Can choice of own repairer be a more expensive quote?

[uumode]

Normally with previous older cars I'd just go for the cheapest big name car insurer on confused/gocompare e.g. Aviva, AA, M&S, L&G at about £180-£200 pa.

Having just acquired a brand new car, reading the small print of these companies most infer that you have to use their approved repairers, presumably cheaper using some non original manufacturer parts to keep their costs down.

Some allow choice of own repairer, but at the loss of courtesy car, insurance guarantee, and ownership of subsequent repair problems shift to the customer. e.g. ill fitting panels. Also with your own choice of repairer it is stated that at least two quotations are required.

MB insurance underwritten by Aviva specifically call out repairs are only undertaken with original manufacturer parts and manufacturer approved repairers but is £450pa

My question is has anyone challenged the use of the insurer approved repairer and chosen their own repairer as a Mercedes approved bodyshop, and had it approved even though it was more expensive than the insurer's approved repairer?

 

[ringway]

If it's your car, no-one can tell you where to have it repaired.
It's the labour rate that's the bug bear here. The insurance company approved bodyshops are £12-15 and hour cheaper than a decent outfit. That's why they are keen on customers using their approved places. Imagine how much they save a year if everyone dances to their tune!

You can take a Skoda to a Rolls Royce repairer (and vice versa) if you wish. There's nothing an insurance company can do to stop you.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

£450 per annum, one can only wish!

 

[uumode]

The choice is there, but seemingly at a disadvantage - potentially paying the difference between the cheaper approved/recommended repairer and more expensive Mercedes Benz approved repairer

M&S page 13
http://bank.marksandspencer.com/pdf/CIPremierPolicyDocument.pdf

"At your request, you can arrange for a repairer of your
choice to carry out the repairs. You must send the
insurer at least two detailed repair estimates as soon
as reasonably possible. The insurer will only be liable
for the repair costs at a non-recommended repairer if
the insurer has agreed that the costs are reasonable
and the insurer has issued an authorisation to the
repairer.
The insurer may need to inspect the car.
The insurer reserves the right to ask you to obtain
alternative estimates and the insurer may not pay
you more than their recommended repairer would
have charged them for the repair of the car. "


Glass damage is a joke if choosing MB over the approved (page 4)

"Unlimited cover if our approved repairer is used.
£150 if a non approved repairer is used."

A Mercedes Benz W205 windscreen costs way more than £150