03 9792 2486Choosing comprehensive car insurance? Look beyond the premiums and consider what happens if you actually need to make a claim.
Choice of repairer is something to think about. Depending on the policy, it may let you nominate the smash repairer you want to handle your vehicle after an insured accident. This can be important for drivers who want more control over who repairs their vehicle. For others, an insurer’s preferred repairer network may suffice.
So, is choice of repairer worth it? Well, it can be, especially if you value trusted workmanship, local service, and having a say in who repairs your vehicle. But in the end, you’ll need to compare the extra premium with the benefits and, above all, read your policy wording before deciding.
What Choice of Repairer Means for Your Car Insurance
Choice of repairer is a feature that may allow you to nominate your own smash repairer or panel beater after an insured accident. It isn’t automatically included in every comprehensive policy. Some insurers include it with certain products, while others make it an optional extra. The conditions can also differ between policies.
Without choice of repairer, your insurer may direct you to one of its preferred or approved repairers. With choice of repairer, you may be able to nominate a workshop you already know and trust, subject to your policy conditions.
Preferred Repairer vs Your Choice of Repairer
Some might think an insurer’s preferred repairer is automatically a poor choice. In reality, insurers can have established repair networks with clear standards, processes, and workmanship guarantees. The difference is mainly about control.
You may already have a local panel beater you trust, perhaps because you’ve used the same workshop before or want a repairer with experience working on your particular vehicle. You may also prefer a workshop close to home or work, so dropping off and collecting your car is easier.
Ultimately, choice of repairer gives you more control over who repairs your car. It doesn’t necessarily mean your chosen repairer is better than an insurer’s preferred repairer.
Why Choice of Repairer Policy Wording Matters
Your insurer may still need to assess the damage, review a repair quote, or approve the proposed work even if you can nominate the repairer. Some policies may also have conditions around repair costs, quotes, or the repairer’s qualifications.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) says a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) contains important information about an insurance product, including its features, exclusions, limitations, and other conditions. So, don’t rely on the feature name alone. Check the PDS and your policy documents before buying or renewing cover.
Is Choice of Repairer Worth the Extra Cost?
For many drivers, choice of repairer can be useful, especially if the additional premium is reasonable and having control over the repairer matters to them. The decision doesn’t need to be complicated. Compare the extra annual cost with how much you value having a particular repairer available after an accident.
When the Extra Cost Makes Sense
Choice of repairer can be especially useful for owners who care about the finer details of a vehicle’s repair. A newer car may have complex body panels, sensors, cameras, and other equipment that need careful attention after a collision. A prestige vehicle may also have particular paint finishes or manufacturer-specific repair requirements.
Even with a basic panel repair, details like panel alignment and paint matching can affect how the finished vehicle looks. The option can also make sense if you already have a repairer you trust. Knowing who will assess your car and explain the proposed work can provide a welcome sense of confidence during an insurance claim.
For Melbourne drivers, local access can be another consideration. There are reputable providers like Classic Panels, which offers car smash repairs as well as accident claim assistance, vehicle assessments, and replacement vehicle options.
When It May Matter Less
An insurer’s approved network may be perfectly suitable if it offers convenient locations, clear repair guarantees, and a claims process that works well for you. If the choice-of-repairer option adds a significant amount to your premium, you may decide the extra control isn’t worth the additional cost.
The important thing is knowing what you’re giving up by choosing a policy without the feature. If having a particular workshop repair your vehicle is important to you, paying for that flexibility may be justified.
What You Gain With Choice of Repairer in a Claim
The value of choice of repairer becomes clearer once you consider what happens after an accident. You may be able to take your vehicle to a workshop you already know, ask questions directly, and have a familiar team explain the repair process. A repairer can also help with practical parts of the process, such as preparing a quote and discussing the damage with you.
More Control Over Your Car Repairs
A damaged car may need more than cosmetic repairs after an accident. The smash repair process can include:
- Assessing the extent of damage
- Repairing or replacing panels
- Matching paint
- Aligning panels
- Refitting components correctly
What’s the right approach? It depends on your vehicle and the damage involved. Choosing a repairer can give you confidence that the workshop understands your expectations and can explain what needs to be done.
More Convenient Support From a Local Repairer
Location matters, particularly in a busy city such as Melbourne. Having a repairer near your home or workplace can make vehicle drop-off, collection, and discussions about the repair easier to manage. You may also appreciate having someone local you can contact if you have a question.
Classic Panels is based in Dandenong and offers Melbourne-wide pick-up and delivery, as well as accident replacement vehicle options. If you depend on your car every day, having a replacement vehicle available while repairs are underway can also make life easier. Availability and eligibility will depend on the circumstances and applicable arrangements.
What to Check Before Adding Choice of Repairer
Before adding choice of repairer, look closely at what you’re actually getting instead of just ticking the box. Ask:
- Is choice of repairer included or an optional extra?
- How much does it add to the premium?
- Can I nominate any repairer, or are there specific requirements?
- Does the insurer need to approve your chosen repairer?
- Does the insurer need to assess the vehicle first?
- Does your repairer need to provide a quote?
- Are there limits on repair costs?
- What parts can be used?
- What guarantee applies to the repairs?
- Are there additional charges you may need to pay?
Save a copy of your PDS and policy documents so you can refer back to them later. ASIC also recommends checking the conditions and limits set out in your insurance documents.
Questions to Ask Your Insurer
If you’re comparing policies, it would help to ask these questions:
- Can I nominate my own repairer?
- Is choice of repairer included or does it cost extra?
- Can I choose my repairer after lodging a claim?
- Does the repairer need to meet specific requirements?
- Do you need to inspect the vehicle before repairs start?
- Will you approve my chosen repairer’s quote?
- What happens if your assessor disagrees with my repairer’s quote?
- Do I need to provide multiple quotes?
- What guarantee applies to the repairs?
- Are there any limits or extra costs I should know about?
Questions to Ask Your Repairer
Your repairer can also help you understand the practical side of the process. Consider asking:
- Do you handle insurance claims?
- Can you prepare a repair quote for my insurer to review?
- What types of vehicles do you repair regularly?
- How long is the repair likely to take?
- Do you offer replacement vehicles while my car is being repaired?
- What happens if you find additional damage after the repair has started?
Common Misunderstandings: What Choice of Repairer Does and Doesn’t Guarantee
Choice of repairer gives you more control, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your insurer will accept any repair quote from your chosen workshop. The insurer may still assess the damage and review the proposed repair costs. Some policies can also require a second quote or have other conditions attached to a nominated repairer.
It doesn’t guarantee faster repairs either. Repair times can depend on the extent of the damage, parts availability and the repairer’s workload. It also doesn’t mean an insurer’s preferred repairers are unsuitable. Many drivers are happy using their insurer’s network.
How Classic Panels Can Help With Choice of Repairer Car Insurance
Choosing a repairer you trust can make the claims and repair process easier to manage. If your policy allows you to nominate your own repairer, make sure you know what support your chosen workshop can provide, from assessing the damage to explaining the repairs and assisting with the claims process.
Classic Panels can help with the repair side of the process. We’re a Dandenong-based workshop with more than 40 years of experience specialising in smash repairs, panel beating, and accident motor claims. Please contact Classic Panels to discuss your repair options.
