When you are claiming against the at-fault driver, you can generally choose your own repairer, as long as the repair and its cost are reasonable. If you are claiming through your own policy instead, check your terms, because some insurers apply conditions if you don't use their approved repairer. If you have a garage in mind, tell us at the start and we'll talk it through.
Find out more about vehicle repairs after a non-fault accident.
Plenty of people in Lanarkshire have a local garage they have used for years. Here is how that fits with a claim.
Why people want their own garage
It is usually about trust. You know the people, you know the standard of work, and you know they'll tell you straight if something isn't right. Some people also want a specialist for their make of car, or simply somewhere close to home or work.
All of those are fair reasons, and they are worth mentioning to us from the start.
Had an accident that wasn’t your fault?
Start your claimClaiming against the at-fault driver
On a non-fault claim, the costs are claimed from the other driver's insurer. In that case you can generally choose your own repairer, as long as the repair and its cost are reasonable.
"Reasonable" matters. The other insurer will want the damage assessed and the costs agreed before work starts. If a repair estimate looks well above what they'd expect, they may question it, which can slow things down.
Claiming through your own insurer: approved repairers
If you claim on your own policy, your insurer will often send your car to one of their approved repairers. Using a garage outside their network may be allowed, but some policies apply conditions, for example:
- you may lose your courtesy car
- you may have to pay a higher excess
- the repair guarantee may be different
So if you have a garage you'd rather use, read your policy wording or ask your insurer before you agree to anything.
How G4 Claims handles repairs
Once we have the details, we arrange for your vehicle to be inspected and repaired, and agree the costs with the at-fault insurer. We can also help arrange recovery if your vehicle isn't drivable.
You have two options with us:
- We arrange the repair through a repairer we work with. We keep in touch with the repairer and the other insurer, so you're not left chasing updates.
- You use a garage you trust. Tell us, and we'll work with them where we can.
Either way, we keep you updated by phone or WhatsApp while your vehicle is being repaired. Find out more on our vehicle repairs page.
What to check with your own garage
If you want to use your own garage, it helps to ask them:
- whether they are happy to work on an insurance claim and deal with an assessor
- whether they can provide a detailed estimate and photos of the damage
- roughly how busy they are, and whether parts are likely to be a problem
- what guarantee they give on the work
Then pass their details to us at the start, so we can include them from day one.
If your car is written off
If repairs wouldn't be economical, your vehicle may be treated as a total loss and there is nothing for the garage to repair. We can help recover its pre-accident value from the at-fault insurer. That value is usually based on what a similar vehicle would have cost just before the accident. If the valuation looks low, tell us and share evidence such as adverts for similar vehicles.
How long will repairs take?
It depends on the damage, parts availability, the bodyshop's workload and how quickly repairs are authorised. We can't give a fixed timescale before the vehicle has been assessed, but we'll let you know straight away if anything changes. See how long a non-fault claim takes.
While your car is off the road
If you need a vehicle while yours is being repaired, we can help check whether a comparable replacement can be arranged, where eligible. That is a different thing from a courtesy car through your own policy, which may depend on using an approved repairer. Our guide on courtesy cars vs like-for-like hire explains the difference.
Get your repair sorted
If another driver damaged your car, start your claim online and let us know if you have a garage in mind. Message us on WhatsApp any time on 07788 266261, or call 01698 767 172 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm). Claims email: firstresponse@g4claims.net. Weighing up your options? See an accident management company vs your own insurer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own garage after an accident that wasn't my fault?
When you claim against the at-fault driver, you can generally choose your own repairer, as long as the repair and its cost are reasonable. Tell us your garage at the start.
Do I have to use my insurer's approved repairer?
If you claim on your own policy, check your terms. Some insurers apply conditions if you don't use their approved repairer.
Will my own garage be paid directly?
We agree the repair costs with the at-fault insurer. How payment to your garage is handled depends on the claim, and we'll explain it before work starts.
What if I'm not happy with the repair?
Tell us as soon as possible and we'll explain what can be done.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different.