Your Car, Your Choice: Why the Right to Pick Your Own Repairer Is the Future of Fair Claims
    Industry News

    Your Car, Your Choice: Why the Right to Pick Your Own Repairer Is the Future of Fair Claims

    Solution Repair Group
    16 July 2026
    5 min read

    Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Between the initial shock, the paperwork, and the disruption to your daily routine, the last thing you need is to feel pressured about where your car gets fixed.

    A driver confidently choosing their repairer via a digital map of the UK

    Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. Between the initial shock, the paperwork, and the disruption to your daily routine, the last thing you need is to feel pressured about where your car gets fixed.

    Many drivers across the UK believe that when they make an insurance claim, their insurer has the final say on which bodyshop carries out the work. You might be told you "must" use an "approved repairer" to keep your warranty or to avoid a higher excess.

    But here is the truth: It is your legal right to choose who repairs your car.

    At Solution Repairs, we believe that choice shouldn't lead to conflict. Instead, we are building a future where drivers, insurers, and independent bodyshops work together to create a fairer, faster, and more personal repair experience.

    Understanding Your Right to Choose

    The "Right to Choose" isn't just a friendly suggestion; it is backed by UK law. Specifically, the Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order 2023 (MVBEO) and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protect your freedom as a consumer.

    In simple terms, these regulations mean that an insurer cannot force you to use their specific network. They also cannot invalidate your manufacturer's warranty just because you chose an independent, qualified bodyshop.

    While insurers often "steer" customers toward large, national repair hubs, they are legally required to consider a fair and reasonable estimate from the repairer of your choice. We are here to help you exercise that right without the stress.

    Why Independent Bodyshops Are the Secret to Better Repairs

    There is a common misconception that "independent" means "unregulated." In reality, the independent bodyshops in our network are often the most highly skilled and personally invested businesses in the industry.

    When you choose a local, independent bodyshop through our SRG Approved network, you aren't just another claim number in a massive system. You are a local neighbour.

    1. Faster "Key-to-Key" Times

    One of the most important metrics in the repair world is "key-to-key" time: the duration from when you drop off your keys to when you get them back. Independent shops are often more nimble and flexible than massive national groups. Because they are local to you, transport times are reduced, and the personal communication is much faster.

    2. Quality You Can Trust

    Independent owners live and breathe their reputation. They don't have a guaranteed stream of work from a massive corporate contract; they earn every job through quality and service. Our network members are quality-checked and accredited, ensuring your car is returned to factory standards.

    3. Personal Service

    Have you ever tried calling a massive insurance repair hub to get an update? You often end up in a call centre queue. With an independent bodyshop, you are usually speaking directly to the people working on your vehicle.

    Speed and efficiency symbolised by a car key and stopwatch

    A New Vision: Partnering with Insurers and Brokers

    For a long time, there has been a perceived "us vs. them" mentality between independent repairers and insurance companies. At Solution Repairs, we are changing that narrative.

    We are actively looking to partner with insurance companies and insurance brokers across the UK. Why? Because we believe our independent network offers a better deal for everyone involved. We aren't looking to disrupt the system; we're looking to improve it.

    Improving Client Satisfaction

    When a driver is told they can use a local shop they trust: and they receive exceptional service: they are much more likely to renew their policy with that broker or insurer. Satisfaction isn't just about the cheque; it’s about the experience.

    Driving Down Costs per Claim

    By using a network of efficient, local businesses, we can often reduce the overall cost per claim. Shorter repair times mean fewer days paying for courtesy cars. Local repairs mean lower recovery and transport costs. When the system is efficient, everyone saves money.

    Fair Treatment for All

    Our goal is to make the claims process fair.

    • Fair for Drivers: You get the shop you want, quality repairs, and we even cover up to £500 of your insurance excess.

    • Fair for Insurers: You get happier clients, faster turnarounds, and lower total claim costs.

    • Fair for Bodyshops: Our technicians get paid fair rates for their expertise, allowing them to grow their local businesses.

    A partnership handshake between a broker and a technician

    How Solution Repairs Makes It Easy

    We know that dealing with an insurer can feel intimidating. That is why we handle the heavy lifting for you. We act as the bridge between you, your chosen bodyshop, and your insurance provider.

    When you use one of our approved repair centres, you get:

    • Instant Matching: Our virtual assistant, Alex, helps find the best local shop for your specific needs.

    • Quality Guarantee: Every shop in our network is SRG Approved and meets strict quality standards.

    • Excess Support: We contribute up to £500 toward your insurance excess, making the repair even more affordable.

    • Real Human Support: No call centres. You deal with real technicians and experts who care about your car.

    The Win-Win-Win Outcome

    The future of car repairs shouldn't be about who has the biggest contract; it should be about who provides the best service. By choosing an independent repairer, you are supporting local businesses and ensuring your car receives the care it deserves.

    When insurers and brokers embrace this choice, they see better retention and lower costs. It truly is a win-win-win scenario.

    Protective shield representing £500 excess cover

    Ready to Exercise Your Right to Choose?

    If you have been in an accident, don't feel pressured into a decision that doesn't feel right for you. It’s your car, your safety, and ultimately, your choice.

    Whether you need a dent repair in Goole or a major accident repair in Grimsby, our network is ready to help.

    Visit www.solutionrepairs.co.uk today to find your local approved repairer and see how we can take the stress out of your claim while putting money back in your pocket.

    Let’s make car repairs fair for everyone. 👋🚗💰

    Related Topics
    your car your choicechoose own repairerinsurance claim repairright to choose bodyshopcar accident rights uk

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