Thread: Choice of Repairers

I recently had my car vandalised and needed to claim through my insurers (Tesco) for the repairs totalling £1400. I chose to use my local Ford dealership to carry out the repairs and not Tesco's recommended repairer, Just-car-Clinic which I believe they own.

On collecting the car the re-spray that had been carried out was terrible and requires completely "re-doing". I informed Tesco of my dissatisfaction with the work only to receive the reply that because I chose an alternative to their recommendation, they were not interested and it was my problem to sort things out with the Ford garage. They also added they would pay the bill regardless of the standard of work!!

I would really like to know if it is normal practice for insurers to be able to "wash their hands" of claims if you use the option of choosing your own repairer?

Any information would be most appreciated.

Tesco are not quite right here - if they paid the repairer direct then you do have some protection as it will be upto Tesco to argue that the repairs are not satisfactory. If they fail to help then I suggest you complain in writing and ultimately complain to the Ombudsman. I do remember a similar case that was featured on Ombudsman's news and the fos found in favour of the customer.

Many thanks for the replies.

The garage have taken the car back in following my complaints. It's been gone over a week now so I'm sure it will come with pink spots are something similar.

Once again the commenst are most appreciated.