--- title: Can You Choose Your Own Car Repairer After an Accident? description: After an accident, you don’t have to use your insurer’s repairer. Learn your rights, the pros and cons of choosing your own garage, and how we can help. image: https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_48609/know-your-rights-choosing-your-own-repairer-after-an-accident_838859b3a80b6d45fdae01c118f88b8f.jpg --- [![sign 6 copy (1) copy](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/sign%206%20copy%20(1)%20copy.png?width=5697&height=1307&name=sign%206%20copy%20(1)%20copy.png "sign 6 copy (1) copy")](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/) [![evolve arc logo ](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-10-31%20132400.png?width=232&height=51&name=Screenshot%202023-10-31%20132400.png "evolve arc logo ")](https://144511300.hs-sites-eu1.com/home) - I've had an accident - [It is my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-my-fault) - [It isn't my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-not-my-fault) - [Is it my fault?](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/is-it-my-fault) - How we help - [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/car-accident-management) - [Claims Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/claims-management) - [Our Process](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/step-by-step-process) - [About](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/about-us) - Approved Repairs - [Tesla Approved](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/local-tesla-approved-bodyshop) - [BMW Approved](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/local-bmw-approved-bodyshop) - Locations - [Birmingham](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-birmingham) - [Coventry](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-coventry) - [Leicester](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-leicester) - [Warwick](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-warwick) More results [Get Estimate](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/get-a-free-estimate) [Get Estimate](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/get-a-free-estimate) [Get Estimate](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/get-a-free-estimate) - I've had an accident - [It is my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-my-fault) - [It isn't my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-not-my-fault) - [Is it my fault?](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/is-it-my-fault) - How we help - [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/car-accident-management) - [Claims Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/claims-management) - [Our Process](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/step-by-step-process) - [About](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/about-us) - Approved Repairs - [Tesla Approved](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/local-tesla-approved-bodyshop) - [BMW Approved](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/local-bmw-approved-bodyshop) - Locations - [Birmingham](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-birmingham) - [Coventry](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-coventry) - [Leicester](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-leicester) - [Warwick](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-warwick) [Get Estimate](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/get-a-free-estimate) [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-management) [Car Accident Repair Birmingham](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-repair-birmingham) [Car Accident Claims Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-claims-management) # Know Your Rights: Choosing Your Own Repairer After an Accident [![Jack Thomas](https://dy2z8v53j00u8.cloudfront.net/images/placeholders/profile.png)](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/author/jack-thomas) by [Jack Thomas](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/author/jack-thomas) 3 min read Oct 22, 2025 9:30:01 AM Do you remember the excitement you felt when you first passed your test? The thrill of being able to get behind the wheel and just drive. It felt good, right? The last thing you probably thought about as you celebrated your newfound freedom was what you’d do if you were ever in an accident. For some lucky people, they never have to think about it at all, but unfortunately, accidents do happen, and if you find yourself the victim of a shunt, it’s important you know your rights. When it comes to [accident car repairs](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/rights-and-responsibilities-in-accidents), you might naturally assume your insurer is your first port of call and they’ll dictate where your vehicle goes to be fixed. But that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, you have a legal right to [choose your own repairer](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/car-accident-management) to do the job instead. ## Can I Choose Who Repairs My Car After An Accident? It’s a common misconception that you must use whoever your insurer tells you to after a crash. But you don’t. They might try to steer you towards an approved repairer, but if you own your vehicle, you ultimately have the right to decide ; they can’t legally force you to use their choice. ## Why Insurers Like You to Use Their Repairers There’s a good chance your insurer will try to persuade you to use one of their approved repairers for several reasons. Typically, insurers have agreements with approved repair shops to get discounted rates. They also regularly audit the repairers, so they know the work is up to scratch. But if their approved repairer doesn’t suit your needs, you’re perfectly within your rights to [pick your own.](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/repairer-choice-after-non-fault-accident) ## Reasons