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

If you haven’t already chosen a shop, consider using a repair facility that participates in Whitbeck 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.

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Whitbeck Insurance Exchange, Whitbeck Insurance Company, Whitbeck Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Whitbeck Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Whitbeck Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Whitbeck Insurance Agency can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.