Closed bodyshop

Sir,

With reference to the high cost of motor insurance mentioned during your road test of the Ford Escort Cosworth (MOTOR SPORT, October), I would like to mention a point of interest.

Most leading insurance companies have retainer schemes and it appears to be standard practice to channel repairs to “approved” workshops, ie those that display their sign and are recommended by a certain motoring organisation. Work on the car can start right away without inspection by the insurance engineer.

I am not suggesting that such places are dishonest, but it is like giving a licence to print money. Any attempt to get the work done by a non-registered repairer results in a go-slow by the insurance company, forcing the motorist to accept the former. This is not only unfair but this closed-shop attitude is bound to lead to higher premiums in my view.

P Butt, Somerset.