Steering

Sadly when it comes to insurance accident repair, you are not the only one steering your car.

Insurers are steering claims toward their own network of bodyshops. Why? Its sold under the wrapper of Customer Service, cost saving, streamlining and claims management, but in reality, it is far from that.

Scare tactics:

Customers are being told that by not using one of their “network repairers” it could invalidate warranties, void a guarantee, not cover all the repair costs or delay the authorisation and repair process. Some insurers are even putting a financial penalty with an additional excess for not following what they say.

This is blatant steering for the insurers benefit, carefully disguised as Customer Service

Customer Impact

Insurers negotiate cheaper labour rates and parts discounts with their network bodyshops, and this can create a subpar quality of repair. You wouldn’t go into the parachute shop and ask for the cheapest one, so why should you compromise in your vehicle repair.

You may wish to go to a Manufacturer Approved Repairer, one who has access to the latest repair methods, tooling, 100% genuine parts, issuing of repair certificates. But the insurers just see the bottom line, not the customer and repair quality.

What can you do?

It is your LEGAL RIGHT to choose who estimates and repairs your vehicle, despite the obstacles the insurer may put in your way. It’s your car, it’s your choice. If you want to use a bodyshop you know, have been recommended to or used before, why shouldn’t you. Your house insurance doesn’t mandate the roofer for tile repairs, so why should your car insurer?

Summary

Imagine going to a supermarket and them telling you that aisles 6-14 are not available to you, or the DIY store refusing to sell you any colour other than green, you’d tell them exactly what you think, and so you should.

You have far more rights than you are aware of, but your rarely friendly car insurer is never going to tell you what they are, at the risk of it costing them more money.

Question, challenge and chose, it’s your legal right.