Can I Choose Who Repairs My Car After an Accident?

Being involved in an accident can be a headache, particularly when you must hunt for a qualified repairer. And with the number of EVs on Britain’s roads expected to rise to 6.5 million by 2030, accounting for a fifth of all UK road vehicles, it’s vital that whoever does repair your car knows what they’re doing.

So, if you need your car fixed do you have the right to choose who does it, and more importantly, how do you know they’re any good?

Your Right To Choose

When you’re involved in accident your first port of call is likely to be your insurer. They’ll often have a list of preferred repairers they’d like you to engage with because they offer benefits to the insurers such as lower repair costs. But they may not be the right choice for you because insurers work to specific costs and will only give a garage a certain amount to undertake repairs. This puts pressure on the garage to reduce labour and compromise on parts.

However, you can take back control and don’t have to go with the garage they suggest. In fact, under the terms of your car accident repair insurance you have a legal right to pick your own centre if there’s someone you’d prefer to carry out your EV car repairs.

While it’s important to keep your insurer in the loop, don’t be afraid to choose an accredited repairer who you trust, prioritises safety and quality instead of cost and has a proven track record in EV or hybrid electric vehicle repair.

Premium Parts and Meeting Regulations

Nominating an accredited repairer rather than opting for the insurer’s choice can lead to a higher quality repair underwritten by guarantees and industry certifications. They will be able to charge for premium parts, as opposed to generic ones, and carry out any repairs to the manufacturer’s standards.

While repairing an EV vehicle is no easier or harder than a petrol or diesel one, the parts are often drastically different and require specialist knowledge to fit them. By opting for manufacturer parts and completing repairs to their standards you know your car will be returned to you in optimal working condition.

Managing Your Accident Claim

It’s stressful enough having an accident but this can be compounded in the aftermath when you’re forced to deal with insurers, repair shops and courtesy cars. This can become especially onerous when you have other responsibilities to consider like getting to and from work or transporting children or elderly parents. And even more so if you’re nervous about rejecting their nominated repairer.

Thankfully, some repair centres offer a full car accident claims management service as standard and will take care of the entire process from start to finish. All it takes is a single phone call to get the ball rolling while they ensure you receive the best standard of care and service without any added stress.

At EvolveArc, we specialise in top-quality body shop repairs, ensuring your car gets the best care possible. Contact our team today!