Damage to your car, whether or not it’s your fault, is very stressful and often upsetting. You want to get the damage fixed as quickly as possible, to a high standard, without breaking the bank.
This is where an insurance-approved repairer can help you; with insurance approved estimates and high quality workmanship, you’ll have the stress that follows vehicle damage lifted from your shoulders.
What is an insurance approved repairer?
Insurance approved repairers are car garages or body shops which are approved by insurance companies to provide repairs following accidents or other causes of damage.
Often, insurance companies have agreed discounted rates with approved repairers, which can help you to keep costs down (which is especially welcome following accidental damage or a car accident!).
Using an approved repairer can guarantee that your car will be repaired using genuine parts that match the industry standards, as well as simplifying the claims process for you with your insurance provider. This is beneficial because it means you’ll receive a high quality repair, whilst your insurance company will still manage and maintain the legal side of things.
Do you need to use an insurance approved garage?
No, you don’t have to use an insurance approved garage for repairs; you have the right to choose whatever repair shop you want to get your car repaired. However, there are a few important things you should consider when doing so, and it is often a better option to use an approved garage.
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- Cost – Insurers often have agreements with repairers which helps to keep costs low. This will leave more money in your pocket, without the trade-off of quality repair work and convenience.
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- Courtesy vehicle – Usually, an insurance approved garage will offer a courtesy vehicle for the duration of your repair work. At ST Accident Repair, we also offer van replacements for trade customers.
Whether or not this will be approved by your insurance provider depends on a number of things, so read your insurance documents or contact your provider to find out more. You can also read more information on courtesy vehicles and insurance claims.
- Courtesy vehicle – Usually, an insurance approved garage will offer a courtesy vehicle for the duration of your repair work. At ST Accident Repair, we also offer van replacements for trade customers.
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- Warranty – Approved repairers/body shops are sometimes able to uphold your warranty alongside repairs. Again, this will depend on your specific provider, so be sure to contact them following damage to find out the details.
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- Quality – To become an insurance approved repairer, you need to work to a certain standard and deliver high quality repairs. You can rest assured that with repairs which are insurance approved, such as what we provide here as ST Accident Repair, your vehicle will be fixed to the highest possible standard.
Should you use an insurance approved garage?
We would recommend using an insurance approved garage, as this is the method of repairs which presents the least risk, and guarantees high quality results.
We would always recommend educating yourself about all the available options before making a decision though, as the best decision for you will be dependent on factors specific to your situation.
For more information regarding insurance approved accident repairs, check out the ST Accident Repair Website, and contact your insurance provider.
Disadvantages with using insurance-approved garages
Whilst insurance approved garages are normally the best option, it is important to understand some potential disadvantages to this choice.
People often raise the concern that using an approved garage as opposed to using the specific vehicle-brand garage can mean your work is not being carried out by a specialist for your vehicle type.
This is a valid concern, however, at ST Accident Repair, we are experts when it comes to working with any vehicle, and we ensure that quality is never compromised. Repairs with us can be quick, easy and stress free.
What are insurance approved estimates?
Insurance approved estimates are a breakdown of the costs involved when repairing your vehicle. These estimates are calculated based on a damage assessment, taking into account all repair works as well as potential courtesy vehicle costs.
Using insurance improved estimates, your insurance company is able to authorise us to perform repairs on your behalf. Our aim is to give you an accurate estimate, making sure you are fully informed throughout the entire process, as well as giving you a smooth and reliable accident repair experience.
