When choosing car insurance, it’s important to consider not just the cost but also the quality of coverage. One of the most valuable options available in the UAE is agency repair. This feature ensures that your vehicle will be repaired at the manufacturer’s authorised service centre using genuine parts and certified technicians. Because when it comes to your car, only the best will do!
Understanding the benefits of agency repair in car insurance can help you make the best decision, ensuring your car remains in top condition and retains its value after an accident.
Introduction to agency repair in car insurance
Agency Repair in Car Insurance refers to a policy feature allowing your car to be repaired at the manufacturer’s authorised service centre, often called the “agency.” This means if your vehicle is involved in an accident or sustains damage, it will be repaired by professionals who have specific training from your car’s manufacturer, using genuine parts and equipment.
Top car insurers in the UAE, like Liva, Sukoon, and GIG Insurance, commonly offer this type of repair.
How does agency repair in car insurance work?
When you opt for agency car insurance in Dubai or any other region, your car insurance provider covers the cost of repairs at an authorised service centre. This is particularly advantageous if you own a high-end vehicle, as it ensures that the quality of repairs matches the car’s original specifications.
Agency repair vs Garage repair
When choosing car insurance, a key decision is between agency and garage repairs.
- Agency repair is done at the manufacturer’s authorised dealerships with genuine parts and certified technicians, offering high-quality service at a higher cost.
- Garage repair, or non-agency repair, is carried out at insurer-approved garages. It is more cost-effective and quicker.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Feature | Agency repair | Authorised garage repair |
| Repair location | Car manufacturer’s licensed and authorised agency workshops | A network of authorised and reputed workshops |
| Quality of parts | Uses high-quality, genuine spare parts | Uses quality spare parts but may not always be from the manufacturer |
| Technician expertise | Repairs conducted by technicians trained by the car manufacturer | Repairs are undertaken by experienced mechanics, some of whom may have previously worked at authorised agencies |
| Cost | Generally more expensive, especially for minor damages | Typically more affordable, which can help reduce insurance premiums |
| Turnaround time | It can be slower due to potential delays in parts delivery or scheduling | Often faster as workshops may have quicker turnaround times |
| Impact on resale value | Maintains higher resale value due to the use of genuine parts and repairs | It may reduce resale value slightly if not repaired with manufacturer parts |
| Insurance premium | Higher premiums due to the cost of agency repairs | Lower premiums due to reduced repair costs |
| Ideal for | Newer, high-tech cars or vehicles still under warranty | Older vehicles or those looking to save on insurance costs |
The choice between these two often depends on your budget, car value, and preference for quality assurance.
Why choose agency repair in car insurance?
Choosing agency repair in car insurance has several advantages:
- Genuine parts and quality assurance: Agency repairs use original manufacturer parts, ensuring the highest quality and compatibility with your vehicle.
- Expert technicians: Repairs are conducted by technicians trained specifically by the car manufacturer, guaranteeing expertise and precision in diagnosing and fixing issues.
- Maintains vehicle warranty: Choosing agency repair can help maintain the vehicle’s warranty, as all repairs are done according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Higher resale value: Vehicles repaired at an authorised agency typically retain a higher resale value due to genuine parts and certified repair methods.
- Brand consistency: Agency repairs provide consistency in parts and service quality, preserving your vehicle’s brand integrity.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that the manufacturer’s facilities are repairing your car provides peace of mind about the quality and safety of the repairs.
Situations where agency repair in car insurance is most beneficial
When deciding on car insurance, there are specific situations where choosing agency repair is the best option:
- New cars: If you have a brand new car, agency repair keeps your warranty intact by using original parts and following the manufacturer’s repair standards.
- Luxury or high-end cars: For luxury or high-end models, agency repair ensures that trained technicians who know these cars inside out will handle any repairs.
- Cars with advanced features: Vehicles with advanced technology or electronics benefit from agency repair since technicians are trained specifically for these features.
- Major accidents: If your car has sustained significant damage, agency repair is the safest bet for high-quality repairs using genuine parts.
- Maintaining resale value: Choosing agency repair can help maintain a higher resale value for your car by ensuring top-quality repairs with genuine parts.
- Leased vehicles: When leasing a car, agency repair is often required to avoid penalties and keep the vehicle in top condition.
Opting for agency repair in these situations ensures you get the best possible service and maintains the quality and value of your vehicle.
Agency repair claim process in the UAE
- Submit a claim: Whenever your car needs repairs, file a claim with your insurance company as you normally would. On platforms like InsuranceMarket.ae, the claims process is streamlined with quick processing and easy support, ensuring minimal hassle.
- Car taken to dealership: After submitting the claim, your car will be sent to an authorised dealership.
- Certified technicians: Manufacturer-certified technicians at the dealership will handle all necessary repairs.
- Collect your car: You’ll be notified to pick up your vehicle after the repairs.
- Co-payment: If your policy includes a co-payment, you might need to pay a portion of the repair costs before your car is returned.
This streamlined process ensures your car gets repaired by experts without any extra steps.
Final takeaway
Agency Repair in car insurance provides peace of mind by guaranteeing that your car is repaired using genuine parts and handled by manufacturer-certified technicians. This option particularly benefits new, luxury, or high-tech vehicles and maintains a higher resale value.
By opting for Agency Repair, you are investing in your car’s long-term quality and safety, making it a worthwhile consideration for your insurance policy. Always weigh your options and consider what will best protect your vehicle and investment in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an agency in insurance?
An agency in insurance refers to an authorised entity or dealer approved by the insurance company to provide repairs and services, often using genuine parts and following the manufacturer’s standards.
Q: What is repair warranty in car insurance?
A repair warranty in car insurance guarantees that the repairs made to a vehicle, typically at an authorised agency, are covered for a certain period. This warranty assures that any issues arising from the repair will be rectified without additional cost.
Q: How to claim insurance for car repair?
To claim insurance for car repair, you need to inform your insurer immediately after an accident, provide necessary documents (like a police report), get an estimate for repairs from an authorised service centre, and submit a claim form along with the required documents to your insurer.
Q: Why is agency important?
An agency is important because it ensures repairs are done using genuine parts and by trained technicians, maintaining the car’s integrity and safety standards, which can be crucial for long-term vehicle health and value.
