If you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll need a reliable auto body shop to repair the damage. There are several factors to consider before choosing a repair shop, including cost and reputation. Your insurer will probably make recommendations, but you don’t have to go with their preferences. It might be in your best interest to go elsewhere.

Why Your Insurer Recommends Body Shops

Insurers have agreements with auto body shops. The insurance company pays less due to lower labor costs and discounts on parts. Your provider might tell you that they check the quality, but just because an auto body shop isn’t partnered with your insurer doesn’t mean their work is unreliable.

The Choice Is Yours

It could be quicker to go with the auto body shop that your insurer suggests, but you might not get the result you want. Virginia law allows drivers to choose a different auto body shop from the one their insurance company recommends. It also forbids your provider from using misleading language to discourage you from choosing a shop that’s not on their list. It’s your right to shop around to get multiple estimates and find the repairer that meets your requirements.

Advantages of Choosing Your Own

You can’t be sure that the recommended shop will give you high-quality and cost-effective body work. Getting estimates from auto body shops with a positive reputation could lead to the best results. By making the choice yourself instead of listening to your insurance company, you’ll get an accurate quote so you can make sure you’re not being taken advantage of by your provider. You can also request that they use original parts from your manufacturer rather than used parts that save the insurer money.

If you need collision repair from an auto body shop that puts your interests first, contact Whitesell Service Inc. in Waynesboro, VA. Since 1949, this family-owned and -operated business has taken pride in providing reliable body work and excellent customer service to people throughout Shenandoah Valley. To get a free estimate, call (540) 943-3361 or visit their website.