Insurance Auto Body Repair Networks. Should We Use Them?

Information on Auto Body Repair Networks, and how they can help. When your car is damaged like in the recent hail storm in Central Texas, you want it repaired quickly, expertly and conveniently at the least possible cost to you. Insurers have established auto body repair networks, sometimes called direct repair networks, to do just that. These networks represent long-term business relationships that insurers have established with dependable, quality-oriented repair shops. Rather than blindly selecting a repair shop, consumers can select a shop from the network that has a proven record of good customer service and is close to home. Why Consumers Care About Quality Auto Repairs Auto body repair networks offer consumers many benefits, according to The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). The group represents insurers who write more than half of the U.S. auto insurance market.Faster turnaround means lower costs. By reducing the time automobiles are in repair shops, associated costs, such as rental car expenses and job completion time, are also reduced. Networks promote faster supplemental cash. Using pre-selected repair shops may allow for faster supplemental payments for damage found after repairs are started without reauthorization or additional inspections by the insurance company. Networks reduce opportunities for fraud. Controlling fraud helps insurers keep costs low for policyholders. Networks guarantee quality work. Network repair shops, together with insurers, guarantee the repairs for as long as you own or lease the car. Consumers have free choice. Insurers fully explain to customers that they are free to choose any auto body shop they wish. They are not bound to going to a network shop. How Auto Body Repair Networks Became an Industry IssueOpponents to insurer auto body networks, largely independent repair shops, have mounted a public relations and lobbying campaign against them. In many states, these opponents have pushed for legislation restricting or banning insurer use of these networks. Shaping the Issue: Keeping Repair Networks in the Loop The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) believes consumers should have a choice in auto body repair. But PCI supports insurer auto body repair networks because they foster competition in the auto repair industry, which helps control costs. The association also believes insurers should be able to encourage use of network repair facilities through the use of independent and appropriately determined premium discounts or guarantees of workmanship. PCI opposes laws that would restrict insurers ability to make recommendations or suggestions to consumers on individual repair facilities or that would impede insurers ability to manage the claim repair process on behalf of customers. Contact Texas Prime Insurance for more information. www.texasprimeinsurance.com