Auto Insurance: Choosing The Right Repair Shop For You

After a car accident, your insurance company will recommend a preferred auto body shop to fix your vehicle. While you are not obligated to use this repair shop, there are benefits to doing so. For instance, insurance companies have strong relationships with their preferred body shops, which can make the whole process simpler and more efficient. On the other hand, independent shops can be seen as unbiased third-parties, where you are the focus, not the insurance company.

You don't have to use the insurance auto shop

After an accident, your insurance company will likely recommend a specific auto shop for repairs. However, you are not obliged to use their preferred auto shop and can choose your own. While it is convenient to go with the insurance company's recommendation, there are valid reasons why you may want to look elsewhere.

Insurance companies have contracts with certain local repair shops, and they benefit financially when consumers choose these contracted shops. These shops offer lower labour, parts, and material costs, which is why they are recommended by insurance companies. Claims representatives are also incentivized to meet quotas for the number of claims that go to these contracted repair shops. As a result, they may push back if you choose to work with a different shop and try to persuade you otherwise. They may even tell you that your claim will take longer to process or that they cannot warranty the repairs if you don't use their preferred shop. However, these are not valid reasons to limit your options. Reputable auto body shops always provide written lifetime warranties on repairs, so you don't have to worry about not being covered.

It is essential to understand your car accident repair rights and responsibilities, which vary by state. In most states, you are not legally required to use the body shop recommended by your insurer. You also have the right to a transparent explanation of the coverage decision, a clear explanation of how your claim will be paid, and timely payments and answers to your questions.

When choosing a repair shop, look for one that provides timely written estimates, offers lifetime warranties on repairs, works directly with your insurance company, has lot-security measures in place, and provides repair-time estimates along with cost estimates. Additionally, consider seeking out independent shops that have your best interests in mind in terms of a quality repair. While there are independent shops that do shoddy work, finding a reputable shop will ensure that they work with your insurance company to properly indemnify your loss.

Remember, the choice of which auto shop to use ultimately belongs to you, the consumer. By law, in almost all situations, you have the right to make this decision. So, while it is convenient to go with the insurance company's recommendation, don't be afraid to explore other options to ensure you get the best service possible.

Insurance companies want cheap, quick repairs

When it comes to repairs, insurance companies want to save money and time. They have a network of preferred auto body shops that they recommend to customers after an accident. These shops have a strong relationship with the insurance company, which can speed up the claims process. The insurance company can work directly with the body shop to ensure the estimate for the damages is accurate, and they can pay the body shop directly, minimising delays. This makes the process simpler and more efficient for the customer.

However, customers are not obligated to use the insurance company's preferred body shop. They can take their vehicle to a shop of their choosing. But if they go outside the insurance company's network, they may encounter some delays. The insurance company will likely send a check to cover the costs, and the customer will be responsible for getting that payment to the body shop. If the amount is incorrect or the shop discovers additional damage, the customer will need to communicate that to the insurance company and arrange a solution. This back-and-forth can cause delays, and the customer may have to fight for additional storage fees and costs.

Insurance companies want to provide quick and efficient repairs for their customers, and using their preferred body shops can help achieve that. However, customers have the option to choose their own body shop, but it may result in a lengthier process.

Independent shops offer unbiased advice

When it comes to auto repairs, it's natural to want unbiased advice from a trusted source. While insurance companies can provide recommendations for repair shops, some car owners prefer the independence and freedom of choice that comes with selecting their own workshop. Here are four to six paragraphs elaborating on why independent shops offer unbiased advice:

Independent auto repair shops offer customers unbiased advice and a personalized experience. Free from insurance company ties, these shops provide an objective perspective on car repairs, ensuring that the customer's interests come first. Without the pressure of maintaining business relationships, independent shops can focus solely on delivering quality service and repairs. This objectivity is especially valuable when dealing with complex or unusual car issues, as customers can trust that the advice they receive is in their best interest.

Another advantage of independent shops is their ability to cater to unique customer needs. For instance, if you own a classic or rare vehicle, an independent shop can provide specialized care. They are more likely to understand the intricacies of your specific car model and can offer tailored solutions. In contrast, insurance-recommended shops might prioritize speed and cost-efficiency, potentially compromising the quality of repairs for unique vehicles.

