With more than 100,000 auto body shops across the U.S., how do you know which one to trust with your vehicle’s repairs after an accident?

A Repair Facility You Can Trust

After the accident, you took some photos (now more easily shared through ERIE’s photo appraisal process) and filed a claim. What’s next?

If you haven’t already chosen a shop, consider using a repair facility that participates in Erie Insurance’s Direct Repair Program (DRP). While it’s always your choice of which shop to use, auto body shops in the DRP must meet strict standards to be included in the program. This includes the completion of an extensive application and passing all inspections.

“Each shop is thoroughly reviewed in person,” said ERIE DRP Supervisor Casey Theberge. “The shop also needs to be clean and well equipped.”

What Comes After Filing a Claim?

After you file an auto claim with ERIE, you’ll be given the option to participate in the DRP, which offers a list of participating shops to choose from. Upon receiving the assignment from ERIE, the shop will contact you to set up a time to bring your car in if it’s drivable or will work with you to get it towed.

The shop will then provide you and ERIE with the final estimate for repairs. If additional repairs are found during the repair process, the shop will also provide an updated estimate called a supplement. Once the repairs are complete, ERIE pays the shop directly, while you pay your deductible and arrange a time to pick up your vehicle once it’s fixed.

Mark Steiding, president of five Kenwood Auto Body shops in Maryland, emphasized the quality of ERIE’s DRP.

“ERIE does not sacrifice quality in repairs,” he said. “They follow the manufacturer’s requirements for parts and repairs.”

Besides quality, Casey cited time as another advantage of the DRP. “Things move quickly with DRP shop repairs,” he said. “We’ve already vetted these shops, so we can electronically process their estimates, and cars move through the process quickly.”

Steiding says Kenwood typically completes repairs in as little as three to five days, depending on the amount of work needed.

“It’s definitely an efficient process,” he said.

Getting You Back on the Road Faster

Should your vehicle need repairs after an accident, let one of ERIE’s DRP shops help get you back on the road. Talk to your Agent to learn more about the Direct Repair Program.