Only certified collision centers must adhere to strict OEM requirements for tooling, training, parts, scanning, and repair procedure usage to ensure the highest quality repair outcomes. Car makers audit certified shops annually to validate compliance with their certification program rules. Only certified repairs are guaranteed by car makers.
Insurance referral shops are not the same as Certified Collision Centers. Insurance referral shops do not need to be certified and likely do not meet the same standards for tooling, training, parts, scanning or repair procedures that are required by car makers for certified collision centers. In most instances, insurance referral shops have agreed to cheaper repair standards that save the insurer money in exchange for the insurance company’s referral business.
We created this table to summarize the key differences between certified and non-certified shops to help you make an informed choice: