You can ask your insurer to allow you to use a repairer of your choice after an accident, but the exact arrangement depends on your policy and what the insurer agrees to fund.
An insurer may have its own approved repair network and may handle estimates, authorisation, invoicing or replacement-vehicle arrangements differently when a customer chooses another garage. Before instructing insurance-funded work, ask whether your chosen repairer is acceptable, how the estimate will be reviewed and whether there are any limits or conditions affecting what the insurer will pay.
It is also important to understand who is responsible if a later problem arises with the repair. Current Financial Ombudsman Service guidance distinguishes between repairs arranged through a garage the insurer told the customer to use and repairs the customer arranged through their own garage with the insurer’s agreement.
Ask the insurer to confirm important decisions in writing where possible, including the repairer, authorised costs, excess arrangements and the process for any additional damage discovered later.
For the full checklist, read Can You Choose Your Own Repairer After an Accident?. AG Body Shop can assess suitable body and paint damage through our Insurance Claim Repairs service, while insurance cover and payment decisions remain with the insurer.