Blog 9/18/17 Do you have to use the Body Shop the Insurance Companies Recommends ?
There are 245 Body Shops listed on YELP for the state of Oklahoma. There are over one million vehicles registered in the state of Oklahoma. There are about 18,000 crashes per year in Oklahoma City alone. With all these statistics how do you know what Body Shop to pick when/if you become one of the stats? Does your insurance adjuster know best what is best for you? Can you pick any body shop you want?
With all these questions are there any answers that will comfort you in the stress immediately after the crash?
Ok…. Enough questions… here are some answers-
Being involved in a vehicle crash is stressful enough without added stress of dealing with insurance and Body Shop run around. Being involved in a vehicle crash is listed in the top ten of stressful life events, personal injury is listed as number 6… which could be part of the crash. The first thing you should do after getting the police and insurance involved is pick a reputable, trusted body shop. It is true that most insurance companies have what they call “referred” body shops. They may even tell you they can get your vehicle repaired there for less money, in less time and guarantee the work. If you tell them you have decided to go with another shop they may try to to tell you they can't handle your claim efficiently, or the shop will not be able to guarantee your repairs etc.
Do not be fooled. Reputable Body Shops will provide at least one year guarantee no mater who is paying the bill. Reputable shops are interested in making your stress filled accident stress free. Reputable shops can and will work with most or all insurance claims, can run their own estimate, know local adjusters and will get your vehicle back to you in a reasonable time. Remember…. THE CHOICE IS YOURS. Ask friends, family, and look on websites for reviews. If the shop you choose is not on your insurance company's list it does not make them a poor choice. A reputable shop will work with your insurance to restore your vehicle to the condition it was in prior to the crash.
Now…. Here are some good questions for you to ask the body shop of YOUR CHOICE
- Does the shop have a warranty?
- Do they have experience working on the model and make of your vehicle?
- How long have they been in business?
- Have they worked with your insurance company or adjuster before?
- What is the likelihood that the estimate will go up after repairs have started?
Dent Systems Body Shop would love to have the chance to become your stress free body shop. We will work for you…. Not the insurance company.
We hope this helps -
Sean Lowell, manager Dent Systems Body Shop