About Us

Vehicle Safety & Repair Inspections (VSRI) was founded by David Mackow—an industry professional with over 30 years of experience in accident repairs, spray painting, estimating and vehicle assessments. After owning and operating a high-performing accident repair centre for many years, David launched VSRI to provide expert-level, independent assessments trusted by repairers and legal professionals.

VSRI is completely independent of insurers. We support workshops, legal teams, and vehicle owners by producing clear, evidence-based reporting—especially for third-party recovery and legal proceedings.

We combine technical precision with deep industry insight. Our reports reflect the real time, cost and conditions needed to carry out safe and compliant repairs.

We also challenge the application of standardised time guides and flat-rate labour systems that often don’t reflect real-world accident repair scenarios. These systems—commonly used in the industry—are typically based on undamaged vehicles in ideal conditions. They don’t account for the complexities of modern repairs, including crushed panels, misaligned parts, stripped bolts, or structural damage.

Based on our experience, many standardised labour rates fall below the True Hourly Operating Cost (THOC) of modern repair businesses. Materials have risen significantly in cost, and skilled professionals often earn $70+/hour. Sustainable labour rates must also consider compliance costs, equipment, training, and facility overheads. These days many shops can’t even afford the trades people they need to run their business, while insurance companies’ partner with huge shops feeding them large amounts of cars and setting a price limits of each repair cost.

VSRI advocates for assessment standards that reflect the true cost of doing the job properly.