Your insurer can't insist
They can recommend their approved network, but they can't compel you to use it. Whose garage repairs your car is your call.
Your right to choose
It's your car. You choose who repairs it.
After an accident, your insurer will often steer you towards their own network of garages. What they don't always make clear is that they can't insist. It's your car, and the choice of repairer is yours. Ask for it to come to MSL Customs and we'll handle that conversation with them, including confirming exactly what they'll cover.
The short version
What it means for you.
You don't have to use their garage
Their approved network is a suggestion, not a requirement you have to accept.
We handle the conversation
Not sure what to say? Pass the phone to us. We'll sort it with your insurer and confirm what they'll pay before any work starts.
Guaranteed either way
Choose MSL and the work is done to manufacturer specification and backed by our own written guarantee.
Common questions
Your right to choose, answered plainly.
Can my insurer make me use their repairer?
No. They can recommend their own approved network, but they can't compel you, because it's your car and your choice. What some insurers will do is limit what they pay towards a garage outside their network, which is why we confirm the position with yours before any work starts.
How do I tell my insurer I want MSL?
When you report the accident, simply say you've chosen your own repairer and give them our details. If you'd rather not, hand the phone to us and we'll have that conversation for you.
Will it cost me more to choose my own repairer?
On a non-fault claim, no. The costs are recovered from the at-fault driver's insurer, so there's no excess for you to find either. If you're claiming on your own policy, some insurers will only pay up to the rate they'd pay their own approved garage. We check exactly where you stand and tell you before any work starts, so there are no surprises.
Will I still get a courtesy car?
On a non-fault claim you're entitled to a like-for-like courtesy car and we'll arrange it. On a claim through your own policy it depends on your cover, and some courtesy car perks are tied to the insurer's own network, so we'll check what yours includes when we speak to them.
Is the repair still guaranteed?
Yes. The work is repaired to manufacturer specification and backed by our own written guarantee, whichever route the claim takes. Worth knowing that an insurer's own repair guarantee usually only covers their approved network, so on a job like this it's ours that stands behind the work.
Get an estimate
From your reg to a real quote, fast.
Four quick steps and we'll come back to you, usually the same day. No pushy follow-ups, and your details stay with us.
- 1 Pop in your regWe look up the make, colour and year.
- 2 Tell us what's upThe damage or work, in a line or two.
- 3 Add a few photosSnap it from your phone, any angle.
- 4 Leave your numberAnd get a real figure, usually same day.