What everyone needs to know about getting their car repaired through their insurance company.
What happens now that you've been in an accident?
 Will your vehicle be repaired under a Direct Repair Program (DRP) or will the insurance company be sending out an adjuster to assess the damages?
If the repair process is handled in a "DRP" environment that means it is a partnership between the repair facility and insurance company. In this partnership the repair facility and insurance company agree on certain charges for the repairs.
If the repair will be handled in a non "DRP" environment, the insurance company will write an estimate for the repairs of your vehicle. At that point you would bring this estimate with you to our facility and we can begin the repair process from there. Insurance companies like to work in their own system (estimating software). What we will do once you bring us a copy of their estimate is input that estimate line by line into our system, match their estimate then begin the repair process.
Many insurers have Direct Repair Programs (DRP). The vast majority of the programs on the market today are not equitable for all involved. Many times these programs are designed to save the insurer money and sometimes these cost savings are at the expense of the insured or claimant. Most people are not aware of the fact that in their policy, insurers have already spelled out the agreement regarding "Non-OEM" parts. What does OEM mean? OEM is an acronym for "original equipment manufacturer." Aftermarket, is a term that is commonly used and it is not what the manufacturer put on your vehicle from the factory. A lot of times we settle for "aftermarket" parts for our cars when we go to the local parts stores and buy wiper blades or headlamp bulbs. And why would we not do this...chances are the suppliers of these parts supply the same parts to the manufacturers. The problem arises when another manufacturer produces parts that do not fit properly. Its these "Aftermarket" parts that have given the industry a bad rap! We prefer to use OEM parts but we can use the "Aftermarket" parts if you, the customer, are happy with that. Remember you are the customer and you are a part of the repair process.
It Is Your Choice!
It is a common belief that you are required to have more than one estimate written for damages to your vehicle. That is not the case. Maine State Law says that you are free to select any repair facility you feel will do the highest quality repairs to your vehicle. Our job is to provide you with a report of damages and an estimated cost of repair. Usually your vehicle will be repaired on an open contract basis between our shop and the insurance company. With the complexity of today’s vehicles, there may be further damage that is not discovered until repairs are in progress. Our goal is to satisfy YOU with the repairs we perform on your vehicle, while respecting the guidelines set by your insurance policy.
Don't be Fooled!
Insurance companies want you to go to their Preferred Shops. Bernatche Auto Body is a Preferred Shop for a number of Insurance Companies. However, if we are not on the list for your particular Insurance Company, that will not affect the repair of your vehicle. Here is what the Insurance Company may tell you, and what it means...
What the Insurance Company may say:
"We only guarantee repairs from our Preferred Shops."
The Facts:
All reputable repair facilities guarantee their repairs for as long as you own the vehicle. Regardless of any insurance guarantee, the repair facility is the one who will ultimately have to guarantee the repairs. Choose a repair facility who has a good reputation, who guarantees repairs as long as you own the vehicle, and has been in business several years.
What the Insurance Company may say:
"The repair process will take longer if you do not use a Preferred Shop."
The Facts:
This is not true. An adjuster may need to look at your vehicle, but that does not delay the repair process. If you come in for an estimate, you may schedule immediately. The insurance company may or may not have an adjuster look at the vehicle. This will all happen while you are on the schedule for repair, or waiting for parts (the exact same amount of time as you would wait at a Preferred Shop).
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Bernatche Auto Body is owned and operated by Tony Bernatche. Tony is one of the most trusted voices in state of the art repair and collision services in the Bangor, Maine area.