Insurance Approved Bodyshop?

[Gladiator]

Hi all

Following my post over the weekend about me having a run in with a deer which has resulted in a damaged bumper and a few other bits, I've checked my insurance policy and can see that I have a choice of either using their 'Approved' repairer or if I select my own then I have to pay the first £250 towards the cost on top of my excess.

I want to make sure the job is top notch including any blending into wings etc to make sure the job is 100% but can I expect this type of workmanship from an insurance companies approved body shop?

Would VW's own body shop be best to repair and ensure I get the best possible result?

[Top Cat]

Never heared of having to pay to use a body shop of your own choosing. I would re-check this as the case has always been, that they try and steer you towards there choice but cant make you.
To be honest though, just because they choose were to get the work done, does not mean it will be dodgy. A garage wont last long with a insurance company if the work is sub-standard i would guess. and you still have the right to keep sending  the car back until you are 100% happy. The missus car went back to the bodyshop 3 times before it looked spot on. 

[SimonBash]

There will not be an additional excess to use another bodyshop mate, I am sure of that (I work in the insurance industry).

Generally insurer approved bodyshops are not the best IMO as the insurer will try and get the labour rate down as much as possible. They try to get you to use them by telling you that dont need an estimate, no inspection etc, convience for you basically.

If I was you I would find a decent local bodyshop.

Simon

[Gladiator]

Cheers guys

I've been to my local VW body shop who I think I can trust and just waiting for the claim number so they can contact my insurance company and try and obtain agreement to carry out the work 

[Moz]

There will not be an additional excess to use another bodyshop mate, I am sure of that (I work in the insurance industry).

Generally insurer approved bodyshops are not the best IMO as the insurer will try and get the labour rate down as much as possible. They try to get you to use them by telling you that dont need an estimate, no inspection etc, convience for you basically.

If I was you I would find a decent local bodyshop.

Simon

Incorrect. I work for one of the major insurance companies, and we charge our direct customers an additional £250 XS to use their own garage outside our network.

[Gladiator]

Yep that does seem correct as my insurance company confirmed the £250 additional cost!

VW have agreed to look at their rates to try and provide a competitive quote to ensure I am not too out of pocket but to be honest I just want the job done and don't care too much on cost as long as a top job with all the relevant blending into wings etc.

[SimonBash]

There will not be an additional excess to use another bodyshop mate, I am sure of that (I work in the insurance industry).

Generally insurer approved bodyshops are not the best IMO as the insurer will try and get the labour rate down as much as possible. They try to get you to use them by telling you that dont need an estimate, no inspection etc, convience for you basically.

If I was you I would find a decent local bodyshop.

Simon

Incorrect. I work for one of the major insurance companies, and we charge our direct customers an additional £250 XS to use their own garage outside our network.

Wow as far as I am aware none of the insurers products we use do this

[Moz]

There will not be an additional excess to use another bodyshop mate, I am sure of that (I work in the insurance industry).

Generally insurer approved bodyshops are not the best IMO as the insurer will try and get the labour rate down as much as possible. They try to get you to use them by telling you that dont need an estimate, no inspection etc, convience for you basically.

If I was you I would find a decent local bodyshop.

Simon

Incorrect. I work for one of the major insurance companies, and we charge our direct customers an additional £250 XS to use their own garage outside our network.

Wow as far as I am aware none of the insurers products we use do this

A lot of garages now, offer to pay the first £200 of your Excess if you use them, to combat this.

[Gladiator]

Thanks Moz, VW body shop did mention about deducting the excess from the cost