[drZ]

Yes, yes..I know this has been beaten to death at different online threads but I'm really looking to compare only 2 companies : shannons VS enthusiast. Has anyone had to put in any claims through them? have they been easy? I've got very similar insurance quote through both for my 2008 e92 335i for about same car value (23k vs 22.5k), same excess 650 and with mods declared (wheels, suspension, intercooler, BOV, body kit accessories etc). I'm due renewal (now with budget but more expensive with wheels declared) next week and appreciate very much input on this. Thanks

[donR]

I've been with Sh* for ten years or so including home and contents. Never had a car claim but did have a house claim without any issues. I've usually found them quite good to deal with on the phone and seem to have local operators. Never any complaints and very competitive with premiums and option to include looks of extras and mods on your car.

A while back I had someone bump into the back of my car. Nothing major but a new bumper/paint and new splitter required.

I put in a not at fault claim and no issues. Sh* wanted me to go to Capital Smart at Lane Cove but I have choice of repairer so I went off to the Manufacturer recommended repairer LSR Autobody at Artarmon.

To my surprise LSR would not work with Sh* as they said that they would not accept their quotation. In my case this wasn't an issue as I simply went through the other drivers insurance as they had kindly lodged a claim also, which LSR said was an insurer they can work with.

Apparently Sh* were bought out by Suncorp a few years ago and things have changed such that choice of repairer can be an issue.

LSR recommended that I change my insurer to anyone from the IAG Group with choice of repairer included. This includes the biggies like NRMA, Allianz, QBE and even Coles Insurance. LSR suggested it is better to pay a few more hundred dollars or so for the piece of mind.

So to cut a long story short. Whilst I'm sure Capital Smart at Lane Cove are a fine repairer for the majority of cars, if you are fussy and want to be certain you can go to your "choice of repairer" then check if your insurer is part of the IAG group and read the fine print.

[shannon1]

Nice info. Thanks for your experience donR.

[Socket]

I’m with Shannon’s have made two no fault claims. Never had a problem

[drZ]

Thanks guys. Yes I've been reading different experiences on shannons and the other companies. I've eventually settled with enthusiast insurance. Though I've been with Shannon before on my last car it scares me a bit about the fine print they had on choice of repairer. I'm sure the change has been implemented since Suncorp take over but no matter I guess. Will update if any issues wit the new guys

[donR]

Glad you were able to find an insurer that you felt comfortable with.

Did the premium end up being any better than Shannons or worse?

I had considered changing after my experience but I get such a great deal (up to $1k saving) with Sh I'm not sure if I will on the off chance I have an accident.

I think with Sh, Choice of Repairer only becomes a problem with some of the more boutique repairers that can come in a little expensive for their assessor. I also agree the fine print is a concern as if they don't like the quotation they are in their right to refuse it.

This is what I read, not sure if other "Choice of Repairer" policies have similar wording:

"We will pay the amount we assess to be reasonable by
considering your repairer’s quote with any adjustments
made by our assessor. We reserve the right to determine
the method of repair that your repairer uses. We may
decide to replace damaged parts with new parts or used
parts of a similar condition to those being replaced."

[drZ]

I ended up paying around the same amount as with shannons but have listed many more mods on declaration with enthusiast. I believe they're with a bigger parent company called assetisure or something like that. So far the reviews have been ok. Hopefully I never have to test how good they are but when the time comes, hopefully it'll be a good experience.

[ADEe92]

Nice one - hope they work out well!

I just have my e92 insured with SGIC - ie. non-enthusiast insurance. Interesting to note that when I had an accident earlier this year, I took the car to their nominated crash repairer as I don't have choice of repairer in the policy, but they decided they couldn't fix the car and nor could anyone in their network due to the panel replacement requiring specialist tools and processes, and they didn't want to have to deal with the BMW's electronics either so I ended up with choice of repairer.

[drZ]

Wow u came on top of that deal. Though I think you've gone through the exception rather than the rule. Any insurance company will try their best obviously to get the cheapest repairer except if choice is part of their policy. What part exactly were they not happy to deal with at theirs if you don't mind me asking??

[ADEe92]

I was happy with the service!

It was a tear in the rear 3/4 that they didn't want to go near. Cassanova crash here in Adelaide fixed it without problems - they're the BMW Approved repairer & they did a good job. The bill was $14k in the end. The hit was bigger than it looks - the car is fixed, but I'm still on the mend.

Before:


After:

[drZ]

Wow that was pretty bad. Hope u didn't get too much of the brunt of that crash mate

[Socket]

Get well soon AD

[ADEe92]

Thanks guys - I'm just happy I was in the e92 and not my old e30! High strength steel is a good thing. I'd have been very badly hurt in the e30 - as it is it has taken a few months to recover, but getting close to back to normal now. Still on the fortnightly physio.