Why You Might Choose Your Own Repairer Like a lot of things in life, we’re comfortable with what we know, and you may have a regular garage that knows your car well and offers great customer service. It’s not unreasonable for you to want them to repair it instead of a stranger. Similarly, you may have a very specific make and model of car and the company you already use is familiar with that. An approved repairer, whilst being adept at [car accident repair](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/car-accident-management), may not have the specific knowledge to deal with your type of vehicle. And of course, there’s the convenience factor. Insurers will have a network of approved repairers dotted around the country, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be close to you. If the approved repairer is a 45-minute drive away while your own garage is a mere five minutes, it’s not surprising you’d rather go there instead. ## The Hidden Risks Of Going Off-Grid With Accident Repair Whilst it’s true you can choose whoever you like to repair your vehicle, and if your claim is approved, your insurance company will still pay out, there are some pitfalls to be aware of before you make your choice. - You may have to pay a non-approved repairer excess on top of your existing excess - You may not get a courtesy car for the duration of the repairs. Most insurers will not offer this benefit if you choose your own repairer - Your insurer may cap the amount they’ll pay for repairs - Insurers usually guarantee any work undertaken by an approved repairer. If you choose your own, you may miss out on this guarantee unless your chosen garage offers one - It can take longer and involve more admin because you’ll have to get a quote from your chosen repairer and get your insurer to approve it before work can start The easiest way to find out what your limitations are is to check your policy document carefully or speak directly to your insurer. If you’ve been in an accident and aren’t sure where to go for repairs, [get in touch](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/) with EvolveArc. All it takes is one call, and we’ll sort the rest, giving you peace of mind and getting you back on the road in no time. 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Breaking Down The Accident Management Process →](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/accident-management-process-breakdown) ### You May Also Like These Related Stories [What You Need To Know About Getting A Courtesy Car After An Accident](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/getting-a-courtesy-car) ![Car owner standing next to damaged vehicle with a hand on his head, representing the stress of accidents and the need for a courtesy car.](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_48609/what-you-need-to-know-about-getting-a-courtesy-car-after-an-accident_66d45632e1dc16a097a41347fa34e1f7.jpg) [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-management) #### What You Need To Know About Getting A Courtesy Car After An Accident Sep 11, 2025 9:30:00 AM 2 min read [The Driver’s Guide To Post Accident Rights And Responsibilities](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/post-accident-rights-and-responsibilities) ![Two drivers standing beside their damaged cars after a collision, discussing the accident and inspecting the vehicles.](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/hubfs/The-Drivers-Guide-To-Post-Accident-Rights-And-Responsibilities.png) [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-management) #### The Driver’s Guide To Post Accident Rights And Responsibilities Oct 1, 2025 9:30:01 AM 3 min read [How A Trusted Repair Shop Protects Your Vehicle Value After An Accident](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/trusted-repair-shop-vehicle-value) ![A damaged vehicle in a trusted repair shop after an accident. ](https://d37oebn0w9ir6a.cloudfront.net/account_48609/how-a-trusted-repair-shop-protects-your-vehicle-value-after-an-accident_a35b8bfa6ee518434e8c9e026eaef87e.jpg) [Car Accident Management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog/tag/car-accident-management) #### How A Trusted Repair Shop Protects Your Vehicle Value After An Accident Apr 18, 2025 9:00:00 AM 2 min read ### No Comments Yet Let us know what you think [![Screenshot 2023-10-31 132400](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202023-10-31%20132400.png?width=232&height=51&name=Screenshot%202023-10-31%20132400.png "Screenshot 2023-10-31 132400")](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/) [contact@evolvearc.co.uk](mailto:contact@evolvearc.co.uk?subject=Vehicle%20Repair%20Query) [024 7509 0188](tel:02475090188) Company number: 13472875 VAT number: 445824576  I've had an accident - [It is my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-my-fault) - [It isn't my fault](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/its-not-my-fault) - [Is it my fault?](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/is-it-my-fault) How we help - [Car accident management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/car-accident-management) - [Claims management](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/claims-management) Company - [About Us](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/about-us) - [Homepage](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk) - [Step by step process](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/step-by-step-process) - [Our Blog](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/blog) Our locations - [Coventry](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-coventry) - [Leicester](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-leicester) - [Birmingham](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-birmingham) - [Warwick](https://www.evolvearc.co.uk/accident-repairs-warwick) Copyright © 2026 Evolve ARC. 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