WHAT IS A DIRECT REPAIR SHOP?
A “direct repair shop”, or “preferred shop” is a body shop that has formed an agreement with various insurance companies ensuring lower shop rates in exchange for persuading policy holders that have been in car accidents to get the repairs done at their shop. This agreement between the insurance company and the body shop has nothing to do with guarantees, quality of repairs, or customer satisfaction. It is simply; the body shop gives discounts to insurance companies and make up the difference in higher volume.
Should you go to the Direct Repair shop that your Insurance company is pushing you to?
IT’S YOUR CHOICE; your car is a huge investment and your safety should come first. If you are in accident you should chose the shop that you want the repairs done at. You should ask friends and family for referrals and then go check out those referrals. Ask about the guarantees and specifically what kind of parts will be used (after market or factory), ask how long the repairs will take and if they will arrange rental or courtesy car if you don’t have coverage, ask if they will discount your deductible. Do not commit to the shop if you do not feel at ease with that shop. It is your CHOICE – make one.
What if their “preferred shop” is not your preferred shop?
Your insurance company can NOT make you go to a shop you don’t want, however some of them can be aggressive when trying to persuade you. It is easy to feel intimidated by your insurance company, if you are – then simply go to the shop of your choice and ask that shop to deal with your insurance company for you – it is part of our service.
What to do after an accident?
If your car is driveable you might be directed to take it to an accident reporting centre, or if the police have been called and the damage is limited you will just exchange insurance information and police reports with anyone else involved in the accident. If your car is not driveable you will need to have it towed (your insurance company will pay for this) it is best to have it towed to the shop that you want to have the car repaired at. Instruct the tow truck driver where you want it towed, if it is taken to a compound there will be additional charges for storage and for a second tow to get it to a shop – this will all increase your claim and eventually your insurance rates.
Call your insurance broker, agent or the insurance carrier directly to report the accident and start the claim. Your broker will be able to advise you if it is best to put the claim through or to pay out of pocket (sometimes if the damage is limited you might be better to pay out of pocket to avoid an increase in rates). If you do start the claim, remember IT’S YOUR CHOICE where to have the repairs done. It’s your car, your insurance policy and your choice. Ask friends and family for referrals and then follow up on those referrals; visit the shop, check out their Facebook page for reviews and then CHOOSE YOUR SHOP. The shop will do the estimate, arrange a rental or loaner and deal with your insurance company.
After the repairs be sure to get a copy of the estimate so you know what parts were put on and if they are factory or after-market. Walk around the car with the shop owner to have all the repairs explained to you and inspect the quality of the finish.
The insurance company will pay for the repairs, you will be required to pay the deductible as set out in your policy – less any discounts offered by the shop.