Your repair shop and auto insurer don’t always agree: here’s what that means for you

If you’re like most drivers, it’s natural to assume that if your vehicle is damaged but covered by insurance, the road ahead is easy: just file a claim, drop off your car, and pick it up once it’s fixed. But the reality is trickier. Your insurer and the body shop may not agree on how the repairs should be done or how much they'll cover. This disparity could lead to frustrating delays, higher out-of-pocket costs, and running out of rental car coverage while your banged-up vehicle sits in limbo. 

Consider that nearly two in three auto repair shops recently surveyed report that carriers have regularly rejected their repair plans (with 818 estimates denied) and instead required shops to use the carrier’s estimate to submit additional damage.

Read my latest article for The Zebra to learn more about how the repair process actually works, your repair rights as the policyholder, the differences between OEM and aftermarket parts, when a supplemental claim is needed, how to protect yourself financially, and much more.