AutoBodyFAQ's

Ever Wonder Why Insurance Companies Use Direct Repair Shops

Let’s face it. The goal of any good business is to make money whenever they can, and also save money too. This in particular is a delicate balancing act put on by insurance companies. But they do not do this with complete greed in mind, like so many of you would like to believe. Keeping...

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Are Direct Repair Shops Killing The Collision Repair Industry?

Once again, the old battle of good vs. evil rears its ugly head, but this time it’s in the collision repair industry. When you get into a car accident, and you need to repair your vehicle, who do you go to? Do you use your own “guy,” or do you go to one of the...

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IIHS Does Not Recommend Use of Aftermarket Structural Parts

Came across an interesting article the other day in Collision Week. They talked about how the IIHS doesn’t endorse the use of aftermarket parts. Read more below: By Collision Week The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says it does not recommend the use of aftermarket structural parts because there is no system in place...

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Who decides what shop repairs my vehicle?

You’ve had an accident and now you need to get your vehicle repaired. What do you do? Whether you are a claimant or an insured, you need to report the accident to the insurance company. When you speak to them, they will recommend one of their Direct Repair Shops. Do you have to use a...

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Legislation to protect the consumer

From the other side of the tracks Stumbled across a blog post on a great discussion board I’ve been participating on, much to either the delight or dismay of the other participants, as I apparently do not fit in. But that’s ok. I love a good debate. Back to the blog post. AutoMuse® points out...

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Holding your vehicle hostage!

One situation many insureds find themselves in today is when they’ve taken their vehicle to a repair center that does not get along with the insurance company that is footing the bill for repairs. Many shops feel that they should not be told how to repair a car or how much they can charge for...

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In other news: Florida and Allstate

Allstate is in the middle of a heap of trouble down in Florida about a proposed 42 percent rate hike on Property Insurance and other practices. The insurance commission wants their papers and Allstate is balking. “Either you’re going to produce the documents we request or you’re not,’ said Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. “And...

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Houston area shops charge for repairs they never made

With the aid of John Fowler of the American Insurance Services, the Houston police department uncovered an insurance fraud operation of huge proportions. “There is no regulation of the auto repair industry. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimated that every family in the United States pays an extra $1,000 a year in insurance premiums to...

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Direct Repair Programs Facts and Myths

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...

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Who is responsible for rental fees…

If a Direct Repair Shop does not complete the repairs before the rental period approved by my insurance company, who is responsible for rental fees? Always check with your insurance company as to who is responsible for rental fees in any unexpected circumstances. Usually, if you have taken your car to a Direct Repair Shop...

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What kind of rental can I be expected to have and for how long?

Whether or not you are entitled to a rental car is stated in your insurance policy. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it...

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How long will it take for my car to get repaired?

Most insurance companies take the labor hours divided by a set formula according to their company guidelines. Every insurance company will be different but it is typically an average of a 5 hour word day. For example, if the estimate calls for 45 hours total labor, divide 45 by 5 and your estimated repair time...

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What is expected before the vehicle is brought to the shop…

What is expected before the vehicle is brought to the shop if it is drivable? What if the vehicle is non-drivable? Â Estimate has to be written and accepted, parts will need to be ordered by the shop and the car scheduled to be brought into the auto body shop for repairs. If the vehicle is...

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How do I know if it is a good reputable body shop?

Like scouting for a plumber or a mechanic, the reputation of the body shop is an important factor to consider. Always ask for references from your insurance company. They don’t deal with inferior service providers because they have a vested interest in the vehicles being repaired properly. Another thing you can do is ask your...

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Do I have to use a Direct Repair Shop…

Do I have to use a Direct Repair Shop recommended by the insurance company? No. In the end, the choice is yours. The insurance company may tell you that the shop of your choice is not on their â€œapprovedâ€ list of shops and that they may not be able to efficiently handle your claim due...

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Should I use a Direct Repair Shop?

When you first contact your insurance to set up your estimate and review your policy, ask the insurance company about their Direct Repair Program and what type of warranty they give on repairs done at one of their facilities and, if applicable, will the warranty transfer out of state. Normally the insurance companies will back...

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Does my insurance company offer me a Direct Repair Program…

Does my insurance company offer me a direct repair program through a local body shop and how does the process work in dealing with a direct repair shop? Â Some auto insurance companies use a Direct Repair Program to provide repairs for their policy holders. In a Direct Repair Program, a collision shop and an auto...

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Will my car be replaced or repaired?

After evaluating the damages to your vehicle, your insurance company has the option of repairing your vehicle, replacing your vehicle, or reimbursing you for the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). Actual cash value is the amount your vehicle would have sold for on the date of the accident. Your insurance will elect to replace your...

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Do I have to accept non-OEM parts?

No, the final choice is yours but if the insurer wants to use non-OEM parts and you decide to use more expensive OEM parts, you may have to pay the difference in cost. All depends what is stated in your policy.

What parts will be replaced on my vehicle?

This is a wide open question and can only be answered by your policy limits. Your policy may state that they can replace OEM parts with like, kind and quality parts which could be a used part or an aftermarket part.