The stress of a car accident often leads to individuals panicking and finding repairs as quickly as possible, without fully understanding their options and researching the right choice for them.
We at ST Accident Repair are here to take you through your rights around car insurance repairs, including the repairs that car insurance might cover, and how to choose the right repairer for yourself.
Can you claim for repairs on car insurance?
You can claim for repairs on car insurance, but what you can claim depends on the level of coverage you have, and the nature of the accident/damage sustained.
For example, comprehensive coverage is likely to cover repairs from accidents, vandalism, or fire. In many cases, comprehensive coverage will even cover repairs for accidents which were your fault.
In many cases, car insurance plans which are not fully comprehensive will not cover repairs for accidents that were your fault, but it’s always important to speak to your insurer to discover what your options are.
We’d recommend contacting your insurer if you’re unsure about specific coverage details, as well as reviewing your policy regularly to understand your coverage.
Do you have to use an insurance approved repairer?
For body repair following an accident, you have the right to choose your own repairer, meaning you don’t have to opt for your insurer's approved repairer. It’s your legal right to choose your own garage for repair work, which opens up your options significantly. You can still make an insurance claim without using an approved repairer.
However, no matter who you choose to carry out your repairs, we’d recommend you conduct thorough research to ensure that they’re properly qualified to do the right job. Whilst you should consider options other than who your insurance company suggests, you should not rule these suggestions out.
Insurance approved repairers are selected based on their ability to consistently meet high standards when it comes to repair work, as well as guaranteeing high quality parts.
How to choose the right car repairer
To choose the right vehicle repairer, you should consider the following criteria:
Insurer recommendations - it’s your legal right to choose your own repairer, but it’s still worth considering those recommended by your insurer. Check out the quality assurance standards for each garage so you can determine whether they’ll get the job done.
Word of mouth - if the approved repairers don’t seem right for you, ask around for recommendations in the local area. Often, local garages offer good work for modest prices.
Specialisations - certain repairers are more experienced than others when it comes to certain types of damage, or specific vehicle makes. Find a repairer which matches the damage and vehicle you’re dealing with.
Ask for details - as you research, contact a number of garages and ask for details regarding warranties, price estimates, quality assurances, and more.
Online reviews - check out online reviews of your approved repairers, and ones you’ve found from your own research. This should help you to narrow down the best options.
Remember, just because you don’t have to use your insurance approved repairer, doesn’t mean you definitely shouldn’t. Research all of your options first, then make a decision!
What should you do if insurance approved repairs are substandard?
If your insurance approved repairs aren’t up to scratch, you should begin by making a formal complaint directly to the repairer, giving them the chance to amend the issues.
If the issue isn’t resolved, you’ll have to lodge a complaint to the insurer, detailing what you’re unhappy with and why. Make sure you keep records of all conversations with the insurer and the repairer. Hopefully, your insurer will work with you to resolve the issue alongside the repairer.
If this still doesn’t resolve the issue, you may have to escalate your complaint further. This would usually involve contacting the motor ombudsman, or financial ombudsman service. These bodies should investigate the issue and complaint, and work to put things right for you.
Remember, all garages are legally obligated to carry out repairs with reasonable care and skill, and approved repairers such as ST Accident Repair will always go above and beyond to deliver the highest possible standard of repairs to our customers. We’ll also manage the whole process from start to finish, communicating with your insurer on your behalf. Get in touch today to get started.
