"Maybe it's worth checking out reviews or asking around locally about specific shops your insurer recommends?"
Definitely agree with this. Had my truck repaired at an insurer-approved place here in SD a couple years back—turned out great, zero issues. But yeah, always pays to do a quick local check first...
Good point about checking local reviews, but honestly, don't just stop there. If you're budget-conscious like me, here's what I usually do: first, call your insurer and get the full list of approved shops. Then, cross-reference those with local online reviews (Google, Yelp, FB groups). Next, call around for rough estimates—sometimes prices can vary even among insurer-approved shops. Finally, confirm directly with your insurer exactly what's covered beforehand to avoid surprise charges after repairs... learned that one the hard way.
Solid advice, especially about cross-checking reviews. I've been doing something similar since I'm new to insurance and still figuring things out:
- Called my insurer to clarify the deductible and exactly what counts as "approved" repairs.
- Asked specifically about aftermarket vs OEM parts—turns out some insurers push aftermarket without mentioning it upfront.
- Checked if rental cars during repairs are covered (spoiler: mine weren't).
Curious though, has anyone had issues with insurers pushing certain shops even if they're not your first choice? Seems like a gray area...
Yeah, I've noticed insurers nudging towards their "preferred" shops too... makes me wonder if there's some kind of kickback involved. I pushed back once and chose my own mechanic—no real hassle, but definitely got some subtle pushback.
I've seen that happen a lot too, and honestly, I don't think it's necessarily shady kickbacks or anything. More likely, insurers have negotiated discounted rates with certain shops, so it's cheaper for them to steer you there. Doesn't always mean the shop is bad—some preferred shops are actually pretty decent—but it definitely limits your options.
A few years back, I had a fender-bender with my '68 Mustang. The insurance tried nudging me toward their "preferred" collision center, but I insisted on my usual guy who specializes in classics. They didn't outright refuse, but yeah, there was some subtle grumbling and extra paperwork. Still, in South Dakota (and most states, really), you're legally allowed to pick your own repair shop. They can't force you into theirs.
Bottom line: stick to your guns if you trust your mechanic. It's your car and your choice... just be prepared for a bit of mild pushback or paperwork hassle.
