BMW APPROVED BODYSHOPS

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bob4333

Member
 Solihull, UK
Like many I've just received a BMW newsletter. This caught my interest:-

Why choose a BMW Approved Bodyshop?

"Should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, remember that you have the right to choose who repairs your car, not your insurer."

Does this have any legal footing in some Consumer Rights Act or something? I ask because I'm paying a little more than I could so that I have a clause wriitten into my policy to enable me to choose the repairer I want in the event of an incident.

I remember when I was getting quotes that some of the well known on line insurers stipulated using their own chain of bodyshops if the need ever arose. I think some of them even said they would use BMW replacement parts or equal. So you can guess what that means.............

And my policy is up for renewal in 13 days time. :cry:
 
I believe this is correct, you can choose who does the work.

However.... When the wifes 3 series was hit, the aggressive opposition from the insurance company that we dared to suggested someone other that their body shop do the work, was quite something! Wife didnt want the hassel so went with the insurer and tbh, they were good. No replacement pannels just body work though
 
I'm insured with Admiral and have recently had an accident. They had no problems with me using my own garage for the repair work, they actually suggested it before I even asked.

I told them to expect a quote from my local BMW garage in the next few days and that was that. The only potential issue was that they couldn't guarantee a courtesy car if I used my own garage. They would pay for (and are paying for) a courtesy car from my garage of choice if they had one, but if BMW couldn't get me one then my insurers wouldn't either.

Although nobody else close to me has bothered getting a damaged car repaired, or been in an accident that required repair, I have always assumed you were allowed to take your car anywhere for repair without extra charge. There's obviously more chance of your insurers rejecting the repair cost if it's not their approved garage, but most BMW garages will have done plenty of insurance work before I'd imagine.
 
Thanks both, this is encouraging and in line with what I would have expected were it not for the memory of those on line quote stipulations.

I had my Jag rear ended a couple of years ago and it was straight into the dealer and sorted, no hassle (not even alternative quotes).

So, reassuring for when I come to renew but it'd be nice to see it written down somewhere...............
 
Maniac said:
Sadly a BMW approved or dealer workshop is no guarantee of quality.
Click to expand...

No, you can't argue with that - and a proven independent could well come out on top but if going into the unknown I'd want as many odds stacked in my favour as I can get.....

But I think I've just found the answer to my original question. This seems useful - http://www.motorclaimguru.co.uk/your-rights-as-a-consumer.html

Issues seem to centre around Courtesy Cars, Increased Excess and Guarantees but it seems ultimately we can choose rather than having to use the insurance company's dictate.
 
I had a prang in my Boxster years ago. I refused the other drivers insurance company's offer of their chosen body shop and insisted on a Porsche approved centre. They made all sorts of implied threats about the claim but in the end they had to pay. The industry is full of shitsters, have to stand firm :thumbsdown: :poke:
 
You have the right to choose but some policies state you have to pay an excess if you don't use there repair company. :o :o
 
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