NRMA or AAMI

[THR]

Anyone have any suggestions as to whether NRMA or AAMI is better?

NRMA is about $60 more expensive - $1,440 odd per year versus around $1,390 for AAMI for my new Golf TDI.

[gpk_gti]

which one offers you to choose your repairer?

[The_Hawk]

which one offers you to choose your repairer?

According to the PDS for NRMA NSW/ACT says on page 70 "or you may nominate your own repairer"

I didn't think that was the case, but there it is.

Mind you it does say:

If you choose to nominate your own repairer we are not responsible for ensuring the availability of the repairer we will decide whether to
• authorise and pay for the fair and reasonable cost of repairs, or
• pay you the fair and reasonable cost to repair your vehicle.
In determining the fair and reasonable cost, we may consider a number of
factors, including quotes from other repairers.

In other news, NRMA pays out a higher percentage of claims than AAMI, they also cover *some* mods (excluding Superchargers and Turbo Charger).

I am with NRMA, but then I get discounts because I have my house, contents, both cars and health insurance with them. Without all that I don't know how they would stack up since I haven't really looked.

[THR]

which one offers you to choose your repairer?

NRMA it is then. AAMI doesn't.

Also just read the PDS.

They're a bit pricey on the contents insurance for me - currently with CGU for that. But their price is actually $1,416 - which is reasonably close anyway.

(I know that sounds expensive but it's due to the area we live.)

Thanks both of you.

[Chardy]

I used to work for AAMI - trust me - GO WITH NRMA.

[The_Hawk]

I used to work for AAMI - trust me - GO WITH NRMA.

GOLD! Nothing like confidence in your employer! So who is it YOUR insured with??

[Jester_Fu]

I use to insure with AAMI. The last 3 years or so they've been really really crap. wouldn't use them again.

You can get 'choice of repairer' with ANY insurance company. The only requirement they can make is you must have at least 2 quotes one of which is from one of their 'preferred' repairers. It's up to you where the money goes but it's up to them how much they approve. They can't force you to use a repairer, but AAMI like to trcik you into using whoever they choose with their Valet service: "Just drp the car off and we'll handle it all including paying your taxi home and back to get the car"... which is much much cheaper than ensuring you get decent quality work done.

I've heard NRMA are really starting to tighten up, but are still much more willing to negotiate on cost of repairer to give you that choice. I was talking to some panel shop guys the other week and they suggest currently Alliance and GIO are the pick for getting good quality repair work approved. They said in the same breath that NRMA are becoming as bad as AAMI... but not quite there yet.

[DionM]

I have my Jetta TFSI with NRMA.

They used to charge ~$60 for "choice of repairer" (which I took) but recently changed it to be a "normal inclusion" so no change (and they refunded me the difference - nice!).

My choice basically came down to who wouldn't hit me for silly excesses. My normal insurer (RACQ) wanted to charge a $300 extra excess because the vehicle was turbo - even for not-at-fault claims (including stuff like hail!).

[Wino]

one of the best things we have done is to get a great Ins Broker (he's an ex Ins Assesor (sic) ) our Ins bill has been cut by half and we're getting better Ins than we had before. If we have a claim, He deals with the Ins company on our behalf.

[warhead]

I heard that AAMI/Justcars with their nominated repairers, will prefer to use OEM parts rather than genuine ones.

When my car had its back bumper replaced (I'm with RACV), I talked to the repairer and got confirmation that I'd be fitted with a brand new genuine VW part, even though they did do a sloppy install; but that's another story.

[bailey78]

I went with AAMI as they use OEM parts whilst the car remains under factory warranty. Other insurers reserved the right to use non-OEM parts. CGU - my previous insurer was one of them.

Not overly fussed about the ability to choose a repairer - a mate of mine works within Claims management and said he will look after me if anything happens. *touch wood*

[Chardy]

GOLD! Nothing like confidence in your employer! So who is it YOUR insured with??

RACV here in Victoria - 100 times better.

I could tell you about some shocking claims with AAMI - including 2 of my own when my old car was keyed ($4500 worth by girlfriends ex husband) and when I shunted in the ass by a Landcrusier with a bullbar.

[Golf Loon]

I find AAMI much better to talk to on the phone. Customer service is heaps better and you get a person, not a recorded message.

And they are cheaper for me.

Or Shannons, they will ensure everyday cars, especially if you already have a weekend driver or special car with them.

[THR]

RACV here in Victoria - 100 times better.

I could tell you

But you won't?

If you "could", would you mind?

[bigmouthmedia]

I'm actually considering highly AAMI because they include signwriting rebates - if you have commercial signage on your car they contribute $500 towards it's replacement - which NOBODY else has.....I know they've had their knockers (so to speak), but have the best price around - AND rating 1 for life