over last weekend my car was hit in the drivers door. i've had two est. done... one for $1300, the other for $1400. the first place deals with my insurance co. directly and they do pretty good work. but they have a lifetime war. and nationwide backs it too. the other place came highly recomended to me from a buddy... they are a private shop, but very nice. the guy seemed more willing to help me out with some existing damage, something the other guy wouldn't do. the second place does have a lifetime war. on their PPG paint, but they are not backed by my insurance co. i know what place i want to go, but i don't know how important it is to have your insurance back the work of the shop. any suggestions? plus, does anyone have any suggestions of what i should be looking for/ asking when choosing the shop? this is my first time dealing with this, so i really don't know what to do. thanks in advance.

-jon

 

 

You are entitled to go to any body shop you want. It doesn't matter wheather the shop is on a Direct Repair program (DRP) with your insurance company or not.

DPR program means the shop can fix the car and submit the bill for payment directly to the insurance company, usually with out an adjuster coming to look at it.

If the shop isn't on a DRP program, you can still sign a direction of pay and have the shop get paid directly. It's then up to the insurance company if an adjuster will need to look at the car after the shop submitts the initial estimate.

Proline Body & Chassis
454 River Drive
Elmwood Park, NJ 07407
201-398-1512

 

i realize i can go to any body shop i want to, but i was informed that NationWide may not give me their warranty if i went to a non DRP shop. but more importantly, what would be a good course of action when choosing a shop... questions... things to look for.. etc.