Additionally, independent shops often have more flexibility in terms of parts selection. They can source original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, ensuring that your car is repaired with components designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model. On the other hand, insurance-preferred shops may opt for cheaper, aftermarket parts to keep costs down, which can compromise the quality of the repair. With an independent shop, you can be confident that your car is being repaired with the best possible parts, maintaining its value and performance.

Independent shops also offer customers the benefit of choice. When you take your car to an independent shop, you are in control of the entire repair process. You can choose the shop based on online reviews, recommendations from friends, or certifications held by their mechanics. This freedom of choice empowers you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's care, ensuring that you receive the level of service you expect.

Furthermore, independent shops often provide more transparent pricing. They will work directly with you to develop a repair plan and provide a detailed estimate. This transparency helps you understand the cost of each repair and makes it easier to compare prices between different shops. With an insurance-recommended shop, the billing process might be more opaque, and you may have less input on the final cost.

By choosing an independent auto repair shop, you gain access to unbiased advice, specialized services, and a personalized customer experience. Independent shops prioritize your interests above all else, ensuring that your vehicle receives the care and attention it deserves. With their expertise and objectivity, these shops empower you to make informed decisions about your car's maintenance and repairs, giving you peace of mind and confidence in the quality of their work.

Recommended vendors have quick turnarounds

One of the main benefits of using a recommended auto repair shop is that they have a strong relationship with the insurance company. This means that the process is often simpler and more efficient, as the body shop can work directly with the insurance company to ensure the estimate for the damages is accurate and covers everything needed. The insurance company will also be able to pay the body shop directly, minimising delays in processing time and eliminating you as the middle person.

Recommended vendors are also more likely to provide quick turnarounds. When you take your car to a repair shop outside of the insurance company's network, you may experience unnecessary delays. The insurance company will likely send you a check to cover the costs, and you will be responsible for forwarding this to the body shop. If the amount is incorrect or the shop discovers new damage, you will need to communicate this to the insurance company and arrange a solution, which can cause delays. Your car will remain in the repair shop while you wait for the insurance company to sort everything out, and you may have to pay additional storage fees.

Using a recommended vendor can help you avoid these issues. The insurance company will pay the repair shop directly, and there is less likelihood of errors or disputes over the estimate. This can save you time and money, and get your car back to you sooner.

However, it is important to remember that "preferred" or "recommended" status does not always guarantee quality service. Insurance companies prefer certain repair shops for financial reasons, as they are more likely to work with claims adjusters to reduce costs. This can sometimes result in corners being cut, with repairs rushed or used or refurbished parts installed instead of new ones. While this can speed up the process, it may not always be in your best interest, as it could result in sloppy or incomplete repairs.

You can negotiate a higher estimate

While you cannot force an auto insurance company to choose one repair shop over another, they can require you to obtain more than one repair estimate if they think the estimate is too high. The insurance company will compare all your repair estimates with the estimate developed by the insurance adjuster assigned to investigate your claim. However, you don't have to accept the adjuster's estimate unless you're satisfied that it would cover the repair costs. In fact, you may be able to negotiate a higher estimate.

• Do your research: Get estimates from several sources, including your trusted mechanic and at least two other mechanics. Check the value of your car at websites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. This will help you determine the true value of your car and whether the adjuster's estimate is fair.
• Know what you want: Have a desired settlement amount in mind, along with the minimum settlement you will accept. Make sure your desired settlement reflects the estimates you researched.
• Ask for justification: Ask the adjuster to explain their justification for their offer. This will help you understand their perspective and form a counter-argument.
• Provide additional information: To strengthen your case, provide as much information as possible, such as police reports, photos, and witness testimony. This is especially important if the insurer tries to prove that you were more at fault than you claim.
• Consider hiring an attorney: If you don't have the time or ability to negotiate with the claims adjuster, consider hiring an attorney, especially if the payout you're seeking is greater than the lawyer's fees. An attorney can also be beneficial if it's challenging to prove who was at fault in the accident.
• Emphasize emotional points: Consider including emotional elements in your argument, such as explaining how the accident has impacted your life or showing images of the car damage.
• Get it in writing: Once you've agreed on a settlement, make sure to confirm the offer in writing. It should be detailed enough to outline the amount of the settlement and what will be repaired.

Frequently asked questions