In an ideal world, auto body shops and insurance companies would seamlessly collaborate to restore damaged vehicles to a safe, roadworthy condition. However, in reality, conflicts can arise, leaving drivers without their cars for far too long after an accident. At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we prioritize safety above all else. Our skilled technicians use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and meticulously calculate the exact labor hours required to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive. Yet, navigating insurance claims can be tricky. Here's what we often encounter:
One common issue is disputed estimates. Following an accident, the insurance company either asks you to upload photos via their app or sends an adjuster to inspect the vehicle. The body shop then performs a detailed assessment using advanced software and provides an estimate to the insurance provider. More often than not, the shop’s estimate is higher due to the precision of modern diagnostic tools that reveal hidden internal damage. Ideally, the insurer revises its estimate to account for these unseen damages. But sometimes, the carrier issues a check based on the initial lowball offer or disputes certain repairs as unnecessary. This leaves the customer stuck paying the remaining costs or being without a vehicle while the disagreement drags on.
These disputes typically revolve around how much the insurance company is willing to reimburse. They might try to save money by cutting costs on parts, storage fees, rental cars, or labor hours.
Another challenge arises when deciding whether to replace or repair a part. The body shop may recommend replacing a damaged component with an OEM part, adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines. Meanwhile, the insurance carrier may insist on repairing the part instead. In such cases, the shop has to demonstrate that the damaged part cannot be salvaged and must be replaced with an equivalent OEM part.
When it comes to parts, there’s also the ongoing debate between OEM and aftermarket options. While aftermarket parts can seem appealing due to their lower cost, their quality varies significantly compared to OEM parts. Many reputable body shops prefer using OEM parts because they match the original specifications of your vehicle, meet industry standards, and often come with a warranty. However, some insurers push for cheaper aftermarket, refurbished, or even salvaged parts. Even if the carrier agrees to OEM parts, the customer might still need to cover the additional expense, depending on their policy terms. Always check if your insurer excludes OEM parts and carefully review your repair estimate post-assessment.
The duration and labor costs are another point of contention. After determining the necessary repairs and estimated timeline, the insurance company might pressure the body shop to finish the job faster and cheaper. They could also challenge the shop’s hourly labor rate if it exceeds what they’re willing to pay.
In recent years, many body shops have considered joining direct repair programs (DRPs) offered by insurers. These networks provide consistent client flow but often come with strings attached. If a shop requests higher labor costs, better parts, or anything exceeding the insurer’s budget, work gets redirected to competing shops. Additionally, many shops now bear the financial risk for any liability issues arising from their repairs.
There have been alarming reports, like one from CNN, detailing how aggressive cost-cutting by insurers at DRP shops can result in unsafe repairs. Some parts are held together with glue instead of proper fasteners, and substandard, second-hand components are used, which can compromise the vehicle’s integrity further.
At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we don’t just focus on delivering high-quality repairs; we also strive to provide exceptional customer service, especially when dealing with insurance challenges. We work closely with local insurance agents to simplify and expedite the claims process. Whether you need routine maintenance or major repairs, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Your peace of mind—and safety—are our top priorities.
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If you have any interest, please feel free to contact us. We can provide customized service according to your drawings or samples.
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