Motoring & Short-term Insurance Explored
By Steve Kessel
There are many pitfalls to watch for when insuring your vehicle. Most vehicle owners don’t think about these issues when they insure their vehicle, just to get a rude awakening at the time when they want to claim.
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Many high-value vehicle owners assume their insurance policy guarantees freedom of repair choice, genuine parts, and manufacturer-approved repair standards.
This is not always the case.
Across the collision repair industry, we are seeing an increasing number of insurance agreements that direct vehicles into repair networks operating under heavily restricted cost structures. These agreements can influence how repairs are performed, where vehicles are repaired, and how parts are sourced — sometimes without policyholders fully understanding these conditions when purchasing cover.
For owners of luxury, performance, and specialist vehicles, this matters.
Modern vehicles require highly skilled technicians, specialized equipment, manufacturer repair procedures, and strict quality controls. When repair pricing structures are pushed below sustainable levels, it places pressure on the repair process itself — something no vehicle owner would knowingly choose.
This is not about insurers versus repairers. It is about transparency and informed decisions.
Before selecting or renewing insurance cover, vehicle owners are encouraged to ask:
- Do I have the right to choose my repairer?
- Will genuine parts be used?
- Is the repairer manufacturer-approved?
- Who controls the repair process — me, the repairer, or the insurer?
- Are there restrictions for high-value or performance vehicles?
Insurance is ultimately about protecting assets and ensuring peace of mind after an accident. Understanding how repairs are managed is just as important as understanding premiums, excesses, and coverage limits.
An informed policyholder is a protected policyholder.
Article Credit to: Steve Kessel, CRASA
What is your view on the pitfalls many people don’t know about when insuring or renewing your vehicle’s insurance cover? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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