Insurance companies often state that damaged vehicles must be taken to one of their approved repairers. However, if you need a car repair in Grimsby, you have the legal right to choose a repair centre that works best for you – not just the one your insurer suggests.

What Is an Approved Repairer?

An approved repairer is one which is authorised by your insurance provider to repair your car in the event of a claim. This could be because the insurance provider has beneficial pricing rates with the repairer, enabling them to carry out the work for a reduced cost.

Know Your Rights When Choosing a Repairer

You must be aware of your rights to the following information:

The location of their approved repairers

It is possible that your insurance company may not have any approved repairers local to you and there may also be additional travel or recovery costs associated with getting your vehicle to the garage. You must also consider whether it is safe to drive your car to the repairer. For example, the type of accident and subsequent level of damage may mean that your car is not road worthy. Furthermore, the approved repairer may not be willing to offer you a courtesy vehicle, potentially leaving you without a way to get back home. We would advise taking your car to a local garage to check whether it is safe to drive to an approver repairer in another location, should you choose to do so. A local garage is likely to be better equipped to give this advice than a claims handler. 

Their customer service and reviews

Before purchasing a product or service, you would usually look at reviews of, say, your top-three choices and pick the best. Insurance companies are unlikely to take this into consideration when agreeing their list of approved repairers. It’s possible that you may receive a better service by taking the vehicle to a local repair centre of your choosing.

Repair methods

Several insurance companies grant their approved repairers the use of second-hand or non-genuine parts during a repair. This can alter the safety and performance of your vehicle. Ultimately, your car should be returned to the state at which the manufacturer intended upon originally leaving the factory.

What to Consider with Independent Repair Centres

Whilst you don’t have to take your car to an approved repairer, it is important to note that if you choose an independent repairer, you should ensure that they have the appropriate knowledge and skill to return your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition.

How CARS of Grimsby Can Help You

Your insurance provider might state that they will charge an additional sum on top of your excess if you choose to take the vehicle to an accident repair centre of your choice. At CARS of Grimsby, we can help you manage this. We will also take over all communication with your insurance company and deal with any estimates which they may require.

Need Car Repairs in Grimsby? Contact CARS First

If you need car repairs in Grimsby or you’ve been involved in an accident, call CARS of Grimsby before contacting your insurer. We’ll give you clear, local advice and handle the full repair process on your behalf.