Approved vs nominated vs preferred repairers explained

Understanding the different terms insurers use to describe their relationships with panel beaters.

Common terminology

Insurers use various terms to describe their relationships with repair workshops. While exact definitions may vary between insurers, here are the common meanings:

Approved repairers

Workshops that have met certain criteria set by the insurer. This typically includes:

• Quality assessments of facilities and equipment
• Staff training and certification requirements
• Agreed pricing structures and processes
• Regular audits and performance monitoring

Preferred repairers

Similar to approved repairers, but may indicate a closer relationship with the insurer. These workshops often:

• Have direct billing arrangements with the insurer
• Offer guaranteed repair timelines
• Provide rental vehicle coordination
• Handle most administrative processes on behalf of the customer

Nominated repairers

Workshops specifically recommended or assigned by the insurer for a particular claim. This may be based on:

• Geographic proximity to the vehicle's location
• Availability and current workload
• Specialist capabilities required for the repair

These terms are used differently by different insurers — always confirm what they mean in your specific situation.

What this means for you

Understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions:

• These relationships are between the insurer and workshop—they indicate business arrangements, not necessarily repair quality
• Using an insurer-associated workshop may streamline the claims process
• You generally retain the right to choose your own repairer, but the process may differ

Questions to consider

When an insurer recommends a specific workshop:

• Am I required to use this workshop, or is it a recommendation?
• What are the implications of choosing a different workshop?
• Who provides the guarantee on repairs—the workshop or the insurer?
• Are there any differences in excess or claim processing?

Last reviewed: January 2026