What many people don’t realise, however, is that how your car is repaired (and what parts are used) can vary significantly depending on your insurance policy and the repairer you choose. This is one of the areas where being informed, and choosing an independent repairer, can make a real difference to the long-term safety, reliability, and value of your vehicle.

What your insurer does (or doesn’t) tell you

When taking out car insurance, it’s easy to concentrate on price and excess levels. One detail that often gets overlooked is the type of parts your insurer allows to be used during repairs.

Some insurance policies permit approved repairers to fit:

• Recycled or second-hand parts
• Refurbished components
• Non-genuine or non-manufacturer parts

From an insurer’s perspective, this can be a cost-saving measure. While these parts may meet minimum requirements, they are not always the best choice for your vehicle’s long-term condition, performance, or resale value. Modern vehicles are designed with precise tolerances, advanced safety systems, and manufacturer-tested components. Using parts that don’t meet original specifications could lead to reduced durability over time, reduced safety and/ or complications if the vehicle is sold in the future.

The difference with an independent repairer

Independent accident repair centres typically take an alternative, customer-first approach. Usually, the focus is not on hitting insurer cost targets, but on carrying out repairs that are safe, durable, and built to last.

At CARS of Grimsby, we believe your vehicle deserves the same standard of care we’d expect for our own. That’s why we do not use second-hand or non-genuine parts in our repairs. Our stance is simple and driven by accountability. We offer a lifetime guarantee on our repairs, and that means we must have complete confidence in every part and repair method we use.

We independently repair all vehicles with longevity, safety, and integrity in mind. This isn’t about short-term fixes or ticking boxes for an insurer. It’s about making sure your vehicle is returned to you in a condition you can trust – today, next year, and for as long as you own it.

In summary, choosing an independent accident repair centre, like CARS, gives you:

• Confidence in the quality of parts used
• High standards of workmanship
• Repairs designed to last, not just pass inspection
• Protection for your vehicle’s safety and value

When it comes to your car, your safety, and your long-term investment, quality always matters. And we’re here to make sure you get exactly that, with consistent support, honest guidance, and independent repairs you can rely on.