In most cases you can use a repairer that your insurer has not approved, but your policy may change some terms if you do, such as a higher excess or no courtesy car. Always check your policy and ask your insurer before work starts. We are not an approved repairer of any insurer.
After an accident, your insurer will often suggest a garage straight away. It is handy, and for some people it is the right choice. But it is not the only choice. This page explains how it usually works, what to check, and what to ask before you agree to anything. It is general information, not insurance or legal advice, and every policy is different.
Do I have to use the garage my insurer suggests?
Generally, no. Finder's guide to the choice of repairer says plainly that you do not have to use a garage or repair shop approved by your insurance company, and that a valid claim still has to be paid if you pick your own. That fits what most people are told.
The catch is in the detail of your policy. Some policies treat a repairer of your own choosing differently, and the differences can be worth money. So the sensible question is not "can I?" but "what changes if I do?"
For the record, Ericraft is a small independent workshop. We are not an approved repairer of any insurer, and we do not claim to be.
What is an approved repairer scheme?
Most insurers keep a network of garages and body shops they have agreed terms with. These are called approved repairers, preferred repairers or similar, and the name varies. The insurer sends your car to one of them, agrees the price with the shop directly and often arranges the paperwork for you.
According to Finder, insurers say this can mean less paperwork for you because you do not have to go back and forth justifying quotes. Insurers also use these networks to keep costs under control. There is nothing wrong with that. It simply means you are trading some choice for some convenience.
What might change if I use my own repairer?
Policies vary, so treat this as a list of things to look for rather than a promise. Finder and Which? mention these:
- A higher excess. Which? found that excesses can jump if you use a repairer outside the insurer's network. Some policies add nothing, and some add a lot, so read yours.
- No courtesy car. Finder says many insurers withdraw the courtesy car if you do not use an approved workshop. Ask if the repairer you pick can arrange one.
- The guarantee. Repairs by an insurer's approved shops are often covered by a guarantee from the insurer. With your own repairer, the guarantee would come from the repairer. Ask what is offered and get it in writing.
- A cap on what is paid. Finder reports that some insurers pay only what an approved shop would have charged. If your repairer's price is higher, you may have to pay the difference. Ask before work starts.
- An estimate to approve first. Some policies want a written estimate approved by the insurer before work begins.
Which? goes further and advises getting a repairer approved by your insurer first, because choosing an unapproved one can raise your excess a lot. Check yours, because some policies do not.
What should I ask my insurer before I choose?
A short phone call can save you a surprise bill. Ask these, and write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date:
- Can I use my own repairer under this policy?
- Does my excess change if I do?
- Do I still get a courtesy car, or can the repairer provide one?
- Do I need to send in a written estimate for approval first?
- Is there a limit on what you will pay for the repair?
- Who stands behind the repair if something goes wrong later?
Ask for the answers in an email if you can.
Why might someone choose a local independent shop?
People tell us the same few reasons. They want to see the car before it goes in, speak to the person who will actually repair it, or drop in and check progress. A small workshop can also be easier to reach by phone. That is a matter of personal preference, not a claim that one type of shop is better than another. Good and bad repairs come from both kinds.
Whichever way you go, look at how the shop works. Our page on questions to ask a body shop lists what to ask before you hand over the keys, and what a repair quote should include shows what a clear written quote looks like.
What if I am not claiming at all?
Then the whole question goes away. You pick the shop, get a quote, agree the price and pay. This is common for smaller jobs such as a scratch repair or a scuffed bumper corner. Our page on whether to claim for a scratch or dent can help you decide.
What do we do at Ericraft?
We are in Smallfield, near Horley and Gatwick. We do accident repairs, body work and resprays on cars and light vans. If your insurer allows your own repairer, we can look at the damage, give you a written quote and talk you through what needs doing. Our page on what to do after a minor accident covers the steps before that. If the insurer needs paperwork from us, ask us when you ring and we will tell you what we can provide.
Getting a price from us
Send photos of the damage to us on WhatsApp 07724 146 809, ring 01342 649 362 or email info@ericraft.co.uk. The quote is free with no obligation, and having it in hand makes your call to the insurer easier. See our contact page for opening times and directions.
Questions people ask
Can my insurer force me to use their repairer?
Finder's guide says you do not have to use a garage your insurer has approved. Your policy may change some terms if you choose your own, so read it and ask before work begins.
Will I pay more if I use my own repairer?
Possibly. Which? found some policies charge a higher excess for an unapproved repairer, and Finder reports that some pay only up to what an approved shop would charge. Other policies make no difference, so check yours.
Will I lose my courtesy car?
Many insurers withdraw their courtesy car if you do not use an approved repairer, according to Finder. Ask your insurer, and ask the repairer what it can offer.
Is Ericraft an approved repairer of my insurer?
No. We are an independent workshop and we are not an approved repairer of any insurer. You are free to ask us for a quote either way.
Who guarantees the repair if I choose my own shop?
The guarantee normally comes from the repairer, not the insurer. Ask any shop what it offers and get that in writing.
Sources and further reading
- Choice of repairer in car insurance, Finder UK
- The most common car insurance claims, Which?
- Making a car insurance claim, Which?
This page gives general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own policy and the official pages above.