If you are unfortunate enough to have been involved in an a motor accident you will no doubt have been in contact with your insurers. During the conversation they will probably tell you where they want your car to go for repair. The recent experience of a relative of mine tells me that some insurers are still trying to insist that the choice of repair garage is theirs, it is not. Insurance companies direct policyholders vehicles into their 'approved' repairers - a network of companies they have chosen with the aim of keeping their costs down. They also dictate the level of service and the quality of the repair you and your car will recieve. In an agreement between the Office of Fair Trading and the British Board of Motor Insurers it has been decided that as a motor vehicle insurance policy holder you have the right to choose where to have your vehicle repaired, regardless of your insurance companies advice.

Whilst any repairs have to be carried out to an acceptable standard, the bottom line is that it's your car and you get the final say on who repairs it.