Insurance-Approved Repairers vs Your Right to Choose in South Africa

Start with the policy and claim authorisation

Repairer-choice, payment, parts and warranty conditions can differ between policies and claims. Read the relevant policy wording and ask the insurer to confirm its position in writing before you authorise repairs. RepairerChoice provides general directory information, not legal or insurance advice.

Questions to confirm with the insurer

• Is the chosen workshop accepted for this claim?
• What repair amount has been authorised?
• Are specific parts or repair methods required?
• Who is responsible for any difference between the authorised amount and the workshop quote?

Questions to confirm with the workshop

• Will the workshop wait for written authorisation before starting?
• Which parts and repair methods are included in the quote?
• What written warranty applies to the repair?
• Who handles supplements if additional damage is discovered?

Practical implications

An off-panel repair may involve a separate assessment, different payment arrangements, or an amount above the insurer's authorisation. Do not rely on a verbal assurance: keep the policy wording, authorisation, quote, and warranty terms together.

If your insurer refuses

If you disagree with the insurer's decision, first use its formal complaints process and keep the written outcome. The decision should explain the applicable policy terms and the next external dispute-resolution route, if one is available.