What Is A Direct Repair Program Facility?
If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, it is important for you to know as a consumer, you have a choice of which collision repair shop to use for your vehicle repairs.
You should not feel as though you must visit a specific repair shop because of an insurance company. This would be illegal.
Direct Repair Programs are Optional
Direct Repair Program (DRP) facilities are a type of insurance company referral to a certain repair center. An example of a DRP shop would be State Farm’s “Service First” program or Allstate’s “PRO” program. While the insurance company may refer to their program differently, using a different name to market to the consumer, they all basically mean the same thing – the shop has a strategic alliance with the insurance company.
A DRP shop is aligned with an insurance company because they have agreed to do business a certain way, within the criteria of the insurance company.
By having such programs, insurance companies attempt to streamline the claims settlement process. The shop provides certain duties for the insurance company, making things easier for them.
It is extremely important for the consumer or the owner of the vehicle being repaired to know that they do not have to use a DRP program. The shop they choose to repair their vehicle is up to them and they should not feel as though they must choose to use the facility that the insurance program has suggested. Direct Repair Programs are an optional program of the insurance carrier.
If you have been in an accident and your vehicle needs to be repaired, read this blog post explaining the collision repair guide. If you have questions about your options, feel free to contact our lawyers at 800.637.8170 to speak to them about your accident and the options that you have. For more information about the legal process that follows an Ohio vehicle accident, request a free copy of The Ohio Accident Book to serve as a guide.
