When speaking with your claims representative, they may try to direct you to a body shop that the insurance company prefers. While this practice—known as steering—is illegal in most states, it still happens often. You should never feel pressured or obligated to use a specific repair shop just because your insurer suggests it. By law, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired.

The Truth About Insurance-Preferred Body Shops (DRPs)

Insurance companies often have arrangements with certain body shops called DRPs (Direct Repair Providers). A DRP is a partnership where the body shop agrees to offer discounted pricing to the insurance company. In return, the insurance company is expected to refer more repair work to that shop as part of the agreement.

As a consumer, it’s important to consider what this means for you. Do you really want your vehicle repaired by a shop that agrees to lower costs just to get more business from the insurance company? Lower prices often mean lower quality repairs. Don’t let yourself get caught in this cycle. If you’re unsure where to go, ask for recommendations from other people you trust to find a reputable, high-quality repair shop.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Dictate Your Repair Choice

Some insurance companies may take steering a step further by trying to intimidate you, suggesting they won’t guarantee the repairs if you choose a shop that’s not on their preferred list. This simply isn’t true. Repair guarantees come from the body shop itself—not the insurance company. Each shop is responsible for the quality of its own work.

Some insurance companies may claim that if you choose your own body shop, you’ll have to pay the difference in labor rates if they’re higher than those of DRP shops. This is not true. Your insurer is required to cover reasonable and customary repair costs from the repair facility you choose.

Beware of Insurance Steering Tactics

After a major hailstorm, some insurance companies set up drive-through claims centers at their preferred body shops. This can be another subtle form of steering. Once your claim is assessed, you’re often introduced to the shop manager, who offers to schedule your repairs immediately. This approach can create unfair pressure to use that specific shop, even though the choice is entirely yours.

Considering all these common (and often illegal) steering practices, it’s wise not to take your vehicle to a repair shop just because your insurance company recommends it. Think about it this way: is the insurance company—essentially a third party paying for the repairs—truly acting in your best interest? Or are they directing you to a shop that helps them cut costs? As the saying goes, “You usually get what you pay for.”