ITRCA

For those owners who have been in small accidents, who do you usually prefer to go through? The insurance network of body shops or straight to the dealership if they have large enough body shop. I know this will largely depend on the quality of the shop, but what have your experiences been? Any tips or things to look out for when your baby gets and you have to work with the insurance companies?

Your paying for insurance, make them pay for whatever shop you choose.

Any time I've had to make a claim (twice ever) I've always used my own choice and don't regret it. Their shops tend to cut corners to save money.

Local dealers to me farm out body work to local shops anyways..granted those shops must be pretty good to do dealer work. I dunno...I'd have to work directly with the people who will be keeping my caR for a period of time (security reasons). I'd remove easy steal items too (shift knob, armrest/badge, floor mats, etc). Also note mileage..

If you find a super good deal, remember, you get what you pay for.

The dealer I worked at had the work done by a large and reputable local shop. The nice thing about it was the dealer was usually one your side if the work wasn't completed to your satisfaction (within reason of course). For example, once a car returned from the body shop back to the dealer, before I'd even call the customer and let them know it's done, I'd look it over for any issues. If I found one, I'd send it back to the body shop. We were basically a quality control buffer.