Insurance - Getting car repaired by own choice of garage

Tomdarkness

Hi,

I have a insurance claim where my insurance company is seeking to claim the full amount from the 3rd party's insurance as they see myself to not be at fault (Someone hit my car parked in a car park).

I bought the car new and not had it very long so I'd like to get it repaired at a manufacturer approved bodyshop.

However, there is only one manufacturer approved bodyshop near where I live but my insurance company are saying they want two quotes and they'll go with the cheapest.

Do I really need to get two quotes? Can I force them to use my choice of garage even if it's not the cheapest?

Thanks!

Quentin

It is your right to use the garage of your choice.


But you may shortcut an argument by supplying them what they want! (Ensure your chosen garage is the lowest quote!)


Next time you are not to blame and there is a third party to blame claim directly off the third party insurer - you won't have any excess to pay and reclaim, your NCD won't be (temporarily) reduced and you won't have any issues getting the repairs done where you want them done.

robbies_gal

my terms state i go with their approved garage or i pay more excess for my own choice

neilmcl

robbies_gal wrote: »

my terms state i go with their approved garage or i pay more excess for my own choice

Which is why you should claim directly from the TP insurer when not at fault. No excess to pay.

loskie

get the franchised garage or car manufacturer to "manage" the claim for you( I know volvo do this) that way your warranty will be good. You will get a courtesey car too.

Tomdarkness

Thanks all. I don't know who the other insurance company is - the person who damaged my car just left a note with their name, phone number and car reg. My insurance company have confirmed it's insured though.

I don't have to pay any additional excess for using my own garage and I'll be fine with being out of that money until it is reclaimed. I gave them a call back and they said 1 quote should actually be fine, they normally only ask for two just to save time just in case there is a problem with the 1st quote.

I'm a bit wary of people offering to manage claims for you but I'll see what the garage say when I ring up for an estimate.

EdGasket

Tomdarkness wrote: »

I'm a bit wary of people offering to manage claims for you but I'll see what the garage say when I ring up for an estimate.

..and with good reason. They aren't doing it out of the kindness of their heart. They will seek to max out car hire costs and admin expenses and if they don't recover them in full from the third-party, guess who ends up paying?