Accident Damage - Selection of repairer

[BO55 VXR]

Yep, its one of those "My friend..." posts....

She was driven into by 3rd party and their insurer has asked for the car to be taken to a non-peugeot garage to be repaired.

Can she insist that it goes to the main dealer rather than some "back street boys"

[justinp1]

It depends on the terms of the insurance.

Of course they like to use their 'approved' repairers becasue they already know they have an agreement to charge them a trade rate.

She does have the right however to have the car returned in the same condition, and it could be argued that she would not be entitled to the warranty on that part of the car unless it is replaced by an authorised dealer.

Usually though, dealers just farm out the work somewhere else anywhay though, for what its worth!

[jacko lah]

YES

[zippee]

jacko lah said:

YES

Exactly - tell your friend to give anniesdad (Steve Greensmith) a shout as his company specialises in non falult accidents, he'll deal with all the insurance companies and repairers and also get a like for like hire car for the duration of the repair. He's done wrk for myslef twice and for many other PHers - his numbers on the contacts page;
www.europaconsultants.co.uk

Edited by zippee on Friday 27th April 10:58

[sidaorb]

A work colleague recently had a similar incident. Her insurance company used there 'approved' repairer, couple of days after getting the car back warning lights came on and vehicle went into main dealer who found that the 'approved' repairer had missed a couple things during the repair one of which was a cracked exhaust manifold!

[BO55 VXR]

Thanks for the quick reply peeps.... I will pass on the message - Her first accident in 20 years of driving, she's pretty torn up about it... she loves her car (a 207 CC)

[BIG DUNC]

We were in a similar position a year ago. I insisted the car went to a main dealer as it had only ever been to main dealers for servicing and repair work for its whole life. ( Easy to prove FSH ). After a bit of an argument they agreed.

[bat21]

Always insist on your car going to a main dealer for repair.
Some major insurance companies authorised repairers are instructed to use cheep pattern parts.
Such a repair will invalidate any warranty.

Edited by bat21 on Friday 27th April 15:57

[havoc]

I'd also recommend NOT dealing direct with 3P insurer - it robs you of half of the rights you have when you deal with your insurer. Specifying the bodyshop then robs you of the other half of your rights, as neither the bodyshop nor the 3P insurer are legally contracted to you.

It may be a little more hassle...but go through your insurer.

[eliminator]

Your rights are against the person who ran into you.

That driver has rights against his insurance company.

The insurance company of the other driver has no right, power or authority over you.

You can decline to use their "authorised" insurer.