What is an Automotive Expert?
An automotive expert is a professional who conducts expert assessments of vehicles. They operate independently or as employees in an impartial manner. Their activities include:
- Evaluating vehicles to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
- Conducting technical research and analyses to determine the circumstances and causes of damage incidents.
- Assessing the extent of wear, damage, defects, and accidents on vehicles.
- Estimating the material loss suffered by vehicles due to damage.
- Determining the necessary repairs to restore the vehicle to its original condition and estimating costs.
- Verifying whether repairs have been properly executed.
- Compiling a reasoned report for the assigned task.
Ethics
In addition to their civil and political obligations, automotive experts must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which includes:
- Confidentiality: Respecting the confidentiality of client information.
- Integrity: Engaging in fair and transparent professional practices.
- Responsibility: Providing accurate and reliable evaluations.
All necessary information is available in the "Code of Ethics" and the "Internal Regulations" of the I.A.E., accessible on the "Legislation" page.
Access and Practice Requirements
To become a member of the Institute of Automotive Experts, the following conditions must be met, as specified in the law of May 15, 2007:
- Professional Qualifications: Possession of a recognized diploma meeting the requirements.
- Professional Experience: Demonstrable relevant experience.
- Legal Capacity: Must be an adult and able to act.
- Registration in the Business Register: Mandatory for self-employed individuals and companies, but not for employees.
- Compliance with Ethical Standards: Commitment to following the code of ethics.
- No Criminal Convictions: No criminal convictions that jeopardize practice.
- Membership Fee: Payment of membership costs.
How to Become an Automotive Expert
To start the registration process and any necessary internship at the Institute of Automotive Experts, download the relevant application documents and return them fully completed by mail or email, along with the required documents.
For registration as a natural person
- Application for registration as an individual.
- Completed Information Form.
- Photocopies of diplomas.
- Internship agreement, fully completed, signed, and dated (in 3 copies).
- A criminal record extract dated within the last three months.
- A complete copy of the employment contract or service assignment (if self-employed).
For re-registration as a natural person
- Application for re-registration as an individual.
- Completed Information Form.
For legal entities
- Application for registration as a legal entity.
- Decision allowing the legal entity to practice as an automotive expert.
- Certificate confirming participation in other companies and/or legal entities, or confirming that there is no such participation.
- The most recent list of all managers, directors, members of the Executive Committee, or independent directors who can act in the name and on behalf of the legal entity.
- Copies of official documents identifying the managers, directors, and members, including publication in the Belgian Official Gazette and/or a copy of the membership list.
- Copies of articles published in the Belgian Official Gazette demonstrating that the purpose and activities of the company are limited to providing services in the practice of the automotive expert profession.
- Proof that at least 60% of the shares or voting rights are directly or indirectly owned by experts properly registered on the list of automotive experts.
- Authority to represent the legal entity.
Applications will be assessed by the relevant chamber of the Institute, which will decide on the admission of the candidate as a member.
For conditions regarding freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services as a foreign expert, consult the following links:
Processing Deadlines
Applications for admission to the Institute of Automotive Experts will be processed within two months of receiving a complete file, in accordance with current practices. This timeframe may vary depending on the complexity of the application and the number of ongoing applications. For more information, you can contact info@iaeiea.be.
Costs
The application is free. Members pay an annual fee, the amount of which is determined by the general assembly within the limits and according to the rules set out in the Institute's internal regulations. This currently amounts to 950 euros for individuals, 350 euros for legal entities, and 250 euros for interns.
Appeal in Case of Refusal
Any decision by one of the chambers of the Council of the Institute to refuse a candidate's admission as a member of the Institute may be appealed by the interested party to the appeals committee.
What is an Internship?
The internship is a mandatory practical training period that ensures future automotive experts acquire the experience and skills necessary to practice their profession competently and professionally.
Internship Objectives
- Practical Training: Applying theoretical knowledge gained during training.
- Skills Acquisition: Developing technical and practical skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.
- Professional Integration: Understanding the professional and ethical requirements of the automotive expert profession.
Duration of the Internship
The duration of the internship is determined by the Institute of Automotive Experts and may vary depending on the trainee's professional and academic background. Typically, the internship lasts between 1 and 2 years.
Internship Procedures
- Registration: Candidates must register with the Institute of Automotive Experts.
- Supervision: The internship must be conducted under the supervision of a recognized automotive expert.
- Internship Reports: Trainees must regularly write reports on their activities and learning experiences.
- Evaluation: At the end of the internship, an evaluation is conducted to ensure the internship objectives have been met.
Internship Documents
All necessary information can be found in the Internship Regulations of the I.A.E., available on the Laws and Regulations page. The following documents need to be completed and returned throughout the internship process:
Continuing Education
Continuing education is essential to stay up to date with technological developments and new standards in the automotive industry. Automotive experts must complete at least 15 hours of I.A.E.-approved professional training each year.
All necessary information is available in the Code of Ethics and the Internal Regulations of the I.A.E., available on the Laws and Regulations page.
How to Find an Automotive Expert?
You can search or browse the Find Member page to obtain the names and contact details of automotive experts registered with the Institute of Automotive Experts.
Please contact the Institute of Automotive Experts for detailed information and to start the registration and internship process. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us or consult the Your Europe website, which will guide you to the most useful national and EU websites.
Questions on your rights in the EU? Or your obligations? - Your Europe (europa.eu)
Last Updated: This page was last updated on November 21, 2024.