Yes! It is your legal right to have your vehicle repaired at any shop. Don’t let the insurance company tell you otherwise.

 

 

 

DRP stands for a direct repair shop. Direct repair shops are collision repair shops that have made an agreement with an insurance company to provide certain services or follow certain regulations in exchange for fast or guaranteed payment from that insurance company. These deals are intended to provide faster service with less paperwork but they may have downsides as well. If you select a DRP, make sure to ask what their policies are with the insurance company.

 

 

 

In order to determine how much damage has been done, an estimator needs to examine your vehicle. They aren’t always accurate. You’ll need to bring your vehicle into the shop, where the estimator may need to take it apart to determine the cost of repairs.

 

 

 

When you call your insurance company, they should give you a claim number. Bring it with you when you take your vehicle to the repair shop, and the shop should talk to the insurance company for you. If the shop and the insurance company have any issues, they should let you know. Both you and the shop can be in contact with the insurance company, and the claim number will let them know which vehicle and insurance claim you’re calling about.

 

 

 

Usually, you’ll pay your deductible directly to the shop because the insurance company will not pay that portion of your bill. It’s your deductible and they don’t want to front it for you. If you aren’t sure about the amount or how to pay, don’t be afraid to discuss your claim with your shop or with your insurance company.

 

 

 

This can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your accident, your vehicle, the damage, which shop you choose to perform your repairs, and your insurance company. Depending on your insurance policy, you’ll be able to get a rental car during the process. Ask your insurance company or ask us to help you facilitate all of this. This is what we do!