# CL-M-09: The repairer fixed my car through insurance, but it still doesn't feel safe. Who can I get to check it? Collected 11 October 2026 [Car insurance study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/insurance/car-insurance) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: a1f243e8-3b8d-46a6-a2d1-5a3f3c621869 If a car has been repaired after an insurance claim but you’re not confident it is safe, you can get an **independent inspection** rather than relying on the repairer who did the work. In New Zealand, options include: - **An independent mechanic or vehicle inspection service** — ask specifically for a **post-repair safety inspection** or a thorough mechanical and structural check. A different workshop (not the insurance repairer) is usually best so you get an independent opinion. [Consumer Protection](https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/pre-purchase-inspections-checks?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection provider** — a WoF is a safety check covering items such as brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, lights, airbags (where fitted), and certain structural issues. However, it is not a full diagnostic inspection and may not find every repair-related problem. [Consumer Protection](https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/fixing-your-car?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - **A specialist repair certifier** — if the crash involved significant structural damage, you may want advice from someone experienced in vehicle repair certification. NZTA notes that repaired vehicles must be restored to safe tolerances, and specialist repair certification may apply in some cases. [NZ Transport Agency](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/repair-certification?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Before paying for another inspection, it is also worth: 1. **Contacting your insurer in writing** and explaining that the vehicle still feels unsafe. Ask them to arrange a reassessment or independent review. 2. **Keeping evidence** — note symptoms (pulling, vibration, noises, warning lights, braking issues), dates, and take photos/videos if relevant. 3. **Avoiding driving it if you think it is unsafe** — especially if there are steering, braking, tyre, suspension, or airbag concerns. If you tell me **what feels unsafe** (for example: pulling to one side, shaking, brakes, noises, warning lights, doors not fitting, after a front/rear/side impact), I can suggest the most appropriate type of inspection. ## Gemini Answer ID: 119dac1b-af8d-49fb-8cb4-efc6c555c542 If your car doesn't feel safe after insurance repairs, you have the right to get an independent second opinion. Because the insurance company and their chosen repairer have a vested interest in the work being signed off, getting an outside perspective is crucial for your peace of mind and safety. The following options are available to have your vehicle checked: ### 1. Independent Mechanical Inspection Services * **Independent Vehicle Assessors:** Companies and specialist engineers (such as Auto Assess or similar independent automotive forensic/assessment services) provide comprehensive post-repair inspections. They can assess structural alignment, mechanical safety, and whether the repairs match industry standards. * **Specialist Inspection Providers:** Firms like SGS New Zealand provide independent vehicle damage and repair assessments. ### 2. A Different MTA-Registered Repairer or Franchise Dealer * Take the car to a completely separate, reputable garage—ideally one affiliated with the **Motor Trade Association (MTA)** or an authorized brand-dealership for your car's make. * Request a formal safety inspection or diagnostic check. Ask them specifically to look at the areas that were repaired (e.g., suspension, steering, chassis, or electronics) and get their findings **in writing**. ### 3. A Certified WoF Inspector (For Immediate Safety Concerns) * If you believe the car is outright dangerous to drive, you can take it to a separate Warrant of Fitness (WoF) testing station or garage for an inspection. While a standard WoF check focuses on baseline safety requirements (like brakes, structural rust, steering, and suspension), a failure or safety warning from a certified inspector gives you formal leverage. --- ### What to do next: 1. **Do not ignore your instincts:** Modern vehicles have complex crumple zones, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and electronic sensors that can compromise safety if improperly fixed or recalibrated. 2. **Contact your insurance company immediately:** Notify them that you believe the repairs are unsafe or incomplete. Under your policy and consumer rights, the work must be fit for purpose. Tell them you are arranging an independent inspection. 3. **Keep all paperwork:** Request a detailed breakdown of the repairs from the original repairer (including alignment printouts, parts invoices, and scan reports), and hand these over to the independent inspector so they know what was supposed to be fixed. 4. **Use dispute pathways if necessary:** If the original repairer or insurer refuses to acknowledge the safety issues, you can take your independent report to the **Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO)** or the **Disputes Tribunal**, or seek mediation through the MTA if the repairer is a member. Is the issue more related to how the car handles mechanically (like steering or suspension), or are you noticing electronic/sensor glitches after the repair? ## AI Overviews Answer ID: c468abd6-ce4c-421f-b803-82a305fff832 If your car was repaired through insurance but still does not feel safe, **do not drive it.