The choice is yours

choice of repairer or preferred repairer?

Important Things You Should Know

When choosing a motor vehicle insurer, price and excess shouldn’t be the only things that guide you. In the unlucky event you find yourself needing a vehicle repair, knowing that you have the freedom to choose your repairer, rather than being directed to a repairer of your insurance companies choosing, can be a distinct advantage. 

‘Choice of repairer‘ and ‘Preferred repairer' might sound similar, but nothing is further from the truth. 

 
SO, WHAT DOES 'CHOICE OF REPAIRER' MEAN?
If your insurance policy gives you the option of 'choice of repairer', it means your insurer will allow you to choose the vehicle repairer you want to repair your vehicle following an accident.  If, on the other hand, you must use a ‘preferred repairer’, you’ll need to have your vehicle fixed by a repairer your insurance company chooses. No doubt a repairer they have an agreement with predominantly driven by price and supply of parts.

PREFERRED REPAIRER - WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Where agreements like this exist between insurers and repairers, the expectation is to complete the assigned work at a significantly reduced cost. Sadly, reducing the cost makes it difficult for any repairer to provide the same level of service and often leads to cutting corners and using inferior or second-hand parts to make up the shortfall. 

The end result for the customer is that the vehicle often won’t get the time and attention the repair deserves, but the insurers bill in significantly reduced.   

CHOICE OF REPAIRER – WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
For those lucky customers that enjoy the ‘choice of repairer’, it will make getting your vehicle repaired a whole lot smoother and easier. You’ll also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing a trusted repairer or selecting one based on their reputation for quality and service.

If you’ve been an Elite Smash Repairs customer in the past, you’ll know about our attention to detail and commitment to customer service and satisfaction. We hope you’ll consider the value of choosing an insurer that allows you the choice of repairer.