As a Collision Shop Manager for a large Indy Auto group, we have several
direct repair agreement with insurance companies. We have "weeded off" the
"sub standard" companies that ask us to "hack out" the repairs. (I won't
mention any names)
All of the Ins. Companies expect a "Lifetime Warranty" on our repairs.
Which we do anyway. But, when we refuse to do something that we do not feel
is a good repair, it sometimes gets "ugly"
I hold all my techs to a high expectation, in fact we strive to "Give more
then we promise" (ever heard that before)?
Are we "perfect" NOPE! nobody is! But if a problem comes up, we try to take
care of it.
I've had a "couple" of Ins. Cos. want us to use "used radiators and
condensers" Which there is nothing wrong with IF: 1) they'll pay to send it
to get pressure checked, and 2) it's NOT  going in your 2006 or 2007
whatever!
Not sure on all the states, But Indiana has a parts law, which basically
states that an insured has the choice of new, used or Taiwan special parts,
on current models years and back 5 years. So you are protected if it's your
Ins co. But, if it's the other guys co. your screwed! Indian also has a 70%
law, which if the estimate exceeds 70% of the retail value, it's is a total
loss.
I have always made the comment, well, I bought a Dodge, I want Dodge parts.
It all depends how loud you scream and how high up the ladder you get with
screaming! Squeaky wheel gets the grease! I've seen some stuff get paid for
that shouldn't and stuff that should not get paid for!
As far as an outside 3rd party appraisal, well, all policies have in them
that you are entitled to get another opinion, at your cost! An independent
appraiser will get anywhere from $75 - $125 to write a sheet on your car,
and get an agreed figure with the shop.
But, you also have to remember, an estimate is just that, an estimate! a
starting point! not a final!
I remember in a shop I ran, Nationwide wrote a $4500 estimate on an
Infinity QX4, we disassembled it, and had a $14,000 supplement. After we
were totally done, the final bill was $22,000 and far from a total loss
Like I mentioned we have about 8 direct repairs, and really only one of them
is a big PITA to deal with.
There are several that have asked us to be on their direct repair program,
and I have refused, due to their looking at cost only and NOT quality of
repairs.
I guess the bottom line is, IF you need a Collision Center, then ASK around
and see who does the quality work, Don't just go to the biggest because of
that! We have a "couple" large "multi location" shops in Indy, I worked for
one that was eventually bought by Ford, and the theme went from Quaility
quality quality, to Money, money, money screw the quality! I left shortly
after Ford took over, and they sold out about 2 years later, and destroyed
the shops reputation.

Jim