If you’ve ever been involved in an accident, you might be familiar with the often overwhelming process of dealing with insurance claims. One key point many vehicle owners overlook is that you are not obligated to use the insurer’s recommended repair shop. Whether your insurer suggests a national chain or an approved local partner, you have the right to take your car to the body shop of your choice. Here’s why exercising that right is so important.
1. Quality Over Cost Cutting
Insurers work with body shops that agree to perform repairs at a pre-agreed price, often putting pressure on the shop to cut costs on materials or labour. This can lead to compromises in the quality of repairs, jeopardising the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
Local, independent body shops tend to focus on the quality of the repair itself rather than adhering to an insurer’s strict budget. This can result in better materials, expert labour, and repairs that meet or exceed manufacturer standards.
2. Manufacturer-Approved Parts and Repairs
When it comes to vehicle safety, especially after a collision, using manufacturer-approved parts is essential. Certain areas of your car, like crumple zones, are designed to absorb impacts and protect passengers during a collision. Replacing damaged parts with substandard materials can weaken these protective systems, putting you and others at greater risk in future accidents. Choosing a repair shop that uses OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts guarantees that your vehicle will perform as intended.
3. Avoid Substandard Repairs
National chains or insurance-approved body shops offer convenience for the insurance company but not necessarily for you. The technicians at a local shop you trust are more likely to have a personal stake in the quality of their work. You can also have peace of mind knowing exactly who is repairing your vehicle, unlike at larger, faceless national chains where you may never meet the technician handling your car. You can also return to the body shop after the repairs if something is not quite right, something that may not be possible with a national partner selected by your Insurer.
4. Local Shops Often Provide Better Service
Local body shops typically offer more personalised customer service. They often have a reputation to maintain within the community, so their goal is to build long-term relationships with customers, not just process claims as quickly as possible. By choosing a local body shop, you can benefit from greater attention to detail, transparent communication, and a more tailored experience overall.
5. Dealing with Insurers on Your Behalf
Handling insurance claims can be stressful, especially if your insurer is pressuring you to use one of their recommended repair shops. Many local body shops offer to manage the insurance process on your behalf, meaning you are not tasked with all that admin and stress. They’ll take care of all the paperwork, negotiations, and inspections, allowing you to focus on getting your car back in top shape.
6. Speed of Repair: Independent vs. National
A significant drawback of using a national body shop is the time it takes to get your car repaired. Cars sent to insurer-approved garages often sit idle for days or even weeks before work begins, as they deal with higher volumes of claims and coordinate with insurers. On the other hand, a local shop is likely to start repairs sooner and finish faster, minimizing the time you’re without your car. There’s also less administrative back-and-forth, which can save days of waiting. Delays from insurers waiting for approvals are common, which can unnecessarily prolong the process
7. Supporting Local Businesses
Choosing a local body shop helps support small businesses in your community. Independent shops often have long-standing reputations to uphold and provide personalised service that larger, national chains cannot match. By investing in local businesses, you’re not only ensuring better service but also contributing to the local economy.
After an accident, it’s your right to choose who repairs your car. Don’t be swayed by insurance companies pushing for cookie cutter solutions that exist to make their life easier. By selecting Car Crash Solutions in Didcot, you can ensure that your vehicle is repaired safely, using high-quality materials and with attention to detail. It will be returned to you faster and the paperwork and stress that goes along with a claim will be handled by us.
Stand up for your right to quality repairs and don’t hesitate to get in touch. We would love to get you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.
“Amazing customer service. The car was picked up and returned on time. The paint work was immaculate, my car looked like new. They even polished and cleaned the inside as well as the outside of my car. Brilliant job! Would highly recommend.”
Ruth Shears, Car Crash Solutions Client, September 2024