Direct Repair Programs or DRP’s are commonplace in today’s world of vehicle repair. More and more shops have joined forces with insurance companies all over the United States in order to gain as many referrals as they can in an industry that can be very competitive. DRP’s facilitate the relationship between the body shop and the insurance company and the owner of the vehicle being repaired. Taking your vehicle to a DRP shop is supposed to save a lot of hassle and paperwork on everyone’s behalf.



So why do people have problems with DRP’s if everything is supposed to be so easy?

Myth: In many cases, the consumer believes that the insurance company and body shop are in bed with one another and do not have the best interests of the customer at heart. Consumers often feel that the insurance company wants their vehicle fixed as cheap as possible and that the repair will be below standards.

Fact: Even though the body shop has a contract with the insurance company to follow the insurance company’s repair guidelines in regards to parts and labor rates, the body shop also has a contract with the vehicle owner to repair their vehicle per the manufacturer and I-Car certification standards. What this means is that any respectable body shop worth their salt will not let any insurance company dictate how the vehicle should be repaired. Especially if that body shop holds the liability on those repairs.

Myth: Consumers often believe that DRPs will use inferior parts and products when repairing their vehicles in order to keep the repairs cheap and make the numbers that insurance companies keep them to every year.

Fact: There are basically 3 different types of parts: OEM, non-OEM or more commonly referred to as aftermarket and LKQ or used/refurbished parts. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are parts provided by the actual vehicle manufactures. Non-OEM parts are parts provided by a variety of aftermarket vendors. The third type can be refurbished OEM or used parts from a salvage yard.

The body shop can only repair your vehicle with the type of parts that are stated in your insurance policy. It is very important that you review your policy and go over what that shop will use on your vehicle.

Myth: Consumers believe that they have no choice as to where they can get their vehicle repaired.

Fact: While insurance companies will refer you to a DRP, it is still ultimately the consumers choice as to what shop they go to.

In closing, whatever body shop or collision repair center is chosen, it is their responsibility to the consumer to repair the vehicle to pre-accident condition, meeting all state and federal laws as well as manufacturer’s standards and any certifications. No insurance company can tell a shop to do otherwise.

Filed under: Auto Body Direct Repair • Auto Insurance • Auto Parts

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