Choosing your own repairer

ChrisKnottIns

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Choosing your own repairer.

Hi,

I was contacted recently by one of the clubs we work with. They were concerned about the issue of 'approved repairers' and they wanted to know what our insurer partners' stance would be.

Clearly, most car club members wouldn't want just anyone repairing their pride & joy - you probably have a preferred bodyshop in mind already as you're reading this. And this is where the issue lies.

If you have an accident and want to use your preferred bodyshop over the insurer's approved repairer, can you do it without penalty?

We've heard that some insurers make it difficult by doubling the excess or not using genuine OEM parts. That's not what you want!

I checked with our main insurers and they are very accommodating. They recognise that car enthusiasts like you will be more interested in who the repairer is and whether any parts are pattern or genuine.

So I'm pleased to confirm that you are able to request that your preferred bodyshop is used. Where there's no reason not to use them i.e. they are not majorly uncompetitive, the insurers on our panel will be happy to accommodate your request.

There will be NO increased excess and, wherever possible, the use of genuine parts will be approved.

The only slight downside when you choose your own garage is that the insurers can't control whether your repairer has a courtesy car available. But I guess for many of you your club car is not your main vehicle and if that is a problem it's still possible they will have one available for you - it just can't be guaranteed by your insurer.

If you like the sound of having the freedom to choose your own repairer please call us for your car insurance quote on 0800 028 6463.

And don't forget, if you request your quote before 30/11 you'll be in with a chance to WIN a £250 AMAZON VOUCHER in time for Christmas, courtesy of the Chris Knott 'Awesome Autumn' Prize Draw.

best,
Nick

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peterws1957

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I would be interested to learn just exactly what policy condition allows an Insurer to double the excess or use none original parts. Unless it is spelled out in the policy Insurers simply cannot add policy conditions after the event. I can see the reasoning behind them rejecting a ludicrous quote though.
 
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ChrisKnottIns

ChrisKnottIns

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I guess the original contract in those cases must say something like "The excess is £XXX subject to you using our approved repairer, otherwise..." As you say, they can't move the goalposts post-contract.
 

Perusal

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Aviva are one of the companies applying a higher excess if you don’t use their approved repairer, I think it’s as much as £200.

I did hear from somebody once that if you threaten to challenge this in court the insurer will often back down.
 
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