If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident and your vehicle has been damaged, you no doubt want it to get back on the road as soon as possible. If you have the skills and experience, then that can involve carrying out the repairs yourself. There is nothing by law that states you cannot undertake your vehicle repairs, but you may check your insurance policy before you make the final decision.
Yes, you can get your vehicle repaired by yourself after an accident, but it’s not recommended unless the vehicle damage is very minor. You have the necessary experience and tools, as doing so could affect your insurance claim, potentially void your warranty, and leave you responsible for any improper vehicle repairs that could cause safety issues.
Vehicle Repairs
initially speaking to a garage, getting an assessment and estimate, obtaining approvals from insurance companies if required, then proceeding with the vehicle repair work, including disassembly, necessary part replacements, bodywork if needed, painting, and final assembly, followed by quality checks and delivery of the vehicle.
Your right to choose your Repair Shop
You have the right to choose who fixes your vehicle damages, even though your insurance company might tell you otherwise. If you are not satisfied with the vehicle repair shop your insurer recommends and you can take control of the entire process yourself, no one can stop you. Take your vehicle to a garage you trust to prioritize your satisfaction.
Types of Vehicle Repairs
You’ll want to consider the vehicle repair that you will need to perform on your vehicle. Some vehicle repairs will need attention due to their complex issues, while others may be something that you can perform at home by yourself.
There are different types of vehicle repairs, the most common being the following:
- Accidental Repairs
- Structural Repairs
- Touch-ups
- Theft Repairs
- Dent & Scratch Repairs
- Vehicle Suspension and Alignment
- Mechanical Repairs
Without the proper equipment and skills, you could end up causing more damage or poor repairs to your vehicle. Alternatively, going out of your way to purchase equipment can take up a lot of your settlement and expenses, and if you’re not skilled in how to use the tools and equipment, you could cause yourself further financial stress.
Arranging Your Repairs
Insurance companies will contact and drive you to use their repairer network; this is not always good, but not always bad. You do, however, as a claimant, have the right to choose your vehicle repairer.
For example, should you have spent all your earnings on purchasing a brand-new car and want to use that approved and reliable body shop? Your insurance company cannot deny you to choose the repair shop.
Using the insurance repair shop may well use non-branded parts on your vehicle. Using your repair shop or garage, you can insist on them.
You can advise your insurance that you want to arrange your vehicle repairs and review your insurance policy, as there may be an additional insurance excess. They may then ask for a couple of repair estimates; you do not have to do this! If you are happy with your garage, stay connected with it. The insurance company will then send an independent engineer to inspect your vehicle and prepare a report.
Suppose you have any issues at this stage, like the engineer will not agree on the vehicle repair cost or wants to change it. Contact us.
Now, whether the road traffic accident was your fault or not, you can instruct independent engineers for your vehicle inspection on your behalf and agree on the cost with your repairer.
If you want to do this, contact your garage to contact the accident claims assistant first so we can arrange and discuss it with them. You can then send us a PROFORMA INVOICE with a copy of the engineer’s report, and you should be reimbursed the full cost, including VAT.
You can also use our claims management services, and we can do this for you after instructions. If you can afford to fund the vehicle repairs by yourself, you can do the above, pay the bill, and send it to the insurance company, and they have to pay you the cost.
Don’t settle for less Amount.
So, if you are ever involved in an accident, fight for your right to select who repairs your vehicle. Insurance companies might force you but don’t agree to go with a cheaper choice. Instead, opt for a manufacturer-regulated repair shop with trained and dedicated professionals offering a high level of service and top-quality repair services.
What will happen If I Cannot Afford the Vehicle Repairs?
If you find yourself in a position where you cannot afford the vehicle repairs on the vehicle, you could either be missing out on a settlement, or you may be getting a higher quote from a garage. In these circumstances, it is vitally important that you speak with your insurers and the defendant party’s insurance company to see if you may be missing out on compensation. If you have a more complex scenario, you can speak with a lawyer experienced in processing these types of claims.
If you have only gone to one repair shop and you cannot afford their estimated vehicle repairs, you may want to explore and see if you can’t find a more affordable repair and still a reliable shop. Make sure that you are staying in contact with your insurance if applicable to make sure that you are connected in-network.
Advantages of a Garage Vehicle Repair
A lot of us won’t have the experience to carry out our vehicle repairs, in which damage to your vehicle needs the attention of a skilled mechanic at a garage. If you have been involved in an accident, particularly one you were not to blame for, then you will want everything dealt with as smoothly as possible.
If you need to send your car to the garage, then you should get a courtesy car or hire car. You can get a replacement car that is at least like your damaged vehicle, meaning you have a set of wheels to travel while your vehicle is repaired.
What happens if the Driver is not Insured
If you are involved in an accident and the other diver is not insured, then the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) may also be able to settle your claim. This also includes claims where the driver has broken their insurance policy conditions.
You won’t be able to claim if you are an injured passenger of an uninsured or unidentified driver and know that they were not insured.
