Your car, your choice

3 June 2022

Can you choose where to have your vehicle repaired in the event of an accident? I reckon I’m on safe ground in suggesting you don’t know the answer.

Do you read your vehicle insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) each year at renewal time? I bet you don’t. 

Can’t blame you. An insurance PDS is hardly riveting reading, with plenty of fine print that’s tedious to wade through. Insurers are good at making the detail hard to read and understand.

And yet, it’s extremely important you know what you’re paying for.

Having choice of repairer is a fundamental right. It’s your vehicle. You are paying good money for your insurance policy. So, you should be allowed to have your vehicle repaired by the business of your choosing.

You may not have a strong opinion on who repairs your vehicle, and that’s fine. But plenty of people do. 

Some motorists have an ongoing relationship with a panel repair shop they rely on and trust – I know this is the case for many TACC member-businesses. Some people, particularly in regional areas, are passionate about supporting local businesses. And some owners of collectable and classic vehicles only want to take their pride and joy to a marque specialist. 

All these are legitimate reasons to want choice of repairer.

So, when it comes to renewing your vehicle insurance cover, take the time to ask if you have choice of repairer. If you do not, go to an insurer who does offer it.

On our end, TACC is helping spread the word about choice of repairer, and running initiatives to educate and empower motorists.

Visit yourcaryourchoice.com.au for more information.

Knowledge is power after all.

Words: TACC State Manager, Bruce McIntosh. As featured in The Mercury 3 June 2022.