When you own a classic, luxury, or high-performance vehicle, it's more than just transport, it's an investment, a passion and a statement of taste. 

If you are unfortunately involved in an accident, even a minor one, ensuring your vehicle is repaired to the highest standard becomes a top priority. One key factor in this process is knowing that you have the right to choose your own repairer, even if your insurer recommends someone else.

This article explains your rights and helps you understand the advantages and considerations of using your own trusted specialist over an insurer appointed repairer.

Yes, in many comprehensive insurance policies particularly those tailored for high-value vehicles you can nominate your preferred repairer. However, there are caveats:

• Your right may depend on your specific policy terms.
  
• Some insurers include this right only in specialist or premium-level policies.
  
• You may need to inform your insurer at the time of policy purchase to activate this option.

Always refer to your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and check whether your policy includes "Choice of Repairer" coverage.

1. Specialist Knowledge. Classic and prestige cars require skilled hands. Insurer-recommended suppliers may not have the technical expertise, equipment, or manufacturer approvals to handle rare or complex repairs and restorations. A specialist repairer understands the nuances of crafted bodywork, hand-finished interiors and carbon fibre components.

2. Genuine Parts. Not Generic Substitutes. Your chosen repairer is more likely to source OEM parts or components specific to your vehicle’s provenance which is essential for maintaining value, performance, and authenticity.

3. Preservation of value. Defective repairs, poor paint matching and use of non-genuine parts can drastically reduce the resale and collector’s value of a classic or high-end car. With your own trusted repairer, you retain control over how and what materials your vehicle is repaired with.

4. Personalised Service. High-net-worth clients often expect more than a transactional service. Independent repairers typically offer a bespoke approach, keeping you informed, involved and reassured throughout the process.

While the benefits above are clear, there are a few things to consider:

1. Insurer Limitations  - Not all policies cover the full cost of independent repairs especially if the quote is higher than the insurer’s preferred supplier. You may have to negotiate or cover the difference.
2. Approval Delays  - An insurer may require a second assessment or extra paperwork, leading to delays before work can begin. However, under consumer and insurance laws insurers are not able to  put up obstacles or barriers resulting in customer detriment, when selecting your own repairer. 
3. Warranty Differences  - Repairs done through your insurer’s network often provide lengthy workmanship guarantees. However, most accredited bodyshops and repair centres will provide their own guarantee, but be sure to check, before appointing your own repairer or one that is not part of your insurers network.
4. Policy Cost - Policies with "choice of repairer" options often carry a slightly higher premium but for owners of valuable vehicles, we highly recommend this investment.
5. Policy Excess - It’s worth checking your policy excess as many insurers confirm in its terms that your policy excess will increase and more often double, if you choose a repairer outside of their recommended network.

• Choose a repairer with manufacturer approval or specialist credentials.
  
• Request before and after photos for your records, especially for classic and rare vehicles.
  
• Confirm that the repairer uses genuine or period-correct parts.
  
• Ask about paint-matching processes, especially for older or limited-edition finishes.
  

Ensure your repairer offers a guarantee and will uphold the manufacturers warranty terms post-repair inspection.

When it comes to repairing classic, rare, luxury or performance vehicles, the difference between a general insurance accredited body shop and a marque specialist can be night and day. 

Exercising your right to choose your own repairer is not just about preference, it's about protecting your asset, your investment and giving you peace of mind.

If, however you are not over fussed about protecting your car's history, heritage and future valuation, then choosing the cheapest quote and policy from a comparision site may be a better choice.

We suggest you speak to your insurer or broker to ensure your policy includes “choice of repairer” coverage because in the world of prestige motoring, compromise simply isn’t an option.

Should you require any further information on this topic, feel free to contact us, we’ll only be too pleased to help. 0333 4042002