Make your preference clear
Ask your insurer to consider our estimate. If they say you must use their network, ask for the relevant policy wording and an explanation in writing.
Insurance repairs · Know your options
Your car. Your choice of repairer.
An insurer’s recommended garage does not automatically mean you have to use it. Tell your insurer you want Dents UK, then confirm your policy conditions and repair approval before work starts.
Repairer choice, explained
You can ask for Dents UK.
Choosing a garage and agreeing what your insurer will pay are separate decisions. Understand your options before accepting a recommendation.
Check costs and cover
Using a non-approved repairer may mean an additional excess, different courtesy-car cover or limits on payment. Get agreement before authorising repairs.
Know who guarantees the repair
Where you independently select the garage, repair-quality issues will usually be for that repairer to resolve. See our workmanship and warranty terms.
What to say to your insurer
Start the conversation
“I would like Dents UK to repair my vehicle. Please explain how to submit their estimate, any additional excess or changes to cover, and what approval is needed before repairs begin.”
From claim to repair
We’ll guide you through the next steps
Bring us your claim reference, policy excess, vehicle details and damage photos.
Report & assess
Notify your insurer as your policy requires. We review the damage and arrange an inspection if needed.
Agree the figures
We submit our estimate to your insurer and agree the authorised repair amount before any work begins. Our excess contribution starts at £250 and may be higher depending on the damage and repair.
Book & repair
Once authority is in place and the scope is agreed, we arrange the repair and keep you updated through to handover.
Useful to know
Common questions
When will repairs begin, and what happens to my excess?
We submit the estimate to your insurer and only begin repairs once the authorised amount and repair scope have been agreed. We contribute at least £250 towards your excess, and depending on the damage may be able to contribute more. We confirm the agreed repair and your excess contribution before work starts.
How much will Dents UK contribute towards my excess?
Our contribution starts at £250 towards the excess on an own-policy repair carried out by us. Depending on the damage and the repair, we may be able to save you more. We confirm the contribution alongside the insurer-authorised repair amount before work begins.
What if I feel pressured to use an approved garage?
Ask for the policy terms and the reason for any refusal in writing. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, complain to your insurer first. You may then be able to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
What if it was not my fault?
Explore private settlement and partner-managed non-fault repairs. A route outside your own policy may be available.
What if there is hidden damage or a possible write-off?
Photos are a starting point. An inspection or dismantling may change the scope. Further approval or a total-loss decision may be needed before repairs proceed.
Further reading: Motor Claim Guru: your rights · Financial Ombudsman: vehicle repairs. General guidance; your policy and circumstances determine the available cover.