Non-Fault Claim - Not happy with the labour rate they are imposing

[Saunderstog]

Hi,

 

A little while ago, we were rear ended in my van. Other driver admitted liability to insurance so seemed straight forward enough.

The garage that they booked me in with looked like an absolute dive, so I asked to take it to my garage of choice. They told me about their labour rate and that if the garage that I took it too charges more, I'd be liable for the difference.

I took it to what I'd call just a normal respectable garage, not exactly a branded dealership or anything like that. The quote to replace rear bumper, rear crash protection bar, reflectors, fix door, respray etc. was around £1700, which I think is a very good price considering the work involved and parts/materials etc.

The insurance company has now come back to me and said they will only cover around £900 of it, because of their labour rate.

 

Now, this is a non fault claim and the costs are being recovered from the other party. Am I really bound to this hourly labour rate limit?

I can't imagine someone driving a Mercedes or similar would be happy taking their vehicle to the garage that they suggested, or using a garage that works to such a low labour rate.

 

Has anybody had any similar experiences or know where I stand?

 

Thanks.