Should I go to a 4S shop or an external repair shop for insurance claims?
3 Answers
For insurance claims, it is recommended to go to a 4S shop for repairs. Compared to small external repair shops, 4S shops offer better quality assurance and easier access to special car parts. However, please note that any insurance claim will result in an increase in the car insurance premium the following year. Related information: 1. Car insurance: Also known as motor vehicle insurance, it is a type of commercial insurance. 2. Definition of car insurance: It is a widely available insurance product in China that covers motor vehicles such as cars, electric vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors. Car insurance can be divided into commercial insurance and compulsory traffic insurance, with commercial insurance further including main vehicle insurance and additional insurance.
When filing an insurance claim for car repairs after an accident, I recommend going to a 4S dealership. Last time my car was hit, I reported the insurance claim and went straight to the 4S shop. They used genuine parts, and their technicians were professional—the car looked brand new after the repair. External repair shops might be cheaper, but insurance covers 4S costs without issues. Plus, 4S shops provide warranties, which helps retain the car’s resale value. External shops vary in skill, often leading to quality issues, and insurance may require re-inspection, which is a hassle. From a safety perspective, 4S shops are more reliable, especially for complex repairs involving the car’s structural integrity—don’t cut corners here. In short, spending extra time waiting for 4S repairs pays off in long-term peace of mind.
I think it's also okay to choose an external repair shop after filing an insurance claim. In the past, for minor scratches on my car, I filed an insurance claim and went directly to a familiar repair shop. The cost was lower, the process was faster, and it was done in half a day. Dealerships have long waiting times for appointments, cost several hundred more, and even though insurance covers it, you have to wait for reimbursement. However, you need to pick a reputable external shop, otherwise, the parts may not be original, quality isn't guaranteed, and the insurance might refuse to pay. For simple repairs, external shops are more cost-effective; for major accidents, you still need to rely on dealerships. The key is to first confirm whether the insurance policy allows external repairs—don’t rush in blindly to avoid future troubles. Experience tells me: don’t overcomplicate small issues, and don’t skimp on big ones.