Insurance Claims Help
You can claim through your insurance and still choose Bodymatters as your repairer. We will guide you through it and deal with the insurer for you.
Your Vehicle, Your Choice
When you make an insurance claim, you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Your insurer may suggest their own network of repairers, but you are not obliged to use them.
If you would prefer your vehicle to be repaired by us, simply tell your insurer that you are choosing Bodymatters Accident Repair Centre in Stafford. We will take it from there.
Three Ways to Get Your Vehicle Repaired
There is more than one way to get your vehicle repaired. Depending on your situation we can help you decide which is right for you.
Pay Privately
Best suited to smaller repairs where the cost is close to or below your insurance excess.
- Clear, upfront estimate before we start
- No claim on your insurance record
- Full warranty on all work
- Courtesy vehicle available
Claim Through Insurance
Best suited to larger repairs where the cost exceeds your excess significantly.
- Your vehicle, your choice of repairer
- We liaise directly with your insurer to obtain repair authority
- Courtesy vehicle provided and insured by us
- Excess contribution may be available
Claim Through Their Insurance
If someone else caused the damage, you can claim against their insurance. You should not need to use your own policy.
- No excess to pay in most cases
- Your no claims discount is unaffected
- We guide you through the process and liaise with the insurer on your behalf
- Like-for-like courtesy vehicle provided
How to Claim and Choose Bodymatters
A straightforward process to get your vehicle repaired through your insurance with us.
Start your claim with your insurer
Call your insurance company to report the incident and start a claim.
Tell them you want Bodymatters
When asked about repairs, say: 'I am choosing Bodymatters Accident Repair Centre in Stafford as my repairer.'
Get your claim reference number
Make a note of your claim reference and pass it to us.
We liaise with your insurer
For suitable repairs we accept, we prepare the estimate and evidence, put it to the insurer and follow up on repair authority and paperwork.
Book your vehicle in
We arrange a convenient date and provide a courtesy vehicle for qualifying repairs, subject to eligibility and availability.
Repair with documented checks
Your vehicle is repaired using proper methods with quality checks throughout, and we keep you updated as the work progresses.
Handover and final inspection
We complete a final two person check, then explain the work carried out and the guarantee that applies when you collect.
Tip: If your insurer asks whether you want to use their repairer network, simply repeat: "I am choosing my own repairer."
What We Handle and What You Confirm
You do not have to work it all out on your own. Here is a plain English split of the repair side we take on and the policy points only your insurer can confirm.
What Bodymatters handles
- Talking through what happened and explaining your repair options
- Inspecting the damage and preparing the estimate and supporting evidence
- Liaising with the insurer or claims provider about repair authority and any supplementary authority
- Booking the vehicle in and arranging a courtesy vehicle for qualifying repairs
- Keeping you updated on authority, parts and anything found during dismantling
- Repair related invoicing, handover and explaining the guarantee that applies
What to confirm with your insurer
- The excess payable and when it is due
- Any different terms that apply when you use a repairer outside their network
- Courtesy car entitlement under your policy and any driver conditions
- How the claim may affect your no claims discount and renewal
- Whether an engineer inspection or further information is required
- The claim route being used and your claim reference number
Bodymatters provides repair and claims process support and does not give legal, insurance or financial advice. Repair authorisation and policy terms remain matters for your insurer or claims provider.
Common Questions and Worries
Honest answers to the things people worry about when making a claim.
Why Correct Repairs Matter
Modern vehicles are more complex than ever. Getting repairs right matters for your safety.
ADAS and Cameras
Many modern vehicles have cameras and sensors for features like automatic braking and lane keeping. These need recalibrating after certain repairs.
Modern Materials
Vehicles now use advanced steels, aluminium, and bonded panels. These require specific repair methods and equipment to maintain safety.
Electrical Systems
Modern vehicles have complex electrical systems. Pre and post repair scans help identify any faults that need addressing.
Quality Checks
We carry out documented checks throughout the repair and a two person final inspection before handover.
Choosing a repairer who understands modern vehicle technology helps ensure your vehicle is repaired safely and correctly.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
Send us photos and we will tell you the best route, privately or insurance.