** Because the insurance company authorized and paid for the work, the legal contract for the repair is technically between your insurer and the repairer. This means **your insurance company is responsible** for making sure the job is completed safely and correctly. To resolve this, you can use the following independent experts to check the vehicle and build a case for your insurer: 1\. Who to Contact for an Independent Check * **An Independent MTA-Assured Mechanic:** Take the car to a local mechanic who is a member of the Motor Trade Association (MTA). Ask them for a comprehensive general or safety inspection specifically focusing on the areas that feel unsafe (e.g., suspension, steering, or brakes). Request a **written report** detailing any faults or sub-standard work. * **The AA (Automated Association):** You can book a comprehensive vehicle inspection through the AA. While traditionally used for pre-purchase checks, their detailed mechanical and safety reports provide highly respected, independent evidence. * **A Specialist Repair Certifier:** If you suspect the vehicle has unresolved structural, chassis, or major collision damage that wasn't fixed properly, you can contact an NZTA-approved specialist **Repair Certifier**. You can find a local registered certifier through the official RepairCert NZ directory. _Note: A standard Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is a basic, high-level safety check and is unlikely to catch complex mechanical or tracking issues caused by an accident. Avoid using a standard WoF as proof of a proper repair._ * * * 2\. Step-by-Step Action Plan 1. **Contact your insurer immediately:** Inform them that you have taken delivery of the vehicle but it feels unsafe to drive. Tell them you are getting an independent assessment. 2. **Gather your evidence:** Get a written, itemized report and photos from the independent mechanic or certifier showing exactly what is wrong or unsafe. 3. **Submit the report to your insurer:** Demand that they address the issues. Most insurers provide a "lifetime repair guarantee" on work done by their preferred network panel beaters, meaning they must step in to fix it. 4. **Escalate if they refuse:** If the insurer rejects your independent report, lodge a formal complaint through their internal complaints team. By law, they have a set timeframe to resolve it. 5. **Use an External Dispute Scheme:** If you reach a standstill, ask the insurer for a "letter of deadlock". You can then take your case completely free of charge to the insurer's designated dispute resolution scheme—usually either the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman (IFSO) or Financial Services Complaints Ltd (FSCL). To help point you in the right direction, could you let me know: * **What specifically** feels wrong when you drive it (e.g., pulling to one side, strange noises, soft brakes)? * Have you already **spoken to your claims handler** about how the car feels? * Do you know if the shop that repaired it was your insurer's **preferred repairer** or one you chose yourself? ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: 5bff74f3-f91b-47af-9088-f8ab5305c78c If your car doesn't feel safe after an insurance repair, you have the right to get a second opinion and dispute shoddy or incomplete work. Here are the independent professionals and organizations in New Zealand you can turn to for an inspection and report: * * **Independent Motor Vehicle Assessors / Loss Adjusters** : Companies like DISA Assessing or Complete Assessing specialize in independent post-repair inspections and technical damage reports. An objective, professional report from an independent assessor gives you documented evidence if you need to take the issue back to your insurance company. * **VTNZ or VINZ Inspection Station** : You can book your vehicle in for a comprehensive safety check or a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection at a testing station like VTNZ. While a WoF covers core legal safety requirements, you can specifically request a detailed mechanical and structural safety assessment. * **MTA-Assured Repairer** : If the original repairer wasn't part of the Motor Trade Association (MTA), or if you want a second opinion from a reputable workshop, take it to an **MTA-assured** mechanic. They can inspect the specific components (like alignment, suspension, or structural fixes) and write up an assessment detailing any substandard work. [VTNZ] * **Your Insurance Company** : Inform your insurer immediately that you believe the repair is unsafe. Legally, the insurance company is responsible for the quality of the repair they authorized. They will often send their own senior assessor or require an independent re-inspection if you dispute the original work. * **Dispute Resolution (IFSO or Financial Services Complaints Limited)** : If your insurer refuses to address your safety concerns, you can escalate the matter through the insurance industry's independent dispute resolution schemes (such as the [Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman](https://www.ifso.nz) or [FSCL](https://www.fscl.org.nz)), provided you have an independent report backing up your claim. * To help me point you in the **best direction** , could you tell me: * What **specific part or area** of the car (e.g., steering, brakes, alignment, or body panels) feels unsafe? * Is the repairer an **approved shop chosen by your insurance** , or one you picked yourself?