Choosing the Right Repair Centre for Insurance Claims: What You Should Know | GVE London – Blog

Accidents are stressful enough on their own. Damage to your property and a reminder of your mortality give you plenty to think about. The philosophical side of it is something each person can explore on their own, but when it comes to handling the repairs afterwards? Let’s take that headache off the table. Choosing a solid repair centre for your insurance claims is important. Here’s what you need to know.

Your Insurance Might Have a Say, But So Do You

A lot of people assume they have to use the repair shop their insurance company recommends. Not true. The government of the UK gives you the right to choose whichever repair centre you want, as long as it follows some basic guidelines. If you’re getting work done on a high-end vehicle, choosing a car bodyshop matters more than you’d think.

Why Cars Need Extra Attention

Car insurance repair isn’t the same as standard car repair, because we’re not talking about standard cars here. These vehicles use highly specific and intricate materials such as carbon fibre, along with proprietary paints.

Repairs done with the wrong parts or tools can ruin more than just the appearance. It can reduce the value of the car, harm performance, or even affect safety.

A proper car bodyshop like GVE London understands the structure and finish of the vehicle, follows the standards set by the manufacturer, and uses certified parts.

What to Look for in a Repair Centre

Not all repair centres are equal. Some just patch things up. Others do things properly.

Start by checking certifications. ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is a solid baseline. For Cars, you should dig deeper and look for manufacturer-approved bodyshops. Porsche, Audi, Bentley and others maintain lists of authorised repairers. These shops undergo regular audits, use approved tools, and follow factory processes.

Also, look at how they deal with insurers. A shop experienced in car insurance repair knows how to handle claim paperwork, assessments, and cost approvals. That matters because a delay in one document can stall everything for weeks.

Photos, reviews and case studies can give you a feel for their track record. If they don’t have examples of previous car work, that’s a red flag.

Read Also: What to Expect During a Car Insurance Repair Process?

Will the Repairs Be Done Right?

Some shops give you a timeline and stick to it. Others might keep your car for ages while waiting on parts. Communication is key. Good repair centres keep you updated, explain what’s happening, and get approvals before doing anything outside the original scope.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask about the parts. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts should always be the default for cars. Generic parts might be cheaper, but they don’t meet the same standard. If your policy covers OEM replacements, make sure to use them.

A Note on Paint Matching

It might sound minor, but if your car has a unique finish, especially pearl, matte or metallic paints, matching it exactly is a challenge. A quality repair centre will have colour-matching systems and access to the original paint codes. It’s not about slapping on a similar shade. It’s about making the repair invisible.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Cost

It’s tempting to go with whoever gives you the lowest quote. But low-cost repairs often come with cut corners. That might not be obvious right away, but further down the line, it can hurt the car’s resale value. Especially for supercars, poor workmanship is easy to spot for experienced buyers and appraisers.

Also, if the job isn’t done right the first time, you could be stuck repeating the whole process. More time. More frustration. More claims.

Ask Before You Commit

Before handing over your keys, ask the shop:

• Do you work with my insurance provider?
• Will you use OEM parts?
• Have you repaired this make and model before?
• Can I get updates during the repair?
• What happens if hidden damage is found?

These questions help set the tone and show the shop that you’re paying attention.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a repair centre for an insurance claim isn’t just about getting your car fixed. It’s about protecting its value, making sure the repairs are done properly, and avoiding extra stress. For high-end vehicles, the stakes are even higher. Don’t settle for whatever is convenient. Take the time to choose a place that knows what they’re doing. Your car and your peace of mind deserve that much. If you want to bring your car back to its former glory, bring it down to GVE London. We’re a car showroom that excels in high-end cars repairs. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!