"Preferred shops had me back on the road quicker, fewer headaches... plus, free coffee wasn't bad either."
Totally agree with this. From an insurance perspective, preferred network shops usually streamline the claims process significantly—less paperwork, quicker approvals, and fewer follow-up calls. Dealerships can sometimes drag their feet waiting on OEM parts or internal approvals. Plus, preferred shops often have negotiated rates with insurers, which can indirectly help keep your premiums stable over time. And yeah...the coffee's a nice bonus too.
Preferred shops do simplify things, but honestly, I've had good experiences with smaller independent garages too. Sure, no fancy coffee machine—but the mechanic's dog keeps me company while I wait...that's gotta count for something, right?
Independent shops are great if you're budget-focused. Usually cheaper labor rates, and they're often more flexible about sourcing parts—just double-check your insurance policy first to avoid surprises. Bonus points if there's a chill dog around, haha...
Independent shops definitely have their perks, but I'd be cautious about parts sourcing flexibility. Had a buddy who went with aftermarket parts to save a few bucks, and later his insurance gave him grief when he had another claim. Turns out they had some fine print about OEM vs aftermarket stuff. Makes me wonder, does anyone know if Delaware insurers typically have strict rules on using OEM parts, or is it more relaxed here compared to other states?
Had a similar run-in myself a few years back—went aftermarket on a bumper repair, thinking I'd save some cash. Fast forward to another fender-bender, and my insurer wasn't thrilled. Delaware insurers seem pretty mixed; some are chill, others picky. Definitely worth double-checking your policy's fine print...
