Body Shops & Repair

The repair process on your vehicle can be difficult and confusing because in most cases, it is not explained very well. The following information should provide you with the knowledge to understand the body shop and repair process.

Most repair shops are a direct repair facility or a preferred shop for insurance companies. This simply means that the insurance company stands behind and guarantees the repairs. If the repairs were not done correctly or did not meet repair specifications, they would have to do the repairs again. If you choose an alternative repair shop and the insurance company already paid for the repairs once, any issues regarding the repairs, quality and workmanship would have to be resolved between you and that shop. The repair shop you choose is 100% your choice.

The repair shop will not begin repairs without an approved estimate from the assigned Appraiser as this is what would be considered the authorized repairs. This excludes Direct Repair Facilities and Preferred shops. All required repairs are determined by the repair shop and The Appraiser. (See The Appraiser)

Most shops warranty the parts and labor for 5 or more years and some will offer a lifetime warranty.

The repair shop will usually assist you in getting into a rental car. This is not financially but only physically facilitating the process. Some repair facilities have a rental car facility within the shop.

The repair shop will not release your vehicle until the bill is paid in full and you have paid the deductible, if applicable, directly to the shop. They can issue a mechanics lien on your vehicle until the bill is paid. This is the legal documentation to hold your vehicle.

The repair shops will charge daily storage charges if your vehicle is deemed a total loss and this expense is passed on to the insurance company.

Repair shops are often put into a position where they are asked to cover a deductible by inflating the cost of repairs to the insurance company. This is referred to as padding your deductible and is not tolerated by the insurance company or the repair shop.