Can I choose my garage if the insurer sends me elsewhere?

It’s a familiar scene: you call your insurer to report an accident and, almost in the same breath, they tell you which garage to take the car to. Many drivers assume it’s compulsory. Generally, it isn’t. Free choice of repairer is a widespread principle in Spanish car insurance, although how it applies depends on your policy and on who was at fault.

If the other driver was at fault

When another driver causes the accident, you claim for the damage from their insurer. In that case, it’s reasonable that you should be able to have the repair done wherever you choose: the other insurer has to compensate you for the damage, not dictate where it gets fixed. A loss adjuster will assess the repair and the garage you choose works from that assessment.

If you claim on your own policy

When the damage is covered by your own policy, for example comprehensive insurance after a bump that was your fault, the contract is what counts. Some policies let you use any garage without conditions. Others offer advantages if you use their network, such as not paying the excess or getting a courtesy car. And some, especially the cheaper ones, limit repairs to approved garages or reduce cover if you go elsewhere.

So it’s worth searching your policy terms for phrases like ‘libre elección de taller’ (free choice of repairer), ‘talleres concertados’ (approved garages) or ‘red de talleres’ (garage network). If you can’t find it or don’t understand it, ask your broker or the insurer and get the answer in writing.

Why they suggest a garage

Insurers have agreements with garages to speed up paperwork and control costs. There’s nothing wrong with that and it can be a good option. But you’re the one who knows your car and who will live with the repair. You may prefer a garage you trust, one closer to home or one offering services you value.

What to do if you want to use your garage

1. Report the claim to your insurer as usual, within the deadline.
2. Say that you want the repair done at the garage of your choice and give its details.
3. Take the car to the garage: the adjuster’s visit is arranged from there.
4. Check the estimate and the assessment before authorising the repair.

Questions worth asking

• Does my policy allow free choice of repairer? Are there conditions?
• Do I lose any benefits, such as a courtesy car, if I don’t use an approved garage?
• Do I have an excess? Does it apply the same at any garage?
• Who pays the garage: the insurer directly, or me with a refund later?

At Green Car Service Tenerife we work with your insurance company and take care of coordinating the assessment and paperwork. Read our free choice of repairer guide and find out about our insurance handling service.