Insurance and warranty small print warning

[salsajoe]

I noticed on another thread discussion about reducing and low insurance premiums. If you car is still covered by the manufacturers body warranty it is advisable to read the small print under accident repairs if you want to retain that warranty. Some say they do not guarantee to use manufacturers original parts and others do not use VW approved repairers so beware or make sure the repair is guaranteed for a good while!! Not that anyone ever has an accident.

[maisbitt]

I would be more concerned about the use of non VW parts than the use of a non-VW approved repairer. VW approved is not an assurance of Quality. I have had an abysmal repair from a VW approved retailer that was shoddy on three main points and took forever to get sorted. On the other hand, I have had a non-VW approved repair for similar damage that was immaculately done and in a timely manner too. I was not concerned with going to a non-VW approved repairer as the insurance company gave me a written agreement that they would provide warranty against the repair to match the terms of the VW warranty (it actually surpassed this as they provide warranty for 5 years on all aspects of the repair - that would be 3 for VW approved repair, plus the 12 year anti-perforation in both cases).

On the previous repair (different car), the repairer only warranties their own work for a year then relies on VW to pick up the slack. The workmanship on that repair was so bad that VW wouldn't touch it and forced the repairer into redoing the work even after the 1 year warranty had elapsed (when the replaced and painted body panel was rusting through). Perhaps they threatened the repairer with rescinding their "approved VW repairer" status?

If you are not at fault and the other party is responsible for repairs you can insist on where you want your repair done. Their agreement with their insurance company to allow them to dictate where they send their clients car does not apply to you.