Can I get my car repaired at a 4S shop without designated repair?
2 Answers
You can get your car repaired at a 4S shop without designated repair, but you cannot enjoy the designated repair services. Generally, insurance companies use the "Designated Repair Shop Special Clause." If the car owner chooses this clause, they can have their car repaired at a 4S shop, and the repair costs will be covered by the insurance company. If this clause is not selected and the car owner insists on repairing at a 4S shop, any costs exceeding the estimated amount must be borne by themselves. Generally, the repair prices at 4S shops are much higher than those at ordinary repair shops. Therefore, many insurance companies, considering cost issues, often prefer customers to repair their cars at ordinary repair shops, while customers prefer to repair at 4S shops. Such conflicts often occur between insurance companies and policyholders during the car damage insurance claims process. Under the "Designated Repair Shop Special Clause," the premium will increase based on the car damage insurance, but the increase varies among companies, ranging from 10% to 60%. Consider purchasing designated repair insurance in the following cases: rare car models or newly released models that require professional repair and maintenance at a 4S shop; small repair shops do not have the corresponding repair techniques.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter situations where car repairs are needed. When there's no designated repair point, I still choose to get my car serviced at 4S shops. The advantage is that they use genuine parts, and their technicians are professionally trained, ensuring more reliable repair quality. After the repairs, the car usually runs smoother. The downside is the higher cost compared to roadside repair shops, potentially costing a few hundred yuan more, and sometimes you might have to wait in line for a day or two to pick up your car. If you have car insurance, not going to a designated repair point might affect your reimbursement, so it's important to confirm the insurance terms in advance. But overall, for peace of mind and safety, I recommend prioritizing 4S shops, especially for complex components like the engine or electronic systems, which roadside shops might not handle well. Also, frequent inspections at 4S shops during routine maintenance can help prevent future issues.
