Repair estimate and evidence
Clear damage photographs, an itemised repair estimate and relevant technical details help the decision-maker review the proposed work.
Home Accident Repairs Repair Authorisation
Insurance repair approval explainedWaiting for Car Repair Authorisation After an Accident?
Has your car been assessed but repairs are still waiting for approval? Find out who authorises accident repairs, why decisions get delayed and what to do when your garage is waiting for an insurer or engineer.
Managed accident repairs
Repair estimate and evidenceClear damage photographs, an itemised repair estimate and relevant technical details help the decision-maker review the proposed work
Who holds the decisionAsk which insurer, engineer or other responsible party has the next decision and what information it still needs
Additional damageDamage found after inspection may need fresh evidence and a further decision before extra repair work proceeds
Clear responsibilitiesSterling coordinates the information and follows up approval requests; the responsible party makes the authorisation decision
Before the garage can start
Who approves accident repairs and what do they need?
Who holds the decision
Ask which insurer, engineer or other responsible party has the next decision and what information it still needs.
Additional damage
Damage found after inspection may need fresh evidence and a further decision before extra repair work proceeds.
Why your repair may be on hold
Why car repair authorisation gets delayed
Incomplete repair estimate
Missing photographs, repair costs or method information can prevent a clear authorisation decision.
Unanswered technical questions
An engineer may ask the repairer to clarify damage, replacement parts or a proposed repair method.
Additional damage after inspection
A garage may need to submit a revised estimate when it discovers damage outside the originally assessed scope.
Responsibility boundary: Sterling coordinates the information and follows up approval requests; the responsible party makes the authorisation decision.
Understanding the insurer's decision
Who can give permission for car repairs to begin?
Repair authorisation confirms which accident repairs have been accepted under the relevant claim arrangements. An insurer or other responsible party may make the funding decision, often after an engineer reviews the estimate and proposed repair method. The bodyshop should know exactly which work is agreed before proceeding.
If your vehicle is already at a garage, ask whether the latest estimate is approved, who is holding any outstanding decision and whether the repairer needs to provide more information. An assessment alone does not necessarily mean repair costs have been authorised.
From estimate to repair
Five steps from repair estimate to approval
A documented process makes it easier to understand what has been submitted, what has been authorised and why work might still be waiting.
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1
Check the estimate
The repairer records the damage, itemises the proposed work and supplies relevant photographs.
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2
Send to the correct approver
Send the latest estimate to the insurer, engineer or other party responsible for the decision.
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3
Answer technical queries
Any engineering queries, additional photographs or missing cost information are addressed.
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4
Record the decision
Record which estimate was approved, including any conditions, exclusions or contributions.
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5
Control changes
If further damage is discovered, the garage documents it and requests any additional approval needed.
Car repair approval questions
Frequently asked questions about repair authorisation
Depending on the claim, the insurer, appointed engineer or another responsible party may need to authorise the repair estimate. The garage carries out repairs; Sterling can help coordinate information and follow-up.
There is no fixed approval timescale. Timing can depend on the estimate, technical queries, claims checks and how quickly the relevant decision-maker responds. Ask exactly what is outstanding.
The garage should document the new damage and prepare a supplementary estimate. The insurer, engineer or other responsible party may need to authorise the additional work before it proceeds.
No. Sterling can help gather and coordinate evidence, chase an update and explain the next stage, but it cannot require an insurer or engineer to approve work.
Other repair guidance
More guidance on accident repair claims
Accident repairs managed from assessment to handover
Learn how the accident repair process runs from initial assessment to vehicle handover.
View repair guidanceManage the claim and the repair together
See how the claim and repair work are coordinated after a car accident.
View repair guidanceReplacement-vehicle assistance while yours is off the road
Discover what replacement vehicle assistance may be available while your car is off the road.
View mobility guidance
Tell Sterling what is happening
Need help getting your accident repair moving?
Report your accident details and the current repair position. Sterling can review the information and explain available coordination options, subject to your claim circumstances and third-party decisions.