Choosing a vehicle repairer

10 July 2020

­Are you comparing apples with apples? 

‘Choice of repairer’ is a term used in vehicle insurance policies denoting whether or not you can take your accident-damaged vehicle to a repairer (panel beater) of your choice. 

This doesn’t mean the insurance provider can’t source a second quote from another repairer, it depends on the wording in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) in your insurance policy.

I believe having choice of repairer generally will place you in a better position if you have to negotiate on price or quality for the repair of your vehicle. In addition, the repairer, with your permission, can act on your behalf should you decide to take a dispute with your insurance provider to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.

Insurers have a duty to ensure all vehicles are repaired to their pre-damaged condition. However, there are different quality outcomes that can be achieved in the repair of any vehicle. 

If two quotes are required by your insurance provider, what you really need to know is whether both quotes are based on the same method of repair and, if replacement parts are used, whether they are new or second-hand. 

It’s important to ask your insurer to provide both repair quotes for comparison, so you can check the scope of the repair being proposed.

Choice of repairer policies are generally more expensive than those with little or no choice. They do however give you more of a say in who repairs your vehicle, and that has to be a good thing. It’s your property after all.

Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym. As featured in the Herald Sun 10 July 2020.

Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au