Car Insurance Repairs UK: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Car insurance repairs are an essential part of owning a vehicle in the UK. No matter how careful you are on the road, accidents can happen. In the event of an accident or other incident that damages your vehicle, your insurance policy can help cover the cost of repairs.

But how does the process work? And what do you need to know before making a claim or taking your car to a body repair shop? Read on to find out!

Understanding Car Insurance Repairs in the UK

When it comes to car insurance repairs in the UK, there are generally two types of policies: third-party and comprehensive. Third-party policies are the most basic level of insurance and only cover damage caused to other vehicles or property in an accident that you are responsible for. Comprehensive policies, on the other hand, cover damage to both your own vehicle and others in the event of an accident.

If you have a comprehensive policy, you will generally be covered for a wide range of repairs, including:-

Bodywork Repairs

If your vehicle has been involved in a collision or has suffered damage to the bodywork for any other reason, your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs. This could include anything from a small dent or scratch to more serious damage, such as a crumpled fender or damaged bumper.

Glass Repairs

If your vehicle has suffered damage to the windscreen, side windows or rear window, your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs or replacement. However, it is important to note that some policies may have limits on the amount that can be claimed for glass repairs.

Mechanical Repairs

If your vehicle has suffered mechanical damage as a result of an accident, such as damage to the engine or suspension, your insurance policy may cover the cost of repairs. However, it is important to note that some policies may only cover certain types of mechanical repairs, so it is important to check your policy carefully.

 

 

The Basics of Car Insurance Repairs in the UK

Car insurance repairs in the UK are generally divided into two categories.  Repairs covered by your insurance policy and repairs you'll need to pay for out of pocket. Let's take a closer look at each of these:-

Repairs Covered by Your Insurance Policy

If you're involved in an accident or other incident that damages your vehicle, it is important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to make a claim. Your insurance policy should outline the specific procedures for making a claim, but in general, you'll need to provide the following information:-

• The date and time of the incident
• The location of the incident
• The names and contact information of any other drivers, passengers, or witnesses involved
• A description of the damage to your vehicle
• Any relevant documents or photographs

Once you've made a claim, your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the cost of repairs, which will be paid for by your insurance policy if it is within the limits of your coverage. Depending on the terms of your policy, you may be responsible for paying a deductible before your insurance kicks in.

If your insurance policy covers the cost of repairs, you'll need to take your car to an approved vehicle body repair shop. Your insurance company should provide you with a list of approved shops, but you're generally free to choose any shop you like as long as they're willing to work with your insurance company.

Repairs You'll Need to Pay for Out of Pocket

If the damage to your car is minor or doesn't meet the threshold for making a claim on your insurance policy, you'll need to pay for the repairs out of your own pocket. In this case, you can either take your car to a body repair shop or attempt to make the repairs yourself.

If you're taking your car to a body repair shop, be sure to shop around and get multiple quotes. Prices can vary widely depending on the shop and the specific repairs needed, so it's always a good idea to compare prices before making a decision.

What to Expect from the Car Insurance Repair Process

The car insurance repairs process can vary depending on the nature and extent of the damage to your vehicle. In general, however, the process will involve the following steps:-

Assessment

Your vehicle will be assessed by a qualified mechanic or repair specialist, who will provide a quote for the cost of repairs.

Authorisation

Once you have received a quote for the cost of repairs, you will need to provide authorisation for the repairs to be carried out.

Repairs

Your vehicle will then be repaired by a qualified mechanic or repair specialist, using the parts and materials specified in the repair quote.

Quality Control

Once repairs are complete, your vehicle will undergo a quality control check to ensure that all repairs have been carried out to a high standard.

 

 

How to Choose a Car Body Repair Shop

Choosing the right car body repair shop is an important part of the car insurance repairs process. Not all repair shops are created equal, and you'll want to find a shop that's reputable, reliable, and affordable. Here are some tips for choosing the right car body repair shop:-

• Check online reviews: Before choosing a car body repair shop, do some research online. Look for reviews from past customers to get an idea of the shop's reputation and quality of work.
• Ask for referrals: If you have friends or family members who have had their cars repaired, ask them for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find a reliable car body repair shop.
• Look for certifications: Some repair shops have certifications from organisations like the Institute of the Motor Industry or the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association. These certifications can be a good indicator of the body shop's quality of work and level of expertise.

FAQs about Car Insurance Repairs in the UK

1. What if I want to use a repair shop that's not on my insurance company's approved list?

In most cases, you're free to choose any car body repair shop you like. However, if you choose a body shop that's not on your insurance company's approved list, you may be responsible for any additional costs that your insurance company doesn't cover.

2. Can I choose to have my car repaired at a dealership?

Yes, you can choose to have your car repaired at a dealership. However, dealership repairs tend to be more expensive than repairs at independent shops, so you may end up paying more out of pocket.

3. How long does the car insurance repairs process take?

The length of the car insurance repairs process can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the availability of parts, and the workload of the repair shop. In general, repairs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

4. Do I need to get multiple quotes before choosing a body repair shop?

While it's a good idea to get multiple quotes before choosing a car body repair shop, it's not always necessary. If you're comfortable with the reputation and quality of work of a particular shop, you may not need to shop around.

5. Will my insurance company cover the cost of a rental car while my car is being repaired?

If your insurance policy includes rental car coverage, your insurance company should cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired. However, you'll need to check your policy to see what specific coverage is included.

6. What should I do if I'm not happy with the quality of the repairs?

If you're not happy with the quality of the repairs, you should contact the car body repair shop and your insurance company to discuss the issue. In some cases, you may be able to have the repairs re-done at no additional cost.

Conclusion

Car insurance repairs in the UK can be a complex and confusing process, but with the right information and preparation, you can navigate it successfully.

Whether you're making a claim on your insurance policy or paying for repairs out of pocket, be sure to choose a reputable and reliable Auto body repair shop, and don't hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have.

Remember, the most important thing is to prioritise your safety on the road, and to take care of your vehicle to ensure it stays in good condition for years to come.

Get in touch for professional Car Body Repairs

If your car or vehicle requires a car body repair, then bring it to our car body shop in Radcliffe near Manchester and our professional technicians will fix it for you.  We particularly specialise in insurance repairs. Or for your convenience, we offer a fully mobile service and can come to you. We cover the whole of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Yorkshire.

If you’d like to get a price for our professional car body repair service, then please get in touch with us now on 0161 667 0919 or by filling out our quick quote form to get a free, no-obligation quotation.

We have lots of 5 star reviews on Google from happy customers, so please feel free to check out our reviews.

Or contact our team to arrange a time to bring your vehicle in for an estimate. We look forward to restoring your vehicle and getting you back on the roads!