Someone’s reversed into your car in the Coles car park on Bridge Road. Or maybe a truck has flung a rock into your quarter panel on the Monash. Either way, you’re on the phone to your insurance company, and the first thing they say is: ‘We’ll send it to one of our approved repairers.’
But do you have to go along with that? In most cases, no. You can choose your own panel beater. Here’s how it works, what your insurer might not tell you, and what to check before your next renewal.
Most comprehensive car insurance policies in Australia allow you to nominate your own repairer. Your insurer might strongly recommend their preferred network, but recommendation and requirement are two different things.
That said, the specifics depend on your policy. Some policies include full choice of repairer as standard. Others offer it as an optional extra. And a few will only allow it with conditions – for example, they might require the repairer’s quote to meet their pricing standards before they approve the work.
The key document is your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). That’s the detailed policy document that spells out exactly what you’re covered for. If choice of repairer matters to you – and for many drivers it should – check that section before you sign up or renew.
