Choosing a Body Shop

Choosing who repairs your vehicle, especially if it has sustained any structural, electronic or safety system damage, is of the utmost importance. Independent inspections of autos repaired at insurer-contracted body shops, conducted by re-repair auto body shops across the United States, all agree that repairs performed at these insurer-mandated body shops turn out inferior, fraudulent and/or unsafe repairs up to 99% of the time.

These shops give insurers kickbacks in exchange for referrals. That money is owed to you for proper repairs or as cash, per the contract you have with the insurance company. The result of these kickbacks is the inferior repairs seen in thousands of cases all across America.

Consumer Reports, Better Housekeeping, as well as other consumer groups all agree that you should strive to select a repair shop that works for you, not the insurance company.

Question to ask a repair shop:

1. Do you have any contracts with or give discounts to insurance companies?
2. Will you only use factory replacement parts made by the manufacturer?
3. Will you help me with my auto damage and diminished value claim?
4. Do you guarantee the repairs in writing?
5. How can you assure me that you will assess and repair all the damage to pre-loss condition?
6. Will you give me a printout of the frame specifications (if damaged)?