Insurers: Choosing Your Auto Body Shop

After a car accident, you might be wondering whether you can choose an auto body shop with insurance. The short answer is yes, you can choose your own auto body shop, but there are benefits to using an insurance company-recommended one. Your insurance company will have a list of approved shops that they work closely with to streamline the repair process and save you time and money. However, you are well within your rights to choose an independent shop, but you may have to deal with more paperwork and delays.

You don't have to choose an insurance company-recommended auto body shop

After a car accident, it can be challenging to find a repair shop that suits your needs. Your insurance company will likely recommend a specific auto body shop to handle the repairs. However, you are not obligated to use their recommended shop. You have the right to choose a repair shop that you feel comfortable with. Here are some things to consider:

Benefits of Using an Insurance-Recommended Shop

Using an auto repair shop recommended by your insurance company can offer several advantages:

• Saving time and money: You won't need to search for a shop or wait for an inspection, as the insurance company has already approved the shop. This may also help you get your car back sooner.
• Reduced paperwork: Working with an approved shop can minimize the amount of paperwork required by your insurance company.
• Direct payment: The insurance company can pay the body shop directly, eliminating the need for you to handle the payment.
• Warranty: In most cases, approved shops guarantee their workmanship, so you won't have to worry about future issues.
• Deductible reduction: Some insurance companies offer a reduction in your deductible when using an approved shop.
• Rental car coverage: If repairs take longer than expected, your insurance company may work with you to extend your rental car agreement.

Drawbacks of Using an Insurance-Recommended Shop

Despite the benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Cheaper parts: Insurance companies may bargain for lower labour costs, which could result in the use of cheaper car parts to save money.
• Quotas: Insurance companies have specific quotas they want to meet, and they prefer to have all repairs completed at their recommended facilities.
• Persuasion tactics: Claim representatives may try to persuade you to use their recommended shops, claiming that your chosen shop is not on their list or that they cannot warranty the repairs if you don't use their shop.

Benefits of Choosing Your Own Shop

You may decide to choose your own auto body shop for the following reasons:

• Established relationship: You may have a trusted auto repair shop that you've worked with for years, and they may have a better understanding of your vehicle's history.
• Proximity: There may not be an approved shop in your immediate area, and travelling a long distance to reach one may not be worth the trouble.
• Cost savings: You may find a shop that can repair your vehicle for a lower price than those on the insurance company's approved list.
• Quality assurance: Respectable auto body shops provide written lifetime warranties on repairs, regardless of who pays the bill.
• Estimate accuracy: Estimators at non-insurance body shops are familiar with insurance company procedures and regional adjusters, making it easier to obtain an accurate estimate.

Drawbacks of Choosing Your Own Shop

There are a few potential disadvantages to choosing your own auto body shop:

• Additional responsibilities: If you go outside the insurance company's network, you'll be responsible for communicating any issues or discrepancies with the estimate to the insurance company and arranging a solution.
• Delays: The back-and-forth communication between the insurance company and your chosen shop may result in delays, and your car may incur additional storage fees during this time.
• Paperwork: Choosing your own shop may require you to fill out more paperwork, as the insurance company will not directly handle all the paperwork for your claim.

Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it's essential to consider your specific needs and circumstances when making a choice. It is recommended to ask friends, family, and associates for recommendations and do your research to find a repair shop that you feel confident in.

Insurance companies have contracts with certain shops

After an accident, your insurance company will likely recommend a specific auto body shop for repairs. Most insurers have contracts with certain shops and will refer their policyholders exclusively to these shops. However, you are not legally required to use the body shop recommended by your insurance company. The choice is yours as the consumer, and you can take your vehicle to any repair shop of your choosing.

Insurance companies have financial incentives to recommend certain shops. They benefit when consumers choose to work with shops they have contracts with, as they have typically secured lower labour, parts, and material costs in exchange for their recommendations. Claims representatives are also incentivized to meet quotas for the number of claims that go to their contracted repair shops. If you choose to work with a different shop, they may push back and try to persuade you otherwise. They may claim that the repair process will be delayed, or that your claim will take longer to process. They may even try to tell you that they cannot warranty the repairs unless you use their shop. However, reputable auto body shops always provide written lifetime warranties on repairs, so don't be swayed by this.

When deciding whether to follow your insurer's recommendation, consider the potential benefits and drawbacks. Using the insurance company's preferred body shop can make the process simpler and more efficient. The body shop can work directly with the insurance company to ensure the estimate for damages is accurate and covers everything. The insurance company will also be able to pay the body shop directly, minimizing delays in processing time.

On the other hand, choosing your own repair shop gives you more control over the process and ensures that the repairs are done to your satisfaction. You can select a shop with expertise in your vehicle's make and model, or one that specializes in the specific type of repairs your vehicle requires. Additionally, you can research the reputation and reviews of the shop to ensure quality work.

