Whether it's a new car or a collector's model, every driver will have to visit the garage at some point. More and more frequently, vehicle owners are then confronted with the term Workshop binding confronted with. But at the latest when things have to move quickly in the event of a crash, there should be clarity on this topic.
So in which cases does such a bond exist? What needs to be considered? And what particular advantages or disadvantages does it entail? - Our guide explains.
- Many comprehensive insurance companies offer good conditions, but require a commitment to certain partner garages in the event of repairs.
- One Workshop binding is often accompanied by other benefits such as a pick-up and hire car service for the duration of the repair.
- Problematic: Vehicle owners are restricted in their free choice of workshop. In addition, the Workshop binding often with warranty regulations for new or leased vehicles.
- Anyone who disregards the requirements of the workshop commitment must expect severe contractual penalties.
Workshop commitment - what does that actually mean?
The concept of Workshop binding is, unsurprisingly, fairly self-explanatory: the vehicle owner undertakes to visit a specific garage in the event of necessary inspections or repairs - for example after a road accident. This does not have to be a single point of contact. Rather, the commitment often applies to a network or association of different workshops to which the car can be taken.
Under what conditions does a workshop commitment apply?
A garage commitment often applies to comprehensive motor vehicle insurance. In these cases, novice drivers in particular benefit from the insurer's usually favourable conditions.
It is easy to find out which garage to contact if you have a garage commitment. The insurer usually builds up an entire network of partner workshops. The mechanics benefit from a stable order situation and work at more favourable conditions.
As a rule, you as the insured person do not have to search for a partner workshop yourself in the event of a claim - you will be assigned one by the insurance company.
Important: The commitment usually only applies in the event of a comprehensive claim. You can still go to the garage around the corner for vehicle maintenance - even if it is not part of the insurer's network.
Workshop binding: advantages and disadvantages
Naturally, the Workshop binding Advantages and disadvantagessome of which are obvious, while others are only decisive at second glance. In principle, it is important to weigh up both sides before deciding in favour of or against a corresponding insurance policy.
Costs and special conditions are particularly advantageous. Insurance packages that save money are particularly worthwhile for new drivers. These comprehensive insurance policies often include Workshop binding beforebut also entice you with special services: In the event of a claim, you often even benefit from a collection service that takes the damaged vehicle to the workshop and collects it from there again after the repair. In some cases, the insurance company will even provide a hire car for the duration of the repair.
As tempting as all this sounds - even with the Workshop binding not all that glitters is gold. First of all, this is a BindingThis means that it gives vehicle owners no freedom in their choice of garage and thus minimises their room for manoeuvre in the event of damage. This can be decisive, especially in rural areas without a collection service: the price is longer journeys and correspondingly greater time expenditure.
Proud new car owners should also be careful with insurance policies with workshop commitment: goodwill benefits from the manufacturer are usually only granted after the warranty has expired if the vehicle owner visits an authorised workshop of the dealer for repairs. Such a regulation is often at odds with the workshop commitment of an insurance policy.
Workshop commitment not observed. And now?
Anyone who has their car repaired at a garage other than the designated partner garage must expect consequences: These range from an increase in the excess to a contractual penalty.
However, you must expect to bear at least part of the repair costs yourself. The amount is based on the prices of a repair from the insurance partners. As these are generally lower, you will have to bear the difference. Depending on the contractual provisions, you may even have to bear the entire costs if you bypass the workshop commitment.
The situation is different abroad: If there is comprehensive damage that needs to be repaired immediately, the workshop commitment does not normally apply. If in doubt, take a look at your insurance documents.
Your path to fair regulation
Regardless of whether with or without a workshop commitment, it is important to act correctly in the event of accident damage. With fair regulation we guide you safely and successfully through the jungle of claims reporting.
- Report your claim to us immediately after the crash via our Online-Plattform or by telephone on 0800 30 111 60 - preferably from the scene of the accident.
- We identify the right contact person from our network and take up your case in a target-orientated manner.
- Our employees will check your data carefully and get back to you immediately with a step-by-step procedure.
- We accompany you through the regulation process and initiate reliable and success-orientated processing.
