The Association of British Insurers is warning vehicle repairers who fail to register their readiness for the Year 2000 on the Association's Year 2000 database risk severe business disruption and potential loss of business.

The Association believes that many repairers are ignoring the questionnaire sent to them requesting information for the database in the mistaken belief that because they don't have computer systems, they will not be affected by the Year 2000 date change.

John Kemble, Electronic Commerce Manager of the Association of British Insurers, warned:

"No vehicle repairer can afford to ignore the implications of Year 2000. Any machinery or process which uses time sensitive information and embedded chips ranging from security systems and fax machines to industrial equipment might be affected. With insurance companies increasingly making use of the database to ensure their trading partners are Year 2000 ready, no repairer can afford not to be on it."

Notes

1. Attached, for information, is a copy of the questionnaire which forms the basis of details contained on the database. Repairers can obtain the questionnaire by writing to Jackie Childs, Association of British Insurers, 51 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HQ.



2. Enquiries to:
   Vic Rance 020 7216 7440
   Malcolm Tarling 020 7216 7410
   



3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.