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Should your car sustain damage in an accident, your insurance provider may suggest a particular body shop from their Direct Repair Program (DRP) or Preferred Network. However, a lot of drivers ask this question. 

 “Do I have to use the insurance company’s preferred body shop?” 

You have the legal right to decide where your car is repaired, so the short answer is no. The benefits and drawbacks of using a preferred shop will be discussed in this article, along with your rights and the reasons why, for quality and peace of mind, picking an independent, reputable shop like Modern Carriage Werk’s Auto Body Repair might be the better option. 

 Your Right to Choose: What the Law Says 

State and federal consumer protection laws prohibit you from being required to use a body shop that your insurer recommends. You cannot be forced to choose a repair facility by your insurance company; doing so would be deemed “steering,” which is prohibited in many states. Regardless of what your insurance company suggests, you are free to choose the body shop that you feel comfortable with. 

 What Is a Preferred Body Shop? 

The preferred body shop (also called DRP-shop) is part of a network of car repair shops that have an insurance contract with the insurer. These agreements often contain the following clauses: 

• Pre-negotiated labor and parts rates 
• Streamlined claims processing 
• Direct billing to the insurer 
• Quicker approval times 

This relationship may benefit the insurer by controlling costs, but it doesn’t always mean better repairs for you. 

 Pros and Cons of Using an Insurance-Preferred Body Shop 

Pros: 

Standard warranties: Many DRP shops offer warranties supported by the insurer. 

Cons: 

Possibility of hurried repairs: To appease the insurer, some shops put speed first. 

Lower-quality parts: Some contracts permit or mandate the use of non-original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts. 

Limited methods of repair: Shops could use cost-effective techniques that compromise long-term safety or efficiency. 

Why Choose an Independent Auto Body Shop Like Modern Carriage Werks?

Although insurance companies might recommend a particular shop, Modern Carriage Werk’s Auto Body Repair has several benefits that set us apart as a top option for car owners. 

 We Work with All Major Insurers 

We are not limited by network contracts — we take care of the paperwork, we deal with the adjuster of your insurance policy, and we will help you to get the correct repairs done to your car. 

 Your Safety Comes First 

To guarantee that your vehicle operates as it did before the collision, we always use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts whenever feasible and adhere to strict manufacturer repair guidelines. 

Certified Technicians and State-of-the-Art Equipment 

Our staff are certified collision repair specialists with training in contemporary car technologies, such as ADAS systems, aluminum repair, and frame diagnostics. 

Transparency and Customer Choice 

We will walk you through the assessment, explain the options, and give you the power to decide what is best for your car, without any outside interference. 

Trust Modern Carriage Works for Your Collision Repair 

You needn’t settle for the shop your insurance will recommend. At Modern Carriage Werks, we believe in doing our job well, not just doing it quickly. We are proud to be a trusted auto body repair service for drivers throughout the Chicago area and offer the following services: 

• Quality repairs 
• Friendly service 
• Help with insurance claims 
• A stress-free experience from start to finish 

Need Help After an Accident? 

Call Modern Carriage Werks to schedule your free estimate. 

Find out why the safety and quality of your car come first when you choose Modern Carriage Werks for collision repair. 

FAQs: Choosing a Body Shop for Your Insurance Claim 

Q: Will my insurance still cover repairs if I choose my own shop? 

A: Yes! If the repair costs are approved, your insurer will still cover the work, regardless of where it’s done. 

Q: Will I pay more out of pocket if I don’t use their preferred shop? 

A: No. You only pay your deductible. The total cost may differ between shops, but the insurer covers approved costs either way. 

Q: What if the insurance company disputes the shop’s estimate? 

A: A reputable shop like Modern Carriage Werks will negotiate directly with the adjuster to reach a fair and accurate agreement