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.

For conditions regarding freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services as a foreign expert, consult the following links:

• Freedom of Establishment for EU Citizens
• Freedom to Provide Services for EU Citizens

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, such as:

• Application for registration as an individual.
• Completed Information Form.
• Photocopies of diplomas.
• The fully completed, signed, and dated internship agreement (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 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, provided their purpose and activities do not conflict with the role of an automotive expert.
  • Alternatively, no participation in other companies and/or legal entities.
• 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, demonstrating that they are registered on the list of automotive experts.
• Copies of official documents to identify the managers, directors, members of the steering group, including publication in the Belgian Official Gazette (appendix legal entities) and/or a copy of the membership list.
• Copies of articles published in the Belgian Official Gazette (appendix legal entities) demonstrating that the purpose and activities of the company are limited to providing services in the practice of the automotive expert profession and do not conflict with this practice.
• 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.

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.

How to Find an Automotive Expert?

You can search or browse the "Find Member" page to obtain the names and contact details of all automotive experts registered with the Institute of Automotive Experts.

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 auto-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:

• Internship Agreement
• Interim Evaluation Report
• Final Evaluation Report

Please contact the Institute of Automotive Experts for detailed information and to start the registration and internship process.

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Last Updated: This page was last updated on November 21, 2024.