Can I Choose My Own Repairer?
Your insurer wants you to use their approved garage. On a non-fault claim you usually have more say than they suggest.
On a non-fault claim you generally can, because you are claiming your loss from the at-fault driver rather than relying on your own policy’s terms.
If you claim on your own policy, the terms usually push you towards their approved network, and using someone else can mean paying the difference.
Why insurers prefer their own network
Approved repairers work at negotiated rates and to agreed turnaround times, which keeps the insurer’s costs down. Many do genuinely good work.
But the arrangement exists for the insurer’s benefit, not yours. Where the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to have your vehicle properly repaired - and that generally includes having a say in who does it.
When it matters most
Manufacturer warranty
Some warranties require approved parts and methods. Check before agreeing.
Prestige or specialist vehicles
Not every general body shop is equipped for aluminium, carbon or specialist paint.
A garage you trust
If you have used the same place for years, that relationship has value.
Motorhomes and conversions
These almost always need a specialist rather than a general repairer.
Want your own garage to do it?
Tell us who and we will deal with the insurer about it.
Get the estimate agreed before work starts. Whoever repairs it, the cost needs authorising first. A repair carried out without agreement can leave part of the bill unrecovered.
Common questions
On a claim under your own policy, the terms often require it or you pay the difference. On a non-fault claim against the other driver, you generally have more freedom.
It can, since approved networks have agreed processes. A good independent will usually match them if the estimate is authorised promptly.
Check the terms. Some require approved parts and methods, and using a non-approved repairer can affect cover.
The recoverable amount is what is reasonable for the repair. If your garage charges materially more than the going rate, the excess may not be recovered.
Some offer one, but it is usually a small car. A like-for-like replacement claimed from the at-fault insurer is normally the better route.
Terms and conditions apply to all services described on this page. Free recovery, storage and replacement vehicles are provided on the basis that the charges are recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer. We will explain the terms in plain English before anything is arranged.
Before we act for you we are required to verify your identity and to carry out fraud and anti-money laundering checks. This may include checks with credit reference and fraud prevention agencies, which will leave a record on your file.
Where fraud is suspected, information may be shared with fraud prevention agencies, insurers and law enforcement. Providing false or misleading information in support of a claim may mean your claim is refused, and can be a criminal offence.