Our goal at Bel Air Autobody is to alleviate your car repair worries as much as possible. If you are concerned about your insurance coverage after being in an accident, let us clear up some questions you might have.
Do I have to get three different estimates?
When you’ve been in an accident, your insurance company will usually ask you to acquire estimates from three different shops. However, you don’t actually have to take the time to get three different estimates—you can just get one estimate, if that’s what you prefer. Keep in mind that it is often in your best interests to shop around and compare estimates from multiple shops, even if it’s just for reassurance that the shop you’re interested in is the right one for you.
Do I have to choose a shop from my insurance company’s list?
You are not at all required to select a shop from the list that your insurance company provides. Regardless of which auto body shop you choose, your insurance company must still cover your repairs.
Why do insurance companies provide a list of shops to choose from?
Insurance companies provide a list due to something called the Direct Repair Program. In order to cut costs and offer more competitive premiums, insurance companies partner with certain auto body shops that participate in the program. These Direct Repair Partner (DRP) shops offer various incentives to the insurance companies, such as discounts, free towing, and even free vehicle storage. With the money they’ve saved through partnering with Direct Repair shops, your insurance company has been able to provide you with a more affordable policy.
Should I choose a DRP shop?
It’s important to choose whichever shop you are most comfortable with, regardless of whether it participates in the Direct Repair Program. While there are certain benefits to choosing a DRP shop, such as discounts and uniform procedures, non-DRP shops have the advantage of not being held to requirements put in place by a DRP contract. Instead of getting estimates from one type of shop instead of the other, get a variety of estimates from shops in the Bel Air area. There are many different auto body shops to choose from and that can be a good thing.
What should I look for in an auto body shop?
Look for a clean shop with knowledgeable staff members who are informative and not pushy. Get referrals from friends, the car dealer, and the Better Business Bureau, as well as your insurance company. Find a shop that has been around for a while and has built a solid reputation. Ask what kinds of conveniences are available, how long repairs typically take, and what days the shop is open. And absolutely make sure that the shop you choose offers a lifetime warranty on the work performed.
Whether you take your car to Bel Air Autobody or to another body shop in Harford County, be on the lookout for the qualities that matter most to you. With just a little bit of research, you can find the right shop to fit your needs.
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