Can You Choose Your Own Accident Repair Centre After an Insurance Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a road accident, your insurance company may recommend that you use one of its approved repair centres.
But what happens if you’d prefer to use a local independent bodyshop that you know and trust?
At R&G Accident Repairs in Cheltenham, we understand that dealing with vehicle damage and insurance claims can be stressful. Here’s what you should know before choosing where your vehicle is repaired.
Do I have to use my insurer’s approved repairer?
Not necessarily.
Many UK motor insurance policies allow customers to request their own repairer rather than using a garage from the insurer’s approved network.
However, your options depend on the terms of your insurance policy. Choosing a repairer outside the approved network can sometimes mean paying an additional excess, losing certain benefits or needing approval before repairs begin.
Always check your policy and speak to your insurer before making arrangements.
What is an insurer-approved repair centre?
Insurance companies often work with networks of approved repairers. These businesses have arrangements with insurers for handling vehicle repairs.
Using an approved repairer can offer benefits such as streamlined authorisation, repair guarantees and access to a courtesy vehicle, depending on your policy.
However, you may prefer to use a local independent accident repair specialist, particularly if you’ve used them before or would like to discuss the repairs directly with the business carrying out the work.
What should I check before choosing my own repairer?
Before booking your vehicle into an independent bodyshop, ask your insurer:
- Can I nominate my preferred accident repair centre?
- Will choosing my own repairer affect my insurance excess?
- Do you need to approve the repair estimate before work begins?
- Will I still be entitled to a courtesy vehicle?
- Who will be responsible for the repair guarantee?
- Are there any other policy conditions I should know about?
Getting these answers in writing can help prevent misunderstandings or unexpected costs.
Why choose a local independent accident repair centre?
Choosing a local bodyshop can provide a more personal experience, with the opportunity to speak directly to the people handling your vehicle.
At R&G Accident Repairs, we work with customers in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas, providing professional accident repair and vehicle bodywork services.
Whether your vehicle has suffered minor cosmetic damage or more substantial accident damage, we can discuss the repairs required and explain the next steps.
Can R&G Accident Repairs help with my insurance claim?
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident and you’d like R&G to carry out the repairs, contact us before making arrangements.
We can discuss the damage, explain our repair process and help you understand what information may be required by your insurer.
Your insurer may need to authorise the estimate and agree to the repair arrangements before work can begin.
Accident repairs in Cheltenham — contact R&G
If you’ve recently had an accident or need professional car body repairs in Cheltenham, R&G Accident Repairs is here to help.
Contact our team to discuss your vehicle, the damage and the repair options available.
R&G Accident Repairs Ltd — Cheltenham
Please note: Insurance policy conditions vary between providers. This article provides general information and does not replace the terms of your individual insurance policy.