And BTW, the parts shop has to get the parts from the dealer I’m not sure where else they would source them?
Obviously very different there to here.
Even if the local car dealer doesn't have the parts in stock they get them from the actual manufacturers local warehouse or they come in from overseas warehouse.
So you just contact your insurer and either they book it into their preferred repairer, or you can take it to a few of your insurers agreed repairers and they look it over.
They then quote the insurance company after they have checked on availability of parts.
Once they are allocated the repair they book in a time and tell you how long they will have it.
Generally (Unless it was towed in as undriveable) you then take it in when they have the parts.
My Mercedes door was smashed, the repairer ordered from local Merc dealer, they ordered off Merc Australia who flew the parts in from Merc Germany.
In our case Ineos dealer would order from Ineos Australia main warehouse in Melbourne.
Neither the repairer or dealer would tell us if Ineos had it in stock.
Generally also the repairer wouldn't accept parts from the owner of the vehicle because they
- want to make a profit on the parts
- Have to offer a warranty on the repair and parts, which is back to back with the manufacturer.
- Are not allowed to use second hand parts, which they would be if supplied by anyone other than the approved dealer
- Their customer is the insurance company, not the vehicle owner.
