Do I get to choose who repairs my vehicle?

linkin52

Hi all,

Here's a condensed version of my situation:

A drunk driver hit my car while it was parked and was arrested at the scene. His insurance company have admitted liability.

The issue is that the initial assessment of the damage to my car was estimated at around 16k, making the car a write-off. Unfortunately this is just a figure I was given over the phone and I never got it in writing.

Now, five months later, the third party insurers are saying that the damage will cost 6k to fix. But with THEIR choice of repairer, a place that isn't manufacturer approved.

My worst fear is that they've managed to reduce the quote by so much by using scrap yard parts and who knows what. And I refuse to drive my 1yr old around in a vehicle with doubts like that.

I've been advised that I get to choose who repairs my vehicle. Is there any body out there who is able to confirm this?

And of course any other advice relating to a situation like this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Quentin

Yes, you have the right to say where you want the repairs carried out.

linkin52

Thanks Quentin, appreciate it.

forgotmyname

But if your repairer is quoting £16k they may write it off instead.

Depends how much damage has been done. Have you had a proper quote done at your preffered place?

magpiecottage

As some of you will know, I normally advocate allowing YOUR insurers to arrange the repair because you can take them to the Financial Ombudsman Service if the work is not satisfactory.

However, that does not apply if it is the other party's insurer. So I think it is reasonable for you to insist that it is repaired by a manufacturer authorised repairer.

As forgotmyname says, they may decide this means a repair is uneconomical and write your vehicle off.

Having said that, recycled parts can be perfectly satisfactory, depending what they are and why the parts are being recycled. I have one or two in my car.

linkin52

Thank you all for the input.

dzug1

You have the right to arrange your own repairs and ask the other driver (not his insurance company) for the (reasonable) costs incurred. If he won't pay you sue him. Whether he gets paid or not is a matter between him and his insurance company and none of your business.

There are risks involved however - you will have to shell out yourself first -and he may not be able to pay.

vaio

dzug1 wrote: »

You have the right to arrange your own repairs and ask the other driver (not his insurance company) for the (reasonable) costs incurred. If he won't pay you sue him. Whether he gets paid or not is a matter between him and his insurance company and none of your business.

There are risks involved however - you will have to shell out yourself first -and he may not be able to pay.

Yep, and avoiding these risks is exactly why we have compulsory third party insurance. The other drivers insurance company is liable