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Insurance asked us to choose a bodyshop for repair work - how do we go about this?

My wife's 2014 Vauxhall Corsa was reversed into whilst parked at work. The third party has accepted responsibility and we've been in contact with their insurance company, who have asked us to supply two quotes. My wife's work will supply a courtesy car. We're concerned that if we choose the body shop, the third party's insurance company may lay the responsibility at our door in the event of any future issues. We're also concerned because we don;t know how to identify a good versus a bad body shop and whether the manufacturer will honour any body and paint warranties for the repaired area or indeed any of the body work. Are we being too pessimistic?

Asked on 1 June 2017 by Alastair

Answered by Honest John
Advise the insurance company that you will not be providing two estimates and that the vehicle will be repaired at your choice of repairer. The at fault insurer are obliged to provide and alternative vehicle or to cover the cost of hiring one. It is your vehicle, it is your lawful entitlement to choose how it is repaired and who repairs it. As long as the vehicle is repaired to the manufacturer's standards using the manufacturers methods, parts and paint and materials, under block exemption the manufacturer is not allowed to void the warranty. The best way of ascertaining whether the bodyshop is any good is by looking at their online reviews. I would also suggest if they hold the Kitemark for British Standards BS10125 they should be a very good repairer, though there are bodyshops without this that are as good or better. It may also assist you to contact the National Bodyshop Repair association who can recommend a manufacturer approved repairer in your area. You can contact them here: nbra.org.uk/
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