?Auto Body work insurance question?
Question:
Thanks
Answer:
Actually a body shop has to be fairly credible to get on the list of the approved shops for insurance companies. They probably give the insurance company some breaks as to labor costs in exchange for some volume in business, but for the most part they will do a good job on your vehicle. The other side benefit is, at least for most insurance companies, if you use their shop and it isn't done right, they will assist you in getting it done correctly. If you choose the shop and run into a problem you are on your own.
As to "I am assuming that the insurance company will put pressure on them do lower the estimate for the repair." that assumption is wrong. Once a shop is approved, unless there starts to be a lot of customer complaints, it's a pretty good relationship between the shop and the insurance company, and neither side has to second guess the other.
the pros of goimg woth the insrance co is that they have to warante the work. if you choose to go with your own body shop then you may void th eright for a less than perfect job. yes they will go with the lesser of the estimates but that does not mean a less quality job.
you are very right. the insurance company selects a shop that can do the cheapest work possible. they make more money that way. an insurance company would rather use a slavage part then a new part. the more they save the more they make
Pros of using insurance panel of body shop
-repairs are warranted for a specified time frame
-any dissatisfaction can be lodged with the insurance company immediately and they will take it up with the body shop
-quality will be generally good because they would want to be continually appointed as an insurance's panel body shop
Cons of using insurance's panel of body shop
-repairs will be slower because they have to wait for approval for repairs from your insurance company
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Pros of using your own body shop
-faster repair works to be done on your vehicle
-better service as it is your own body shop
-less red tape
Cons of using your own body shop
-no warranty on the repair works
-at your own risks
Don't worry, the body shop recommended by your insurance company will not want to tarnish their reputation by doing a less than perfect job. Generally, insurance company only appoints the highest ethical body shops to be in their panel so you should be assured. Nonetheless, if you do have any dissatisfaction, then kindly advise your insurance company.
If you go with a shop recommended by the insurance, you should receive a guarantee for the repairs as long as you own the car. If there is a problem with the work the insurance company can intervene on your behalf.
If you go with your own shop, which you have the right to do..any guarantee is strictly between you and that shop and the insurance can not, and will not, intervene on your behalf. So if there's a problem with the work don't call your insurance company complaining, call the shop.
The pro's of going with shop given by your insurance are: Only one estimate required. Estimate usally approved by insurance company within a day, or two. The body will fax the estimate directly to the company, and they will look it over, and let them know electronically. All work done by that shop would then usally be guaranteed by your insurance company for as long as you own the veh. Including any parts put on. Cons I dont think there really are any. Downside of using your own shop.. You have to wait for that shop to fax in estimat to insurance company, then you have to wait for the adj to review the estimate that can take a couple of days. No guarantee by insurance company if work fails. Basically shop given by your insurance can get you in and out faster, and u'd have the guarantee. Your shop could be a long, and dragged out process.. And yes your insurance company will always go with lower of two estimates wether its there reviewed estimate or the body shops. Most body shops like to use OEM parts(brand new factory parts) insurance companys will use aftermarket, or recycled parts when usable to save money for both parties.. They will never accept a brand new part for a veh if there is a used, or after market part available. But look at it this way. Factory parts usally only carry a 3-5 year warranty. Aftermarket parts are guaranteed for as long as u own the veh.
I know someone that did not want to go with the insurance companies preferred shop. He went to the body shop of his choice. It took them forever to finish the work and when it was done the job was horrible. I saw the vehicle when it was finished. There was runs in the paint and there were spots on the hood that did not get clear coated, the grill and hood were misaligned. The insurance company was not able to help him with the bad work because he picked a shop of his choice. If he would have gone to a preferred shop, they would have taken care of it for him. They don't do an inferior job. Most of the times they do a better job because they want to stay on the insurance companies preferred list.
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