Myth 1-You must go to the auto body repair shop, the insurance company recommends.
Truth-You have the right to choose any auto body repair shop you wish. Steering is illegal in many states.
Myth 2-You need to get three auto body repair estimates.
Truth-When insurance companies say this, ask them if it will speed up their payment of claims. If not, choose an auto body repair shop, and bring it in for repairs after getting an estimate, and let the auto body repair shop call the insurance company to negotiate on your behalf. Do not get an estimate from an auto body repair shop you would not let repair your vehicle.
Myth 3-The insurance company will not warranty repairs from that auto body repair shop.
Truth-The insurance company does not warranty the auto body repair, only the shop can warranty the repair. If the auto body shop wont warranty the repairs, do not use that shop.
Myth 4-It will cost you more to use a different auto body shop.
Truth-Most auto body repair shops will negotiate with the insurance company over their rates, and repair processes, and the insurance is still responsible for the reasonable rates charged in the area. The reason for the difference in rates, is usually due to the insurance company and the auto body shop agreeing to reduced rates, or other discounts, in exchange for a higher volume of work.
Myth 5-The dealer is the only place that can repair my car correctly and/or has the parts.
Truth-Most dealers do not have a collision repair facility, and sublet to outside shops. Also, many dealers purchase parts from larger dealers, because of the overhead involved with stocking parts, they order from the same people that independent auto body shops do. There are very few factory certified collision programs, most are European manufacturers, thus the technicians at a dealership attend the same classes as independent repair facilities.
