Insurance claim question

Capri86

Hi

My other half was in a small car accident where the other person has admitted fault. We rang insurance to follow correct procedure and the other person's insurance company asked us to take it to a garage they use for a quote. We did that and rang back with the quote as the other person was hoping it was possible to not go through insurance. He said he knows a guy who can do it for a lot cheaper because they are friends.

Then thing is we were hoping to buy a new car anyway in the next month and we were having a hard time selling this car as it is. Because he found the cheaper quote does anyone know if we have to bring our car to that garage or not?

Also, does anyone know do the insurance companies pay out to the garage for the work done.

Thanks

wesf

You don't have to go there just because this lad says it's cheaper. You could go to a main dealer if you want I think.
You can certainly go to the garage recommended by the insurance company.
Almost sure the insurance pays the garage direct once they see an estimate/invoice

Mr.Fred

Your Insurance company will have a list of approved garages to use. I wouldn't be going to this fellas mate. cheaper sounds just that a cheap repair. Get it fixed properly you don't owe this guy any favours you could get a couple of quotes so you can show him you've at least been reasonable in shopping around.

The insurance company will pay the garage directly you should be covered for a courtesy car also while yours is being repaired.

Atlantic Dawn

Go to a main dealer and get a quote as a comparison to the insurance companies qupte, I wouldn't go with some mate of a mate solution, will only end in ears.

Capri86

Cool thanks for that. They initially wanted to settle it without insurance which would have suited me fine as I would have used it against a new car anyway but they wouldn't come close to the estimate. I'll get it fixed up so. We will need a courtesy car alright

Bogger77

Capri86 wrote: »

Cool thanks for that. They initially wanted to settle it without insurance which would have suited me fine as I would have used it against a new car anyway but they wouldn't come close to the estimate. I'll get it fixed up so. We will need a courtesy car alright

you don't have to have it repaired, ask insurance company for a check for the amount quoted, if you're happy to accept that amount

Then use that as you wish, to repair, or to purchase new(er) car

Capri86

Bogger77 wrote: »

you don't have to have it repaired, ask insurance company for a check for the amount quoted, if you're happy to accept that amount

Then use that as you wish, to repair, or to purchase new(er) car

Oh really? That's good to know

mgbgt1978

You Do Not need to have the payment made directly to the repairer. You can insist that the cheque is sent to yourself.
You do not need to get the car repaired, you are simply claiming for the cost to return the car to it's state pre-accident.
As long as you are compensated for the damage caused by the other party it's up to you whether or not you get your car repaired.
I am not implying that you "benefit" from this accident, simply pointing out that it's up to you whether or not you use the compensation to repair your car or not.



edit; Bogger got in before me, but you get the picture.......

Capri86

I'm certainly not trying to benefit here. I just want the price of the damages covered, that's all.
Thanks for the information. I'll ring them back tomorrow

THEBOSS46

I always advise people to get their own accesor when dealing with insurance companies. Ordinary people dont have a clue how to deal with these companies.