Car Accident Repair - What You Need To Know...

We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions relating to accident repair work. If you can’t find the answers here, or you have any additional questions our friendly and knowledgeable team are happy to answer any questions and provide all the support and expert advice you require.

The Accident wasn't my fault, why should I have to claim on my own policy?

If the accident wasn't your fault, you may not have to claim on your own policy. We will manage this process for you with our MG Cannon customer care team. We can obtain authority to repair your vehicle directly from the third-party Insurers, supply a like for like standard of vehicle for the duration of repairs, ensure you do not need to pay any excess yourself and obtain re-imbursement for any out of pocket expenses for you.

What do I do about paying my Excess?

Should your insurance policy include a compulsory or voluntary excess you will be required to pay this amount directly to us by the insurance company. Your excess covers the initial value of work done to your car up to the value of your excess, not the last part of any work done. Your insurer pays the rest of the repair costs. The excess amount may differ from your standard excess amount if a driver other than the policy holder was driving the car at the time of the incident. You can pay your excess either on drop off, as it’s paying for the first part of the repair, or on collection, but your excess must be paid before you collect your vehicle.

My Insurer is telling me I have to use their own approved repairer instead of MG Cannon, do I have to do this?

No. You have the legal right to use the repairer of your choice, but your Insurer may try to direct you to use their own approved repairer. Sometimes this can be based on their own cost saving rather than manufacturer approval, but the final choice remains with you, the Policyholder. All Insurers have an obligation governed by the FSA to 'treat customers fairly'. (Fact: The right to use your own repairer is stated in the Consumer Rights Act 2015). You can insist on MG Cannon because our manufacturer trained experts use genuine parts and reinstate your paint and body warranty.

Do I have to collect two estimates for the repairs to my car?

No. As your chosen repairer, MG Cannon’s estimate will provide all the detail your insurer’s engineers will need to authorise the repair.

Can you give me an estimate for repairs over the phone?

Unfortunately, No, we really have to see the damage, even a relatively minor bump can result in unexpected unseen damage behind a facing cover like a bumper. The only way to know is for our vehicle damage assessor to appraise the car onsite at one of our centres.

Do you charge for estimates?

No, our estimates are FREE. Your vehicle will be carefully examined by a highly-trained vehicle damage assessor. Damage will be fully assessed with photos and vehicle details taken to ensure an accurate estimate. All our estimates are generated using your insurers approved system and our experienced estimators work with all insurance companies. 

Can you repair Electric or Hybrid vehicles?

Yes, MG Cannon are officially warranty approved by Tesla, Honda, BMW, Nissan and other leading electric car manufacturers, MG Cannon are fully equipped and fully trained to deal with electric and hybrid repairs safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. What's more. Every repair by MG Cannon includes a lifetime guarantee on all paintwork. Furthermore, all Genuine fitted parts carry the manufacturer's guarantee, providing you with added peace of mind

Can you repair aluminium or multi material vehicles?

Yes, we can complete cosmetic paint and aluminium bolt on replacement panel repairs at every MG Cannon site. Will other damage on my vehicle be repaired at the same time? When repairing your car, we are only able to repair the work which has been attributed directly to the accident and authorised by the Insurance Company or private customer that is paying for the repairs. If you were unhappy with their decision you would need to appeal to the decision immediately before we commence work.

Can I get other repairs such as small dents, scuffs done whilst my vehicle is in your Bodyshop?

Absolutely! If you would like to have additional work carried out, please let us know. In addition to full accident repair we also provide cosmetic vehicle repairs for dents, stone chips annoying scuffs and scratches. Just let your team know what other work you would like done, and he or she will take care of it for you. It is often cheaper this way as your car is already with us and we can save costs.

Do you repair commercial vehicles?

Yes, we repair light commercial vehicles, up to and including Mercedes-Benz LWB Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter size vehicles.

How long will it take to repair my car?

Every job is different, the repair time depends on several factors, the extent of damage sustained, availability of parts and insurance approval can all effect your repair time. When we inspect your vehicle, we’ll give you an estimate of the time it will take to repair. If there’s a delay for any reason, we’ll contact you with a revised date.

Can you supply a courtesy car whilst my car is being repaired?

We understand that being without a car can make your life difficult, that's why where possible, we provide, a quality manual or automatic courtesy car while yours is off the road.

Is there a charge for the courtesy car?

No, but you will be expected to provide proof of insurance cover from your insurance company for the vehicle and your driver's licence and National Insurance Number. Replace any fuel you use and return the vehicle in the same order with which you received it. Any fines incurred speeding or parking, etc. will be your responsibility and you will be responsible for the excess in any new claim on the courtesy car.

What about my personal belongings in my car?

We will take complete care of your personal belongings and have a secure storage area at MG Cannon for these, but we recommend you remove all unnecessary from your vehicle. It is sometimes necessary to disconnect batteries and remove wheels to enable us to carry out the repair to the manufacturer’s warranty specification. Please ensure you have supplied us with any radio code, alarm or immobiliser code, key or control unit and wheel lock nut key when you bring your vehicle in, or this may delay the return of your vehicle.

Do I have anything to sign when I collect my car?

If repair costs are being claimed from an Insurance Company then we will ask you to sign a Collection Note upon completion of the repair. Signing this form does not affect your statutory rights. This note allows us to confirm to the Insurance Company that the repairs have been carried out and the completed vehicle has been returned to you. We then invoice them for their share of the repair cost above your excess value.

FREE Car Collection & Drop Off

If you can’t get to one of our accident repair centres, we will arrange for one of our drivers to come and collect your car from your home or work address and return it back to you at a time that suits you, once the repair work is completed.

What should I do if the accident is out of office hours?

For out of office hours support. Please Call our 24/7 Accident Support: Tel 0330 124 2716

What happens if my vehicle is deemed a total loss?

If your vehicle is deemed a total loss by the insurance company, they will contact you immediately. They will then give you some options as to what to do next. We have no control of these options. Once your insurer has made a decision, we will then be instructed by the insurance provider to release the vehicle.

What happens with data collected?

MG Cannon are committed to protecting your privacy. We believe your business is your business – and no one else's. This is why we are registered with the Information Commissioners Office on their Data Protection Register. We will also be fully compliant with the GDPR rules by 25th May 2018 and committed to following them after that date. If we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with our privacy policy. For full details visit: Privacy Policy.