What is an insurance “preferred shop” and should I use one?

Getting into an accident is stressful enough without having to worry about auto body repairs, insurance claims, and "preferred" body shops. Our goal is to simplify this process for you. This guide will help you understand "preferred" shops, make choices that are in your best interest, and choose the best auto body shop for you! 

A "preferred" body shop is part of an insurance company's Direct Repair Program (DRP). This partnership gives the insurance company significant control over your car's repair, including approving specific parts and labor. While it may seem convenient to choose from a list of "preferred" shops provided by your insurer, this arrangement means the auto shop is beholden to the insurance company, not to you, the customer. The insurer dictates the terms, which might not always align with what's best for you or your vehicle. 

Auto body shops enter DRP agreements for guaranteed income and volume. Although you can get adequate work done at these shops, choosing an auto body shop that works directly for you is ultimately better as they have you and your vehicle's best interest in mind instead of the insurance company's bottom line. 

Here’s why: any auto body shop that works with you directly is going to be focused on making you happy, not making a corporation happy. They will also be focused on quality repairs instead of what is the cheapest. Insurance companies are interested in keeping their costs down, and if that means making sure your car is repaired with cheaper parts and a lower labor rate, then that’s what they’re going to do. Generally, insurance companies don’t require “preferred” shops to use OEM parts, which means a lot of discount aftermarket parts are used instead. As with most things in life, you’re always going to want to go with quality over the cheapest possible solution. 

It's common for insurance companies to discourage you from using a "non-preferred" shop. This is because less control means more paperwork and cost for them. However, you pay premiums for quality care when something goes wrong. An insurance company cannot prevent you from having your car repaired at the shop of your choice. They may try to persuade you to use "their" shops by claiming outside-network shops "charge more" or "take longer." 

So, what options exist beyond a "preferred" shop? The alternative lies in selecting a high-quality, highly-rated independent repair facility. We advise thorough research, including reviewing customer feedback for any shops you're considering. Unlike DRP (Direct Repair Program) shops, independent shops operate outside of networks connected to insurance companies; their allegiance is to you, the customer. In most instances, independent shops utilize OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and adhere to OEM repair procedures. This signifies that their work is guided by the manufacturer's recommendations and requirements for your vehicle, rather than simply what an insurance company will authorize. 

As an insured individual, you have the right to choose your auto body shop for repairs. Your insurance coverage should commence once your out-of-pocket premium is met. If another party is at fault for the damage to your vehicle, you should incur no out-of-pocket expenses. 

At Adesa Auto Body, we operate as an independent repair facility, free from insurance contracts that could compromise the quality of your vehicle's repair. We use OEM parts and OEM procedures to repair your vehicle. We guarantee that, should you select us for your repairs, your only out-of-pocket expense will be your deductible. Our priority is your satisfaction and the quality of your vehicle's repair after an accident. 

We work with all insurance companies but not for them, we work for you.  Adesa Auto Body is dedicated to helping you overcome any delays in getting your car repaired and back on the road swiftly. We are also pleased to assist you with the necessary paperwork to settle your claim.