Posted on by wrote in Blog.

What is a DRP?

A direct repair program “DRP” is a partnership between an insurance company and one or more vehicle repair shops. This partnership is built on referrals and relies on the insurance company “steering” their clients to utilize that particular shop’s repair services as opposed to going elsewhere.

The unfortunate part about this is that the quality of these repair facilities is often not up to industry standard; they typically charge much less than market price for their labor and parts which allows for a much better deal for the insurance company.

Do I Have to Use My Insurance Company’s Preferred Repair Shop?

Absolutely not. There is nothing within your policy that dictates that you must choose the repair shop chosen by your insurance company. In fact, it is illegal if they even attempt to enforce this upon you. You have the freedom to select any reputable repair provider that you feel comfortable with.

Occasionally they will try to lead you in the direction of one of their DRP companies by requesting an estimate of damages at a particular place; their hope is that you will get the estimate, and end up getting the repairs completed at that same shop. While there are certainly instances where this can work out positively for you, you should always research the repair company thoroughly to ensure they are utilizing high-quality parts and skilled labor. 

How to Avoid DRP Shops?

There are a few good reasons to avoid these direct repair program shops. The way they (and the insurance company) make money is by cutting corners on the quality of work provided to you. This can come in the way of utilizing cheaper vehicle parts or methods to decrease their costs. Not only will this result in lower-quality repairs, but also lower the valuation of your vehicle which can make selling or returning a lease a very frustrating process. 

The easiest way to avoid DRP shops is to look elsewhere if your insurance company recommends a repair facility; more often than not, they will only provide locations that are a part of their referral network rather than ones that are best known for high-quality work. However, you can always look online for reviews about that particular company to get a feel for other peoples’ experiences. 

My Insurance Company is Pressuring Me to Use Their Preferred Repair Shop – What Do I Do?

Firstly, check out our blog post that goes more in-depth on “insurance steering”. This is the name of the illegal practice that occurs when you feel like you aren’t given a choice of repair provider. You are under zero obligation to adhere to your insurance company’s desires when it comes to who fixes your car or truck, and have legal recourse if you feel that you are being pressured to do what they say. Our insurance steering blog has resources on who to contact if you feel that you are in a steering situation.

Will PDR Be Covered By Insurance?

Typically, paintless dent repair will be covered by insurance. You should always check your individual policy, but as (legitimate) PDR companies are accredited and licensed, you are able to utilize this method of repair as opposed to a traditional body shop if you like. 618 Dent Guy is not affiliated with any one insurance company, but can be an asset and partner to you in helping your claim move through your provider in a timely manner.

Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and we can help walk you through the repair process!