Top 5 Tips for Filing a Car Insurance Repair Claim | GVE London – Blog

Nothing ruins a day faster than getting into an accident. It isn’t merely the fact that (after ensuring everyone is safe, of course) your car got damaged that is bothersome, rather knowing you’ll now have to deal with insurance companies. It’s a test of patience. And while you’re worrying about quotes, timelines, and whether your no-claims bonus is taking a hit, there’s also the whole insurance claim process to handle.

If you’ve never done it before, it can feel like walking through fog. So let’s clear it up. These five tips will help you handle your car insurance repair claim smoothly, without getting caught up in the usual traps.

1. Report the Accident Straight Away

The very first thing you do, after ensuring everyone’s safe and sound, is letting your insurer know you’ve been in an accident. Even if you’re not planning to make a claim right away, your policy will probably require that you notify them of any incident involving the car.

Waiting too long can work against you, and early notification makes it easier for them to arrange recovery, hire cars or connect you with an approved car bodyshop if needed.

Pro tip: Take photos of the scene. Include the damage, number plates, the road conditions and basically anything that might be useful later. It’s better to have too much information than too little.

2. Read Your Policy Before Doing Anything Else

Yes, we know, reading insurance paperwork is as interesting as watching paint dry but can’t help it, it matters. Different policies cover different things. Some will offer a courtesy car while yours is in the car bodyshop. Others won’t. Some let you choose your repairer. Others want you to stick to a network.
Before you book anything or make any calls, go through the policy wording. Look for:

• Your excess
• What’s covered (and what isn’t)
• Whether you need to use an “approved” repair centre
• If you’ll be penalised for using your own garage

This saves time and stops you being hit with surprise bills later.

Read Also: The Most Common Reasons Insurance Claims Get Rejected

3. Use a Reputable Bodyshop (Even If It’s Not the Insurer’s Pick)

The government gives you the right to choose where you want your car repaired. That’s right. This means the garage that your insurance company recommends, they cannot force you into using that specific one.

That said, there’s a catch. If you go outside their network, you might not get some extras like a courtesy car or guaranteed repair time. Still, for peace of mind, many people prefer to go with an insurance repair specialist they trust. Besides, any decent car repair centre like GVE London already offers the amenities one could need, like a courtesy car.

4. Keep Every Single Document and Receipt

Once the repairs are done, you’ll want to keep everything with you. This includes but isn’t limited to repair estimates, receipts, emails, texts from the garage, everything.

The point of this? If your insurer queries the cost or coverage, you have a clear paper trail to follow and defend your position. It also makes things easier if you ever have to escalate a dispute or make a formal complaint. Use a folder or a dedicated inbox to keep things tidy. It’s a small step that can save you hours of stress later.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Push Back

Insurers are people and people are sometimes wrong. Maybe they undervalue the repair or reject something that’s clearly covered. No need to settle for less. You’re allowed to question a decision. Ask for written explanations. Get a second opinion from another garage if the cost looks suspiciously low. And if things aren’t resolved, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman for free.

Final Thoughts

Filing a car insurance repair claim can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to leave you pulling your hair out. The key is staying organised, informed, and not rushing into anything. Take a breath. Understand what’s covered. Use people you trust. And don’t be shy about asking questions. If you’d like assistance with the entire procedure, from filing for coverage to actually fixing the car, we here at GVE London are here to help. We’ll take care of everything on your behalf and ensure your car reaches back at your door looking good as new. We’re a car showroom that works with all things automotive, from sales and purchase to servicing and modifications. We also export our vehicles to buyers across the globe. Get in touch with us today to know more!