry Solution:
- Bespoke company branded workwear
- Trust My Garage joint branding
- Garment dispensers and collectors on site
- Dust mats and bespoke logo mats to protect reception areas
- Full range of hygiene products available
- Corporate workwear available to purchase
- Member specific cost packages available*
*Subject to T&C’s and current contract status
Website Solution:
The IGA website offer provides you with an affordable high quality web presence for your business.
All you need to do is supply pictures of your business, your company logo if you have one and information such as the services you offer, your opening times and a brief description of your business.
The package includes:
- 3 pages of information – Home, Contact, Service
- Inclusive Google map add-on
- Simple, attractive design
- Ability to customise to your needs
Please visit www.rmiwp.co.uk/signup/ to find out more or create your website.
Autodata is one of the world’s leading suppliers of technical information for the automotive industry – the technical data spans over 29,000 vehicle models.
