Should I use the free Hyundai Accident Aftercare service in the event of an accident?

I recently bought a new Hyundai and have received documentation for the free service Hyundai Accident Aftercare, administered by Retention UK Ltd. In the event of accident or theft, I contact them first, not my insurers, and they will handle everything for me. They will ensure that the car is repaired with Hyundai parts at an approved Hyundai centre, which the insurer will not necessarily do. It sounds too good to be true, but is it? I would welcome your advice.

Asked on 4 July 2011 by MN, Chelmsford

Answered by Honest John
Manufacturers are trying to introduce their own accident management schemes to ensure cars are properly repaired to a standard their dealers can re-sell. The advantage to insurers is that this cuts out the parasitic accident management outfits and hugely expensive car credit hire cowboys and this is to the benefit of insurers. But some insurers still hit policyholders with a £200 excess for nominating their own repairer.
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