Can You Choose Your Own Repairer After A Non-Fault Accident?

It’s your car and legally you own it so you can decide who gets to repair it. Not the manufacturer, not your insurer and certainly not any third party after an accident.

The truth is, you’re free to choose whoever you want to fix any damage. But believing you must go with whoever your insurer suggests is one of the most common misconceptions after an accident.

There’s a reason insurers allow this misconception to proliferate and it’s not to do with the quality of the repair you’ll receive. Often, they’ll have contracts with so-called approved repairers where they get a better price and can keep the costs down. It’s basically in their interests to steer you towards them because it saves them money.

You’re of course free to choose whoever you want, but before you do, it’s worth understanding the implications.

Check Your Policy Details First

While it’s your legal right to choose whoever you want to carry out your non-fault car accident repair, insurers may add extra clauses to your policy if you decide to go off-piste. This can include a non-approved repairer excess (in some cases, as much as double your standard excess), a cap on the costs of repair or no courtesy car offer (usually when it’s a non-fault accident car repair, you’ll get a courtesy car for the duration of the work).

Check your policy carefully so you’re fully aware of the implications if you decide to go with a repairer not on your insurer’s list.

Quality Of Repairs

Another sound reason for choosing your own accident repairer is the quality of the repairs you’ll receive. As we’ve said, insurer-approved repairers are usually approved because they’ll do a good deal for the insurer and keep the costs down, not because they offer outstanding quality.

An independent repair shop is not bound by the same financial constraints and can use higher-quality or manufacturer-approved parts, giving you a better fix. This is particularly important for high-performance or modern cars. For example, Tesla, like many manufacturers, will have specific procedures and parts to use in complex electrical systems so taking your vehicle to a Tesla specialist is sensible.

Repair Guarantees And Warranties

Before you sign up with a non-approved repairer you need to check their policy regarding guarantees once the work is complete. Most approved repairers provide guarantees or warranties for their work, backed by the insurer. Choosing an independent repairer might mean these assurances are absent or limited, potentially affecting recourse if issues arise post-repair.

At EvolveArc, we provide you with a comprehensive guarantee for all work carried out so you can enjoy peace of mind when you leave with your repaired vehicle.

If you’re looking for non-fault car accident advice, EvolveArc can help. Our experienced team can guide you through the entire process, speak to the insurers on your behalf, organise repairs in one of our body shops and arrange for a courtesy car for the entire time your car is in for repair.

Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!

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