Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without the added headache of navigating insurance claims. After the initial shock wears off, the next step is usually a call to your insurance provider. Often, the claims adjuster will provide a list of “preferred” or “network” shops and strongly suggest you take your vehicle there.
This leads to the number one question we hear at Becker Body Shop: “Am I legally required to use the shop my insurance company recommends?”
The short answer is: No. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the choice of where to repair your vehicle is entirely yours.
Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania has strict consumer protection laws to prevent insurance companies from “steering” customers. The Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Appraisers Act is in place to ensure that you, the vehicle owner, maintain control over your property.
Under PA law:
- The Choice is Yours: An insurance company cannot require you to have your vehicle repaired at a specific shop.
- No “Three Estimates” Rule: You are not legally obligated to drive all over Central PA getting three different estimates. You only need one estimate from the shop you choose.
- Freedom of Selection: Whether you live in Selinsgrove, Sunbury, or Middleburg, you have the right to select any licensed collision repair facility.
Why Do Insurance Companies Have “Preferred Shops”?
Insurance companies often refer to their network as Direct Repair Programs (DRP). These are essentially business contracts between the insurer and the body shop.
In a DRP agreement:
- Discounted Rates: The shop agrees to lower labor rates and parts discounts for the insurance company.
- Volume over Quality: In exchange for the discounts, the insurance company sends a steady stream of customers to that shop.
While this sounds efficient, the “Preferred Shop” essentially works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is often to keep the repair costs as low as possible to satisfy their contract with the insurer.
The Advantage of Choosing an Independent Shop
When you choose an independent family-owned business like Becker Body Shop, our loyalty lies with you, the customer, and the safety of your family.
1. OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
Insurance-affiliated shops are often pressured to use Aftermarket or Salvage parts to save money. At Becker Body Shop, we advocate for Original Equipment Manufacturer parts whenever possible to ensure your vehicle’s structural integrity and resale value remain intact.
2. No “Cutting Corners.”
We perform a thorough teardown of the vehicle to find “hidden damage” that a quick insurance estimate might miss. We won’t overlook a bent frame or a faulty sensor just to keep a claim under budget.
3. Local Expertise for PA Weather
Drivers in Central PA deal with heavy road salt, slush, and potholes. We understand how these elements affect your car’s body and paint long-term. Our repairs are built to withstand the specific environment of Pennsylvania.
How to Handle the Insurance Claim Process
If you’ve been in an accident, follow these steps to ensure your car is repaired correctly:
- Step 1: File Your Claim. Notify your insurance company about the accident.
- Step 2: Name Your Shop. Tell the adjuster clearly: “I am taking my vehicle to Becker Body Shop in Selinsgrove.”
- Step 3: Don’t Be Swayed by “Warnings.” If they tell you the repairs won’t be warrantied or will take longer, stay firm. Becker Body Shop provides its own Lifetime Warranty on all collision repairs.
- Step 4: Let Us Handle the Adjuster. Once your car is at our shop, we work directly with the insurance company to negotiate the supplement and ensure they pay for a safe, high-quality repair.
Trust Becker Body Shop for Your Collision Needs
You’ve invested a lot of money in your vehicle. Don’t let an insurance company dictate the quality of its repair. At Becker Body Shop, we combine state-of-the-art technology with the honest, local service that Central Pennsylvania is known for.
Need an estimate? Give us a call or stop by our shop in Selinsgrove today. We’ll help you through the paperwork and get you back on the road safely.
FAQs
Will it cost me more if I don’t use the insurance company’s shop?
No. You are only responsible for your deductible (if applicable). The insurance company is required to pay the reasonable cost of repair at the shop of your choice.
What if the insurance company says they won’t warranty the work?
Insurance companies don’t fix cars; body shops do. We provide a full warranty on our craftsmanship. If there is ever an issue, you deal with us directly, not a call center.
Can the insurance company “total” my car if I don’t go to their shop?
No. Whether a car is a “Total Loss” is determined by the cost of repairs versus the vehicle’s value, regardless of which shop performs the estimate.
Can the insurance company delay my repairs if I don’t use their shop?
Legally, no. While some insurers may claim that “it will take longer to send an adjuster” to an independent shop, Pennsylvania law requires them to handle claims in a timely manner.
Will I lose my vehicle’s resale value if I take it to an independent body shop?
Actually, the opposite is often true. Independent shops like ours focus on OEM parts and factory-standard repairs. “Preferred shops” are often pressured to use cheaper aftermarket