Independent shops may be more flexible and cheaper

When it comes to auto body shops, you have two main options: the collision repair center at a dealership or an independent auto body shop. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, independent shops may offer more flexibility and cost savings.

Cost

Independent shops may be more cost-effective than dealerships. They often use aftermarket parts, which tend to be cheaper than factory-authorized parts, resulting in lower repair costs. This is especially beneficial for older cars, as aftermarket parts are sometimes the only option available.

Expertise

Technicians at independent shops work on a wide range of makes and models, giving them a broader range of experience and technical expertise. This means they can effectively repair any vehicle, and their skills are not limited to specific brands or models.

Quality of Repair

Independent shops tend to prioritize quality repairs over speed. Dealerships, on the other hand, may rush repairs due to high demand, potentially compromising the quality of the work. Reputable independent shops are known for delivering superior repair quality, ensuring your vehicle is fixed correctly the first time.

Personalized Service

Independent shops focus on providing personalized service and building relationships with their customers. They offer a more intimate and friendly experience, in contrast to the more impersonal and limited interaction often found at dealerships.

Location and Facilities

Independent shops usually have smaller facilities, resulting in lower overhead and operating costs. This can translate into more competitive pricing for their services. Additionally, their smaller size may mean they can start work on your vehicle sooner, reducing the time your car spends in the shop.

Warranties and Insurance

While independent shops do not accept warranties, insurance may cover the cost of repairs. This can be a more straightforward and cost-effective option than dealing with warranty repairs at a dealership, where prices for repairs not covered by the warranty can be higher.

In conclusion, choosing an independent auto body shop over a dealership can offer several advantages, including cost savings, a broader range of expertise, higher-quality repairs, personalized service, and more flexibility with locations and insurance options.

Insurance-approved shops save time and money

Opting for an auto body shop that's approved by your insurance company can save you time and money. Here's how:

No Need to Search for a Shop

Firstly, you don't have to spend time researching and finding a suitable auto body shop. This can be a challenging and time-consuming task, especially if you've never needed to use such a service before. By going with an approved shop, you can save yourself the hassle of having to find a reputable and reliable service.

No Need to Get an Estimate

Secondly, there's no need to get an estimate. This is because your insurance company has already agreed to work with the approved shop, so you can be confident that the cost of the repairs will be covered.

No Need to Wait for an Inspection

Similarly, there's no need to wait for an inspection. The approved shop will already have a relationship with your insurance company, so there's no need for an insurance adjuster to come out and inspect your vehicle. This can speed up the repair process and get your car back on the road sooner.

Direct Payment to the Shop

With an insurance-approved shop, there's no need to pay the shop directly. The insurance company will handle the payment process, so you don't have to worry about dealing with any financial paperwork. This also means you won't be left out of pocket while waiting for reimbursement from your insurance company.

Reduced Deductible

In some cases, using an insurance-approved auto body shop can result in a reduction in your deductible. This can help to reduce the overall cost of the repairs, which is especially beneficial if you're already dealing with the stress of an accident.

Direct Handling of Additional Costs

If any additional costs come up during the repair process, an approved shop will be able to work directly with the insurance company to handle these. You won't have to worry about paying for these extra charges upfront and then waiting for reimbursement.

Extended Rental Car Coverage

If your insurance policy includes rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired, using an approved repair shop can result in an extension of this coverage if the repairs take longer than planned due to hidden damages.

While you are generally not required to use an insurance-approved auto body shop, doing so can offer several advantages in terms of saving time and money. These shops provide convenience and peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and more efficient repair process.

You can still get insurance to pay for repairs at a shop of your choice

After an accident, your insurance company will likely recommend a specific auto body shop to handle the repairs. However, you are not required to use the body shop recommended by your insurance company. In most cases, the choice is yours as the consumer, and you can take your vehicle to the shop of your choice.

If you go to a body shop outside of your insurance company's network, they will likely send you a check to cover the costs, and you will be responsible for getting that over to the body shop. If the amount is incorrect or the shop discovers new damage, you will need to communicate that to the insurance company and arrange a solution. This back-and-forth can leave your car sitting in the repair shop while you wait for the insurance company to sort everything out, and you may have to pay additional storage fees and costs.

Using an insurance company-recommended body shop can save you time and money. Your insurance company has already agreed to work with these shops, so you don't have to search for one or wait for an inspection. The insurance company will also be able to pay the body shop directly, which may minimize delays in processing time. In addition, insurance companies require their approved shops to guarantee their workmanship, so you won't have to deal with any future issues on your own.

However, there are valid reasons to choose a different auto body shop. For instance, you may have an established relationship with a repair shop that you've worked with for years. Additionally, if your regular auto shop is familiar with your vehicle and its history, they may be better able to determine the amount of damage your vehicle sustained in the accident.

Ultimately, the decision of which auto body shop to use rests with you. While there can be advantages to using a repair shop recommended by the insurance company, it is important to understand your rights and make an informed decision based on your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions