A Direct Repair Program (DRP) is an agreement between an insurance company and certain auto body shops of their choosing whereby they work together to reduce the cost of repairs in exchange for having the customer steered toward their shop. These shops can also be called, “Select Service” “Preferred” or “Recommended” shops. While reducing repair costs might sound good, the truth is that it does not benefit you, the insured, but instead is a way for insurance companies to reduce repair costs so they can maximize their profit. Think about it – you pay your insurance premiums to give you peace of mind that your car will be repaired properly in case of an accident. When insurance companies work out a deal to reduce the price of an automotive repair they don’t do it to help the insured by passing savings on to you. On the contrary, shops who are enrolled in the Direct Repair Program pay out claims at a far lesser rate than the insured is due to receive from the insurance company. Insurance companies grade DRP shops on how quickly and cheaply they can make the repair which often results in the repair being done incorrectly or with after-market parts which can compromise vehicle performance and your safety. Safe and proper repairs should be the primary motivation for all shops and insurance companies should not be providing incentives to cut corners. The Direct Repair Program benefits the insurance companies and the auto body repair shop – the only one who doesn’t benefit is the YOU – THE INSURED!