Guides › Can I choose my own garage?
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Can I choose my own garage after a non-fault accident?
The short answer
Usually, yes. When the accident wasn’t your fault and you’re claiming against the at-fault driver’s insurer, you can normally choose who repairs your vehicle. The cost needs to be reasonable, and the insurer may want to see an estimate or inspect the damage before the work starts.
Who decides where my car is repaired?
It depends on which route your claim takes:
- Claiming against the at-fault driver’s insurer: you can usually choose the garage. Their insurer may offer its own repairers, but you don’t have to accept.
- Claiming on your own policy: your policy terms apply. Many let your insurer choose, or set conditions if you use your own garage.
Not sure which route you’re on? See do I have to claim through my own insurer?
What does “reasonable cost” mean?
The at-fault insurer has to pay what’s reasonably needed to put your vehicle back to how it was before the accident. That means the repair should cover the accident damage, using suitable parts and labour at a fair rate.
An insurer can question work that looks unnecessary or prices that look excessive. A clear, itemised estimate from your garage helps avoid disputes.
What happens before the repairs start?
- Get an estimate from your chosen garage, itemising parts and labour.
- Photograph the damage before anything is touched.
- Allow an inspection if the insurer wants an engineer to look at the vehicle or the photos.
- Get the repair agreed before work starts, so the cost can be recovered without argument.
If your car isn’t safe or legal to drive, don’t drive it. Recovery and storage can usually form part of your claim.
What should I look for in a garage?
- Experience with your make, and manufacturer approval if your car is new or still under warranty
- A written guarantee on the repair work
- The equipment to recalibrate cameras and sensors if your car has driver-assistance systems
- Clear timescales, so you know how long you’ll need a replacement vehicle
- Experience of insurance work, so estimates and invoices are in a form insurers accept
Not sure whether you need an approved garage? Read what is an approved repairer?
Frequently asked questions
Can the other driver’s insurer insist I use their garage?
Not usually. They can offer their own repairers, and that offer may suit you, but when you’re claiming against their driver you can normally choose where your car is repaired.
What if my garage’s quote is higher than the insurer expects?
The insurer may question it. Ask your garage to explain the work and the prices in its estimate. Reasonable costs for a proper repair can be recovered even if they’re higher than the insurer’s own network would charge.
Who pays the garage?
It depends on how the claim is set up. Often the garage is paid directly once the claim is settled. If you pay yourself, keep every invoice and receipt so you can claim the money back.
What if my car is written off instead?
If repairs would cost more than the car is worth, it may be written off and you’d be paid its pre-accident value instead. See Cat S vs Cat N write-offs.
Need your car repaired?
We’ll arrange the repair and recover the cost from the other driver’s insurer. If you have a garage in mind, tell us and we’ll explain how that would work.
This guide provides general information for England and Wales only and is not legal advice. Every claim is different. Back on the Road UK is a trading style of NJS Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 8006550). Repairs and replacement vehicles may be provided by independent third-party companies.