Auto Insurance Claims: Auto accident, repair delays, quality workmanship

Question
Hi.  My girlfriend was in an auto accident today where she was at fault.  She has talked to the insurance company (Progressive) and they told her that she can either bring her car in to their service shop or meet with the adjuster and then take it to the repair shop of our choice.  With very little experience in this area, my question is:  should we find our own repair shop and have it fixed there or let the insurance company handle it?  I feel we're better off finding our own shop.  We have a $499 deductible.  What dollar amount for repairs would you say is a cutoff for paying for the repairs out of our own pockets or making a claim?  I realize this has a lot to do with how much we can afford but didn't know if there's a rule of thumb to go by here.  Finally, what should we look for in a body shop for the repair work as far as a warranty on the work, time for repair, etc.  Thank you.

Answer
As far as what you should look for in a repair shop, your insurance company has already done that work for you.  A repair shop would not be doing work for the insurance company unless their quality, reputation and warranty were excellent.  Additionally, your insurance company will put their own nationwide warranty on top of the shops. The insurance company will inspect the repairs for quality workmanship at the end and if something's not done right, they'll make the shop do it over and provide you with a rental. The direct repair programs are not about the insurance companies trying to cut corners.  They are only going to pay what they owe, no matter who the shop is.  These programs are about the company having some control over the process to insure that there are no shop related delays that are going to cost additional rental and cause problems with their policy holders.  Repair shops are notorious for causing repair delays and then trying to blame those delays on the insurance company.  If a insurance company's direct repair shop pulls that, then they will no longer be in the program.  The shops have an incentive here to do the right thing.  Another reason why these programs are preferred by the insurance companies is that it keeps many of the vehicles in the same location instead of spread all over town.  This means much faster claim handling for the car owner.

The company that I work for also has a direct repair program.  I promise you that it is very legitimate.  We receive no parts or labor discounts at all.  We do get free storage in the event of a total loss, but that's it.  They are allowed to complete a supplemental repair without my permission which means that the car doesn't sit for days while we try and get to the shop.

You stated that you would be better off finding your own shop but I fail to see the logic there.  Why would you want to go to all of that trouble and then risk being stuck on your own in the event of a problem?  

As far as the dollar amount to have them pay a claim, it really doesn't matter.  This was an at fault accident so the claim is already in place.  Might as well get the car fixed.  

If you are thinking of trying to find a shop to cut corners on the repair and take the money off of your deductible, that is illegal.  They call it insurance fraud; a felony in every state. Any shop that is willing to do that will be willing to screw anyone else in a heartbeat, including you.

Good luck!