The Insurance Companies have many different names for their DRP shops (service first, pro shop, blue-ribbon shop, etc…) They will try to sell you on the many benefits of using these shops, but, you should be aware of the reasons why your insurance company would like you to use these particular shops.
DRP shops have usually entered into an agreement with an insurance company whereby the shop will have agreed to:
Provide substantial discounts to the insurance company.
Limit the scope of repairs as defined by an insurance company representative (hidden damage may be left un-repaired)
You can use parts and materials as the insurance company instructed.
Back the insurance company if a dispute develops between the vehicle owner and the insurance company. In return for these concessions and support, the insurance company “directs” repairs to that shop.
We are not saying that all DRP shops will do inferior repairs. We want you to know the underlying motives of an insurance company referring or “steering” you to a specific shop or group of shops.
Insurance-affiliated repair shops depend on insurance carriers for their business, so they sign an agreement they will keep sending them referrals if they agree to install aftermarket/counterfeit parts off of wrecked cars on your car and/or overlook repairing some of the damage or replacing some of the parts. Our allegiance is to you, our customers, who have entrusted us to look out for their safety and investment.
