WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE YOUR OWN REPAIRER FOR INSURANCE CLAIMS
Most riders don't realise they have the legal right to choose where their motorcycle is repaired after an accident — regardless of what their insurer tells them. Exercising that right can make the difference between a quality repair and a compromise job.
When you make an insurance claim after a motorcycle accident, your insurer may direct you to one of their "preferred repairers" — a network of workshops they have a commercial relationship with. What many riders don't know is that under Australian Consumer Law and the General Insurance Code of Practice, you generally have the right to choose your own repairer. Understanding this right — and how to exercise it — can significantly affect the quality of work done on your bike.
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER AUSTRALIAN LAW
The General Insurance Code of Practice, administered by the Insurance Council of Australia, requires insurers to be transparent about your options. In most comprehensive insurance policies, you are entitled to nominate your own repairer. Your insurer can decline your nomination if they have reasonable grounds — typically if the nominated repairer cannot demonstrate adequate qualifications or facilities — but they cannot simply override your preference without cause.
Some policies include specific clauses about repairer selection. It's worth reading your PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) carefully before lodging a claim. If your policy does restrict you to a preferred repairer network, you can still request that an independent assessor review the scope of repairs before work commences.
WHY PREFERRED REPAIRERS MAY NOT BE YOUR BEST OPTION
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Volume over quality — Preferred repairers often handle high claim volumes and may prioritise throughput over craftsmanship, particularly on complex paint and fairing work
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Motorcycle-specific expertise — Many preferred repairers are general panel beaters who work primarily on cars. Motorcycle fairings require specialist knowledge of plastics, paint systems and assembly
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Commercial pressure — Preferred repairers may feel pressure to complete repairs within tight insurer-set budgets, which can affect the scope of work authorised
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Parts decisions — Some preferred repairers default to aftermarket or reconditioned parts unless specifically challenged. Your policy may entitle you to OEM parts
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We've seen motorcycles come through our workshop after a preferred repairer declined to fix them properly — paint that didn't match, panels that weren't aligned, and structural repairs that hadn't been done at all. Choosing a specialist from the start avoids all of that.
— Rod Seddon, Owner & Director, Melbourne Motorcycle Fairings
HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE
The process of nominating your own repairer doesn't have to be complicated. Being informed and confident in your request is usually enough. Here's how to approach it when lodging your claim.
- Read your PDS before lodging your claim to understand what your policy says about repairer choice
- When lodging, clearly state that you wish to nominate your own repairer and provide their name and contact details
- If the insurer pushes back, reference the General Insurance Code of Practice and ask them to put their refusal in writing
- Request that an independent assessor inspect the damage and agree on the repair scope before any work begins
- If you're unhappy with any outcome, you can escalate to AFCA (Australian Financial Complaints Authority) at no cost
Our workshop handles insurance repairs directly — we liaise with insurers on your behalf
HOW WE HANDLE INSURANCE REPAIRS AT MMF
At Melbourne Motorcycle Fairings, we work directly with all major insurers and handle the claims process on your behalf. We provide detailed written quotes, document all damage photographically, and communicate with your insurer to agree on the correct scope of repairs. We don't cut corners to satisfy an insurer's budget — if something needs to be done properly, we push back and explain why.
What to Do If Your Insurer Refuses
If your insurer refuses to accept your nominated repairer without giving a valid reason, don't accept it passively. Ask them to provide written grounds for their refusal under the General Insurance Code of Practice. You can also contact AFCA for a free dispute resolution process if the insurer's decision doesn't seem reasonable. You have more leverage than most riders realise.
- Always request written communication from your insurer when they refuse or redirect your nomination
- AFCA disputes are free for policyholders and are binding on insurers
- Your nominated repairer can assist you by providing their qualifications and facility details to the insurer
Written by
Rod Seddon
Owner & Director — Melbourne Motorcycle Fairings
Rod has been repairing and repainting motorcycles for over 20 years and has navigated hundreds of insurance claims on behalf of clients. He is a strong advocate for rider rights in the claims process.
Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Factory: 14 / 59, Hudsons Road, Spotswood
info@melbournemotorcyclefairings.com.au
