After an accident the first call you make is your insurance company. You want to get your car into a shop as soon as possible and back on the road. Before you hand over your keys, it’s worth understanding why your insurer recommends certain shops—and what it means for your repair. As a locally trusted body shop serving Paoli and surrounding areas, here’s what we think every driver should know.

Why do Insurance Companies Recommend Certain Shops?

Insurance companies have a list of shops that are on a DRP (direct repair program) list. This means that shops have a partnership with an insurance company. These partnerships agree to certain labor rates, specific parts, and more. The close alliance that the insurance companies have with these shops saves them time and money, but this doesn’t always mean that the shop is best for you and your car.

Risks of Going With a Insurance Recommended Shop

• Often times DRP shops are high volume and under pressure to complete jobs quickly and inexpensive. This can lead to missed damaged, rushed repairs, and poor results.
• Once the car is dropped off at the shop most of the communication is done between the shop and the insurance company. This could leave you in the dark and unknowing of what is going on with you car.
• With certain high volume shops it can be hard to get individual customer care. Majority of the time shops prioritize fast-turnaround times instead of communication with their customers.

Remember You Always Have a Choice in Where Your Car is Repaired

When choosing a repair center for your car always remember that you do not need to go with the shop that your insurance company recommends. Though it sometimes seems like the easier option, that’s not always the best option.

Insurance companies already have a strong relationship with their preferred body shops. When you take your car there, the body shop can work directly with the insurance company to make sure that the estimate for the damages is accurate and covers everything you’ll need. The insurance company will also be able to pay the body shop directly, which may minimize delays in processing time and eliminate you as the middle person.

Sending your car to the insurance-preferred body shop usually makes the whole process simpler and more efficient. You’ll take your car to the body shop to get it inspected, they’ll send the insurance company an estimate, payment will be processed, and you’ll pick up your car when it’s ready.

Of course, you have the option to take your vehicle to the shop of your choosing. However, there are some things to consider when doing so. If you go to a body shop outside of their network, the insurance company will likely mail you a check to cover the costs in which case you will be responsible for getting that over to the body shop. If the amount is incorrect or the shop discovers new and additional damage, you’ll be on the hook for communicating that to the insurance company and arranging the solution.