The State Courts, formerly known as the Subordinate Courts, have released a 148-page Motor Accident Guide, written in simple English and illustrated by dozens of diagrams - picked from past court cases - to provide readers an idea of where they stand should they take an accident claim to court.

Judicial Commissioner, See Kee Oon, told The Straits Times at the book launch yesterday, the guide was meant to assist the general public and key players in the motor industry to resolve their traffic accident claims. 

The guide is available at the information counter of the State Courts building in Havelock Square, at $15 a piece.

Derek Teo, Executive Director of General Insurance Association (GIA) of Singapore believes the guide should encourage people to settle issues out of court, and eventually the cost of claims will be contained.

Francis Lim, President of Singapore Motor Workshop Association told the English daily, the guide will aid workshop operators in providing better advice to customers. Mr Lim also revealed that the association is working with the authorities to register and certify workshop operators to ensure better quality of work. 

In addition, he revealed the association is working with the Institute for Technical Education (ITE) to certify existing mechanics and is also working with Case to have an accreditation scheme for workshops.

The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) also welcomed the guide and called it timely. President Lim Biow Chuan said the association has been working with the Automobile Association of Singapore and GIA on ways to lower claim costs - and consequently, insurance premiums.

One initiative is for accident damage surveyors, who are usually former mechanics, to be registered. He told the English daily the cost of repairs is largely upon a surveyor's report and currently there are no restrictions on entry for the profession.