With a variety of vehicle repair shops in our region, how do you know which one to
trust with your vehicle’s repairs after an accident?
If you haven’t already chosen a shop, you might want to consider a repair facility that participates in Erie Insurance’s Direct Repair Program (DRP). One such shop in our area is Becker Body Shop, located at 6811 Park Road in Selinsgrove, PA.
You may wonder what a DRP facility is and what makes it stand out from any other collision center.
DRP or a Direct Repair Program is a type of strategic partnership between insurance companies and a vehicle body shop. Auto insurance companies team up with a network of auto body repair shops and collision centers that meet the guidelines and standards established by the vehicle insurance company
In turn, the insurance company will suggest a specific body shop such as Becker
Body Shop.
Clearly, it’s always your choice of which facility to use. By law, insurance companies are prohibited from forcing you to go to a Direct Repair Program shop. You can repair your vehicle at any body shop you choose.
But keep in mind that vehicle repair shops that take part in the DRP program have to meet meticulous requirements to be included in Erie Insurance’s directory of collision repair facilities. Among the criteria for becoming a DRP facility include retaining qualified and certified technicians, appropriate repair equipment and up-to-date facilities.
Direct repair facilities are held to an elevated standard and offer cost-effective services. They realize that being without a vehicle can be problematic, so they make sure your vehicle is repaired in a timely manner, no matter if it’s a car, truck or SUV.
“Each shop is thoroughly reviewed in person,” says Erie Insurance DRP Supervisor Casey Theberge. He adds, “The shop also needs to be cleaned and well-equipped.”
Theberge also cited time as another benefit of the DRP. “Things move quickly with DRP shop repairs. We’ve already vetted these shops, so we can electronically process their estimates and vehicles move through the process quickly.”
How the process works
After you file a claim with Erie Insurance, you’ll be offered the option to take part in the DRP, which provides a list of participating shops to pick from, including Becker Body Shop. Keep in mind, while you are not obligated by law to use a shop from Erie Insurance’s DRP, employing one of their preferred facilities such as Becker Body
Shop can present a more convenient experience. If you choose a DRP shop:
- The shop can work directly with Erie Insurance to handle the estimate and repair authorizations.
- Erie Insurance often pays the repair shop directly, so you are only liable for any deductible.
To continue, upon receiving the assignment from Erie Insurance, Becker Body Shop
will contact you to establish a time to bring your vehicle in if it’s drivable or they will
work with you to get it towed.
At this point, the shop will offer you and Erie Insurance the final estimate for repairs.
If further repairs are uncovered during the repair process, the shop will also provide
a revised estimate. Once the repairs are finished, as mentioned, Erie Insurance pays the shop directly, while you pay any deductible and coordinate a time to pick up your vehicle.
Okay, what are some of the other chief advantages of working with a DRP facility?
- DRP shops frequently offer a lifetime workmanship warranty on repairs completed by Erie Insurance customers.
- While preferred shops can simplify the process, they sometimes use non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to manage costs which could possibly affect your vehicle’s warranty. Reports from industry sources reveal that Erie Insurance is essentially identified for providing high-quality parts.
- Convenience: The shop manages communications and billing with Erie Insurance, streamlining the process for you.
- Speed: As Erie Insurance’s Casey Theberge mentioned above, direct communication between the shop and insurer helps to get you back on the
road quicker. - Confidence in the work: DRP shops adhere to Erie Insurance’s precise
standards for know-how and quality of work.
In addition to all the features listed above, the chief benefit that comes from opting for
a direct repair facility is peace of mind. When you select a company such as Becker Repair Shop, you can be certain that only certified professionals are working on your vehicle. This means you are provided with faster, more efficient repairs that you might not get at body shops that aren’t verified.
David Aucker, Body Shop Manager at Becker Body Shop emphasizes the quality of Erie Insurance’s DRP. “Erie Insurance never sacrifices quality in repairs. They always abide by the manufacturer’s requirements for parts and repairs.”
Okay, now that you’re aware of the DRP program, why not contact the professionals
at Becker Body Shop at 6811 Park Road in Selinsgrove to discuss the details and to answer any additional concerns you might have. Just stop by or give us a call at
570-743-5482.
