Inspector code of conduct

You work for the buyer, not the seller. You must have no financial interest in whether the sale goes ahead and no relationship with the seller that could influence your findings. You do not accept commissions, referral fees, or gifts connected to an inspection.

If you have any conflict of interest with a vehicle, seller, or buyer, you must decline the inspection and tell AAPPI.

Report what you find — all of it. You do not soften, omit, or exaggerate findings to please anyone. Every claim in a report must be backed by what you observed, with photos where relevant.

Where you are unsure, say so. “Could not verify” is an honest finding; guessing is not.

You only perform inspections within your competence and licensing. You keep your skills, tooling, and knowledge current, and you follow the AAPPI inspection checklist for the vehicle type you are inspecting.

You arrive on time, communicate clearly, and treat buyers, sellers, and their property with respect. You handle the vehicle with care and leave it as you found it.

You represent AAPPI in the field — courtesy and clarity are part of the job.

You follow safe work practices at all times, including during road tests and when working under or around vehicles. If an inspection cannot be done safely, you stop and report why.

Inspection details and customer information are confidential. You use them only to perform the inspection and deliver the report, and you handle them in line with our Privacy Policy.

Reports are delivered through AAPPI so they cannot be altered after the fact. You do not accept payment or pressure to change, delay, or withhold a report. Attempts to influence a report must be reported to AAPPI.

Breaching this code may result in removal from the AAPPI network. Serious breaches — falsifying findings, accepting inducements, or unsafe practice — result in immediate removal and may be reported to the relevant authorities.

To raise a concern or report a breach, email inspectors@aappi.com.au.