Insurance Solicitors in Ireland - AXA Refusal of BMW-Approved Repairs

My car was recently hit by a driver insured through AXA Insurance Ireland, who accepted full responsibility for the accident. The damage included: Driver’s door Front wing Front wheel and tyre I requested that the car be repaired through BMW to ensure manufacturer approved repairs and safety standards were maintained. AXA refused on the grounds that labour costs were too high. Their reason? They say they will not pay more than €67 per hour labour, while BMW quoted €80 per hour, despite current Irish garage labour rates commonly ranging from €80 - €100+ per hour, with premium dealerships often charging considerably more. AXA have now given me two choices: 1. Use a garage chosen by them 2. Bring the car to BMW myself and personally pay the difference which could be anything between 400 and 700 euro. So despite their insured driver admitting liability, I am being pressured into either accepting repairs from AXA’s preferred garage or paying out of pocket to restore my own vehicle properly. This raises a serious question for Irish motorists: When an innocent driver is hit, should an insurance company be allowed to dictate where the vehicle is repaired! even when the requested repair costs are within normal market rates? Modern vehicles require specialist repair methods, manufacturer standards, calibration systems, and approved parts. For many drivers, this is not just about cost, it is about safety, quality, and protecting the value of their vehicle. I would like to hear from: Solicitors experienced in insurance or consumer rights. Journalists investigating insurance practices in Ireland. Anyone who has experienced similar treatment from insurers. If anyone would like to investigate or publish this story, I am happy to provide documentation and correspondence relating to the dispute. #Ireland #Insurance #ConsumerRights #BMW #AXA #IrishConsumer #MotorInsurance #Legal #Journalism