You’ve been in an accident, and your insurance company wants you to visit its preferred network for repairs. Should you or shouldn’t you? Keep reading for a better understanding of an insurance preferred body shop vs an independent collision center!
Key Takeaways
- A DRP body shop enters an agreement with an insurance company to help the insurer save money.
- Since an independent shop isn’t constrained by an insurance company’s cost-cutting methods, it’s free to deliver a higher quality of service.
- You don’t have to use a DRP shop! Legally, you’re allowed cash in your claim at the collision center of your choice.
- Most insurance companies will pay a claim directly to you or the repair shop — whichever you prefer.
What is a DRP shop?
Repair shops that enter into a business partnership (also known as a Direct Repair Program) with insurance companies are known as DRP shops.
What’s in it for your insurance company? These shops agree to the insurer’s required price caps, parts guidelines, and repair methods — all of which are designed to help the insurer save money.
What’s in it for DRP shops? Insurance companies refer them a lot of business. Hopefully, the inflow will make up for any discounts they’re giving insurers.
What’s in it for you? Not a whole lot, to be frank. Often, insurance companies cut costs by requiring DRP shops to use aftermarket or recycled parts (as opposed to the OEM parts specially designed for your vehicle). And since the insurance company dictates the terms of these repairs, you don’t have a lot of room to negotiate. Worse yet, since DRP shops are under a lot of pressure to deliver repairs within a certain timeframe, the quality of those repairs can suffer.
What will your insurance company say is in it for you? Insurance reps will almost certainly try to steer you toward their preferred network. They may tell you that visiting a DRP shop means a guaranteed completion date, help reserving a rental car, or even a lifetime warranty on repairs. And while these perks are real, you should be more concerned about what they don’t mention — like overall service quality!
What’s the difference between direct repair shops and independent body shops?
As we mentioned above, a direct repair shop (also known as a DRP shop) enters an agreement with an insurance company. Often, insurers want discounts on labor and parts, requiring DRP shops to use recycled or aftermarket parts whenever possible. And that’s great for your insurance company — but what about your car? As the customer, you’d probably prefer high-quality parts and unhurried service techs.
Enter the independent body shop! While a DRP shop must adhere to its agreement with your auto insurance company, an independent body shop is free to deliver high-quality service. If your policy allows, an indie collision center can use OEM parts. And since an out-of-network shop doesn’t need to rush from job to job, working at discounted prices, they have plenty of time to deliver top-notch work.
Unlike a DRP shop, which makes repairs according to your insurer’s chosen methods, an independent shop can make the best decisions for your vehicle. For instance, a DRP might be required to repair a part that an independent shop would prefer to replace.
Do I have to go to a DRP shop?
No! The law is on your side here — only you can decide where your car is repaired. Your insurance company may sing the praises of their preferred network, but you’re free to reject it.
After you select an independent body shop you trust, make sure you get an estimate for repair costs. The insurance company needs to approve the estimate before you can move forward!
Will an independent body shop take my insurance claim?
Yes! Since your auto insurance company can pay your claim directly to you, you shouldn’t have an issue paying an independent body shop. In fact, since you can count on a higher level of care from a trustworthy collision center, it’s in your best interest to avoid any insurance-recommended shops. In Pennsylvania, you can visit any of our Bob Weaver Collision locations for an estimate!