Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) are constructed relationships that Insurance companies create with auto body repair shops. The bottom line is that the insurance companies usually send (or “steer” as it’s called in the industry) the participating DRP shops more insurance related business in exchange for agreeing to cut corners during the repair process…thus saving the insurance company money. Sometimes called “Network shops” or “Select Service shops” …these participating repair shops are actually “graded” by the insurance company as to how fast and cost effective the repairs are done…with quality all too often taking a lower priority. Insurance companies put in place many rules and regulations for body shops who are on their “list” and sometime force the shops to do things that they would not otherwise do.
Comical depiction of Insurance Company “Steering“…that may not turn out as funny in real life.
Here are 5 reasons you may want to consider avoiding DRP repair shops:
- They work directly for the Insurance Company, not you …and not necessarily for your best interests.
- If your vehicle is declared a Total Loss, the DRP shop be pressured by the Insurance Company to cheat you on the Actual Cash Value (ACV) settlement you are owed.
- Diminished Value you’re owed after repairs – DRP shops may be encourage not to inform you about it.
- Repairing parts instead of Replacing them as they should have been…again, saving the Insurance Company money.
- Using Aftermarket/Imitation/Counterfeit or Junkyard Parts on your car…obviously, not to your benefit.
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