Toyota Or Independent Repairer?

[Opifex]

My poor Prius needs to have some bodywork repairs and my insurance company is suggesting that I use their preferred repairer. According the insurance company if the work is done to the correct standards (which they assure me it will be) the vehicle corrosion warranty will not be affected. I have asked Toyota to confirm this but their reply suggested it would be better to use a Toyota dealer and was a bit ambiguous on the point about the warranty. Can anyone suggest who I should believe?

[Jan&tone]

Years ago I had the misfortune to need a bodywork repair on a Carina.

It was done by a local bodyshop at my local dealers recommendation as they didn't have their own bodyshop. No mention was made of the body guarantee and as I only had the car for a year after the work it didn't arise.

The repair however was excellent and no trace was noticeable, a new front nearside wing, paint was colour matched perfectly.

[Peter Sale]

A few years ago my wife's car needed repairing and the repair was done at an authorised repair centre. The work took ages and while most of it was OK, not all of it was. This was on a Honda Jazz where the rear bumper is normally supplied pre-painted from Japan to the correct code. The repair centre wouldn't wait and sprayed a plain bumper which then looked awful !. At least they did fit the correct part in the end but we had to put up a serious fight.

Somehow, I would prefer the Mr T dealer repair and would push to go that route.

Best of luck.

Peter

[Chris Dance]

If you know the repair centre is reliable and has a first class reputation there should not be a problem. There is a local repairer here who has the contract to body repair police vehicles and they are very good. I think I would only let Toyota repair my car I would be concerned about the cars electrics etc. Some non Prius garages etc do not even know how to start a Prius.

[Parts-King]

The insurance company will give you the waffle about "it must go to our approved repairer" Wrong! They cannot force you to take it to one specific repairer

YOU pay the insurance policy YOU decide where it goes for repairs. As Chris Dance says, most garages would not know how to start a Prius

Often when you agree to use a specific repairer, your car is not repaired locally but taken away to a large repair centre owned by the insurance company, if you then have problems later, it will be difficult to get sorted as they wont be as proficient at collecting it for remedial work

Kingo

[Opifex]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

I am in no rush to get it done so I think I'll go for peace of mind and take it to Toyota.

Thanks.

[emin-j]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.

I am in no rush to get it done so I think I'll go for peace of mind and take it to Toyota.

Thanks.

Yes Toyota would be your best bet,they work on Toyota's every day and know them inside out,also the Paints used should be a perfect match plus I cant see you having any warranty problems when repaired at a Toyota paint shop.