My name is Jamie Muir, and I am the owner and lead engineer at SJM Auto Assessors. Since taking ownership of the business in January 2022, I have been committed to providing independent, professional automotive assessment services built on technical expertise, integrity, and real-world industry experience.

My journey in the automotive industry began at the age of 16 as a spray painter. Over the years, I have worked across every level of the repair sector, from independent family-run bodyshops to some of the UK’s largest repair networks. My experience extends beyond passenger vehicles, having also refinished trains, heavy-duty industrial vehicles, and agricultural machinery. Every role I undertook presented a new opportunity to learn, develop and broaden my understanding of vehicle repair and the exceptionally high standards expected throughout the industry.

As my career progressed, I was presented with the opportunity to join SJM North, working alongside the highly respected automotive engineer Charlie Welsh. It was an opportunity I simply couldn’t refuse. Learning from someone with Charlie’s experience gave me invaluable insight into automotive engineering, vehicle damage assessment and the importance of delivering fair, evidence-based decisions for all parties involved. When the opportunity arose to take ownership of the business, I was proud to continue its reputation under the new name of SJM Auto Assessors.

One principle I have always believed in is that the very best automotive engineers are those who have experienced the repair process first-hand. Having spent years carrying out repairs myself, I understand the realities faced by technicians, estimators, insurers, repairers and vehicle owners alike. This practical knowledge allows me to communicate effectively with every party involved and reach outcomes that are technically accurate, commercially realistic and, above all, fair.

To complement my hands-on experience, I have continued to invest heavily in my professional development. I hold a number of respected industry qualifications and accreditations, including CAE, AMIMI, ATA and VDA. My most recent achievement was becoming recognised as an Adequately Qualified Person (AQP), demonstrating my competence in vehicle damage assessment, salvage categorisation and safety-led decision making.

These qualifications, combined with my practical repair background, reflect my commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards within an ever-evolving automotive industry.

Today, SJM Auto Assessors is proud to be a family-run business built on honesty, professionalism and exceptional customer service. From your very first conversation with my wife, Tiffany—our Office Manager and, as I often say, the real boss—through to the completion of your report or estimate, our goal is to provide a service that exceeds expectations. We believe in treating every client with respect, communicating openly and standing firmly behind the advice we provide.

Having now inspected and estimated approaching 20,000 vehicles, there is very little we haven’t encountered. From complex structural repairs and valuation disputes to engineering inspections and insurance negotiations, our experience gives clients confidence that they are receiving informed, independent advice backed by years of practical knowledge. And if we don’t yet have the answer, we’ll find it—and we’ll fight tirelessly to achieve the right outcome.

At SJM Auto Assessors, we don’t simply produce reports or estimates—we provide trusted expertise, technical accuracy and an unwavering commitment to doing things properly. Whether you’re a repairer, insurer, solicitor, fleet operator or private vehicle owner, you can be confident that your vehicle and your interests are in experienced hands.