Home / Total Loss Articles / Total Loss Blog / Things That The Auto Body Shop Doesn’t Want You to Know

Things That The Auto Body Shop Doesn’t Want You to Know

Things That The Auto Body Shop Doesn't Want You to Know

Things That The Auto Body Shop Doesn’t Want You to Know (PDF)

Auto mechanic working in garage. Repair service

It is best to use OEM parts

Original-equipment manufacturers (OEM) are made especially for your car. Insurance companies prefer to use generic replacement parts because they cost a lot less. OEM parts are safer for you and your vehicle as well, so always ask for the body shop to use them.

Direct Repair Facilities work for the insurance company, not you

It is common for insurance companies with repair shops to negotiate a predetermined rate for your vehicle’s repair. Many repair shops do the bare minimum in order to keep the insurance company’s business going. The moblike tactics employed by the insurance company against legitimate body shops have discouraged them from working with that company.

It is rare for cars to be completed on time

You should always call the Body Shop before you visit to make sure the car is actually repaired. The due date is often fiction and is only a guideline. Many times clients will show up to pick up their car while it is still waiting to be repaired. In general, Body Shops will take on more business than they can handle.

Warranty provided by the insurer

There are times when insurance companies promise you an elusive warranty on the parts to entice you to go to their direct repair shops. However, most body shops guarantee their repairs for the lifetime of your vehicle.

Reimbursement for rental cars

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to request that our clients place their rental car on their credit card and promise to reimburse them when the car has been repaired. However, we have found that reimbursements do not always occur, and rarely are they for the full amount owed or promised. You will often not have to pay out-of-pocket for a rental car if your insurance company has an account with a certain rental car company.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Access, first-hand, our main posts directly in your email.

Appraiser Blog

Related Posts

Damaged SUV being lifted by a crane, illustrating the concept of total loss claims for SUVs after accidents.

SUV Total Loss Claims: Everything You Need to Know

Accidents are stressful, and things can get even more overwhelming when your SUV is declared a total loss. Unlike smaller vehicles, SUVs often have higher repair costs and unique insurance considerations, making the claims process a bit more complex. But what exactly does a total loss mean for SUVs? How

Read More >
A car accident scene showing damaged vehicles, emphasizing the importance of Pre-Accident Value (PAV) in determining insurance claims and settlements.

The Role of Pre-Accident Value in Total Loss Claims

After a car accident, one term you’ll likely encounter is “Pre-Accident Value” (PAV). But what does it really mean, and why is it so crucial in total loss settlements? Understanding PAV not only helps you get the compensation you deserve but also puts you in a stronger position during insurance

Read More >
Person calculating EV total loss claim, understanding insurance options for electric vehicles

EV Total Loss Claims: What Electric Car Owners Need to Know

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, so do questions around how insurance works specifically for EV owners. One area where EVs differ from traditional gas-powered vehicles is in total loss claims. If your EV is involved in an accident and the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of

Read More >