Insurance claims · 9 min read
Insurance approved generally describes a commercial arrangement between an insurer and a repairer covering rates and performance targets, not an independent measure of repair quality on its own.
To explain neutrally what insurance approved status generally means so a claimant can make an informed choice without assuming it is the only marker of quality.
Where the phrase comes from
You will see the term insurance approved used in adverts and on signage across the body repair trade. It usually means the repairer has a formal arrangement with one or more insurers, or with a claims management company acting on their behalf, to take on a share of that insurer's repair work.
These arrangements are commercial. They typically set agreed labour and paint rates, expected turnaround times, and key performance indicators the repairer needs to hit to remain in the network. None of that is inherently bad, but it is worth understanding what the label is actually describing.
What approved status generally covers
- Agreed pricing structures for labour, paint and parts so the insurer has cost certainty.
- Volume commitments, where the repairer takes a steady stream of work from that insurer.
- Performance targets around things like cycle time, customer satisfaction scores and complaint levels.
- Reporting requirements so the insurer can track how claims are progressing across the network.
What it does not necessarily tell you
Approved status is not an independent audit of repair quality in the way a certification body might carry out. It reflects a commercial relationship, and while many approved repairers do good work, the label alone does not guarantee a better standard of repair than a non approved one, or vice versa.
How the two systems compare
| Aspect | Approved network repairer | Independent repairer |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial relationship | Direct agreement with the insurer on rates and volume | No direct commercial tie, works to the estimate agreed for each job |
| Process | Often standardised across the network | Set by the individual business |
| Choice for the customer | Suggested first by many insurers | Available if you ask to use your own repairer |
| Quality assurance | Depends on the individual site's standards, not guaranteed by approval alone | Depends on the individual site's standards and reputation |
What genuinely tells you about quality
- The repair method proposed, for example whether panels are being replaced or repaired where appropriate, and whether structural work follows manufacturer procedures.
- The equipment on site, including proper panel and paint preparation facilities and a controlled spraying environment.
- A documented paint matching process rather than a rough visual guess.
- Clear written estimates that itemise parts, labour and materials rather than a single vague figure.
- How the business handles questions and communicates during the repair.
Questions worth asking any repairer
- 01Ask how they will match the paint colour and what process they use.
- 02Ask whether they will show you the damage before and after any hidden panels are removed.
- 03Ask what happens if further damage is found once the car is stripped down.
- 04Ask for a written estimate rather than a verbal figure.
Making your own decision
Ultimately the choice of repairer is yours in most cases, and it is reasonable to weigh convenience, any excess implications, and your own confidence in the workshop rather than relying on the approved label as the deciding factor. Visiting in person, asking direct questions and looking at examples of previous work can tell you more than a sign on the wall.
Where to go next
Judge us on the work, not a label
Ask us anything about our repair process and get a free, no-obligation estimate for your car.
Questions people ask us
- Does insurance approved mean the repairer is regulated by a government body?
- No, it generally describes a private commercial arrangement between the repairer and an insurer or claims company, not a government or statutory regulation.
- Is an approved repairer always cheaper for the insurer?
- Often the agreed rates are set to give the insurer cost predictability, but this reflects the commercial deal rather than telling you anything about the standard of the actual repair.
- Should I avoid a repairer just because they are not on my insurer's list?
- Not necessarily, since being outside a network does not indicate poor quality, and you can judge a repairer on its own process, equipment and communication instead.
- Can a non approved repairer still do insurance work to the same standard?
- Yes, provided the repairer follows proper repair methods, documents the work and communicates clearly with the insurer, the standard of repair is not determined by network membership alone.
Worth remembering
- Insurance approved describes a commercial deal, not an independent quality certification.
- Approved status covers rates, volume and performance targets between insurer and repairer.
- Genuine quality markers are the repair method, equipment, paint process and written estimates.
- You can judge any repairer, approved or not, on how they answer your questions.