SJ Curtis Bristol

[DKL]

A prospective insurer has told me that this is their approved bodyshop for the bristol/swindon area and that should I need to make a claim this is where they would send the car.
2 questions - I have a 944 and a Caterham neither of which I would want to go to a "general" bodyshop. The line is that the quotes would be received from both SJ and OPC/CC and if the SJ one is the cheaper (likely I would have thought) then I would be asked to pay the difference.
Are SJ any good? Anyone used them?
Equally can they do this or as is often said I can choose who repairs my car?
Thanks

[odyssey2200]

SJ Curtis were Ok years ago when I checked them out for a Manufactures approved repairer.

IIRC they were BWN approved at one time(maybe, perhaps)

However Brin Jones of Filton did a 100% perfect job on SWMBO's car a few years ago.amd Philips Car bodyworks near Castle Coomber have done very good work for me in the past too.

[red rider]

You should be able to have your car repaired wherever you prefer within reason of course,if the insurance company says any different then argue the toss.

[LordGrover]

I work next door to Curtis's. They get the odd exotica but not as many as they used to. They have some pork in at the moment - saw a 911 (996) with the front end missing earlier this week.
They did my Audi a few years ago and it was fine. I think their work is typically an acceptable standard but there may be better, specialists out there.

[Jimboturbo]

You are legally entitled to have your car repaired at a repairer of your choice. The insurance Co are trying to be a bit bullyboy I think.

[DKL]

I did a bit more digging and none of the companies made any fuss about taking it where I wanted to.
They pointed out that if they (the ins co) couldn't negotiate a decent rate with the dealer then they would look to pay out in cash to you and then leave you to negotiate with your dealer.

[360f1]

Talk to Ray Hill at Graydon Motors Bristol 01179553399.Always done 1st class paintwork on my 348 and now the 360.Also carried out some ex work on my x type.

Edited by 360f1 on Wednesday 5th August 22:07