Auto Body Shop Decision

Written by Welcome on February 9, 2015

This weekend I was talking with a friend of mine over a cup of coffee.  He had a fender bender a couple years ago and was asking me why his insurance company told him to go to a specific auto body shop.  I thought, what a great question.  I began by letting him know that in Minnesota you have the right to bring your car to the auto body shop of your choice.  Since you are the owner of the car you can decide who fixes it for you.  Now as to why they would want to “push” you to a specific body shop there are and can be several reasons.  Each insurance company is different and have different policies, procedures, and programs.  The insurance company may choose a particular shop because of the training, certifications, equipment, and ability to perform multiple repairs in a timely manner.  When a body shop is a preferred shop they are typically rated based on their customer service rating, average repair costs, and average repair times.  Some insurance companies put the highest importance on shops that have the best customer service and others put the highest importance on the lowest cost of repairs.  When an insurance company suggests you go to a certain shop, you certainly have the right to do your own research and decide if the referred shop is one that you are comfortable using.  You can ask your friends, family, trusted mechanic, insurance agent, or see online reviews.  From there you can make an informed decision on the auto body repair shop you are most comfortable using.  When you are at a shop getting an estimate you can look for other indications of a quality shop.  How are you greeted when you arrive?   Are they I-CAR Gold Certified?  Do they have vehicle manufacturer certifications?  Are they A rated by the BBB?  Do they have a warranty for work performed?  Just remember, in the end it is your car and your decision on who you’d like to fix it.

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