Hi guys,

About to launch into an Aviva repair.

Although they have offered to collect it, I think that would mean it would go into a big warehouse type operation like car giant for bodywork.

Therefore pretty sure I want to get it with a body shop that does RR's.

Anyone care to offer any wisdom or experience? Thanks a lot.

.

Not Aviva, but when I had a bump, I asked for it to go to the local RR dealer - the insurance company agreed but said I might not get a loan car and they wouldn't warranty the work - however, I called the dealer who said they'd give me a car and warranty the work

There was some bitching and moaning from the ins co about hourly labour rates, but I just told them they had already agreed and to take it up with the body shop as it was nothing to do with me.

First rate job and I was very happy.

Ouch, that looks painful!

Unfortunately I can't help with regards to specific places to take it, but are you friendly with a local LR indy that use a bodyshop for all their work?

Maybe someone London based on the forum will be able to help.

I'd be wary of Aviva though, I'm not sure what they do about repairs but I had an awful experience with them a few years ago when my work van got stolen, since the word go they were useless, lied to me about having to pick it up from the local police yard to save them on storage costs, to get there and find I'm not allowed to drive it away as the back doors have been cut off by the police blah blah.

Was a nightmare, hopefully you'll be able to get it repaired somewhere of your choice, if you were down this way i'd be able to recommend Headley Bodyshop but it's probably at least an hour from you!

Good luck 

Aviva will tell you all sorts of tales regarding warranty and loan cars however it is your legal right to have your car repaired at your chosen repair center

Don't let them fob you off, maybe go to your local body shop and look at there work?

Quote:

however it is your legal right to have your car repaired at your chosen repair center

A lot of them do try to steer you in there way, few years ago I had an accident needed bumper painting, gave in a quote for £480 they told me they could get it done cheaper at x garage

My response was great, are they removing my log tank and refitting it with new inspection after they have baked the car after paint and are you giving me a 4x4 tow car while you have mine? Got a cheque 2 days later

You have the right to choose your own garage but the insurance company's screw them down on the price, your chosen company may ask for a contribution you will never know untill you speak with them

Mine tried to steer me to their chosen body shop - didn't offer me a choice, just said they'd collect the car etc, but once I asked, they seemed to accept it and didn't put up a fight, just pointed out that I might not get a loan car etc.

it was nice feeling that the garage were working for me and not the insurance company - and they hadn't won the business by being the cheapest provider.......

Avviva own their own bodyshop group under the Solus brand, so I would guess if they have one near you they would encourage you to take it there.

But as others have said you should be able to take it to somewhere if your choice.

Last edited by Jamiehol on 18th Jul 2017 8:09am. Edited 1 time in total

I know just the man for that but out in Surrey so likely not helpful. He's good with insurance companies too 2007 Vogue TDV8 with 255/55/20's fitted

I'm ok with Surrey if it's the right guy

. Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

It's worth a shot to try and get to your own choice, but if you don't know any personally then what's the point. You are just guessing which will be a decent choice. At least with the insurers you have a better chance of recourse should the repair be sub standard. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

Sure understand what you are saying NMJ.

So any recommendations would be great like above.

But Aviva have these Car Giant style repair centres and the chatter online is not good. I'd rather go to a LR Dealer for example. But I'd want to be sure I still have a warranty with any repairer.

. Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

Best advice would have to be to find your own bodyshop, even if that means no courtesy car. As mentioned above some insurance companies have small print about this and when I was looking for renewal I actually found one ins co who reserved the right to used salvaged parts. That sounds bad enough but so many of the body repair places these big ins companies use will also do the same if they can get away with it. The only up side I can see to this is that you would at least get genuine parts rather than pattern.

My best experience when I lived down south was Hughes of Beaconsfield. They are (were anyway) a main Mercedes agent with their own body shop and they were excellent. That was a few years back though so might be different now but they re-shelled a car of mine which was hit hard from behind and you would never have known. No squeaks or rattles, no broken trim parts, perfection.

OP - Main dealers generally dont have body facilities - but dont tell you - they have subsidiary/independent bodyshops they use.

I've pm'd you details of the guy who did our Defender repaint. Good guy. 2007 Vogue TDV8 with 255/55/20's fitted

Thanks JB - and all Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway