My experience with an insurance company and its "preferred" repair garage illustrates why car insurance premiums are so high. Last year I had to make a claim for damage done to my car. The insurer's nominated garage came to take the car away. I asked that they give me a quote for a scrape to the side of the car, which was nothing to do with the claim. He told me that off the top of his head it would cost £600. When I told him I was amazed at the price, he told me to make a claim for that on my policy too. I refused, but he still tried to get me to change my mind. When I said no, he told me he would phone me later and give me a more accurate quote. This he did and the cost went up to £900 and he still tried to get me to claim on insurance. Again, I refused. This year I had the scrape repaired by my dealers nominated repair shop and it cost £150. I haven't named my insurer or its nominated bodyshop as I have nothing in writing, it was all verbal, unfortunately.