A new certification scheme is set to reshape how vehicles are repaired in the UK.
Sermi, short for Security related Repair and Maintenance Information, has officially gone live, giving approved independent garages access to security sensitive vehicle data for the first time.
This matters because modern vehicles increasingly rely on software, diagnostics and controlled systems. Without access to that data, even routine repairs can be delayed or redirected through manufacturer networks.
Sermi creates a standardised and secure route for independent repairers to access that information. It supports consumer choice and helps level the playing field between independent garages and authorised networks.
For fleets, the opportunity is clear. More choice in repair networks and the potential to reduce vehicle off road time, which remains one of the most persistent operational pain points.
However, the benefits will not be immediate.
Adoption is still uneven, with garages needing to complete certification processes and manufacturers rolling out access at different speeds. In the short term, fleets are likely to see variation in capability across their supply chain.
The broader direction is already clear. Mobile diagnostics, automated authorisation and on-site servicing are all emerging to reduce delays and keep vehicles moving.
Sermi fits into that same shift towards faster and more flexible repair models.
👉 For more on reducing downtime, explore FleetWise coverage of mobile servicing and SMR solutions.
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