Independent vs. Insurance-Preferred Body Shops: What Michigan Drivers Need to Know

After a car accident or when dealing with body damage or rust, most drivers call their insurance company. In many cases, the insurer will recommend a few repair shops on their “preferred” list—these are known as Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops.

Here’s what most Michigan drivers don’t realize: You are not required to use an insurance-preferred shop.

Under Michigan law, you have the right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired. Understanding the differences between insurance-preferred and independent shops can help you make a more informed—and often better—decision.

What Is an Insurance-Preferred Body Shop?

Insurance-preferred shops are part of an agreement with insurance companies to perform repairs based on certain guidelines. These shops typically offer:

• Faster processing and approvals
• Lower repair costs for insurers
• Streamlined paperwork between the shop and the insurance company
• 
  

While this might sound convenient, the process often prioritizes speed and cost efficiency over personalized service or long-term quality.

The Problem With Insurance-Preferred Shops

Insurance-preferred shops often:

• Use aftermarket or refurbished parts instead of original parts from the manufacturer (OEM)
• Follow insurer-approved repair methods that focus on saving money, not necessarily on restoring the vehicle to its pre-accident condition
• Work under time constraints to move vehicles through quickly, which can lead to shortcuts

For drivers who care about long-term durability, safety, and getting the job done right not just fast these factors can be important.

Why Many Drivers Prefer Independent Body Shops

At Custom Concept Collision, we don’t work for insurance companies—we work for you.

That means:

• We take the time to do the job right
• We use quality parts built to last—not just whatever’s cheapest
• We explain your options clearly and help you prioritize what matters
• We offer fair, honest pricing without cutting corners
• We deal with the insurance company on your behalf, always putting your best interests first—not theirs

Whether it’s collision repair, rust removal, or frame work, we treat your car like we’d treat our own—because that’s what real craftsmanship is all about.

Michigan Law Protects Your Right to Choose

You are legally entitled to choose any licensed repair shop—regardless of what your insurance company suggests.

According to Michigan law (MCL 500.2110b) and the Department of Insurance and Financial Services, insurers must clearly state that you have the right to choose your repair facility. They cannot force, coerce, or steer you into their network shops.

📞 Ready for a Estimate You Can Trust?

Whether you’re using insurance or paying out of pocket, Custom Concept Collision puts you first—not your provider which is how we earned over 150+ 5 star reviews from our customers.   

Call us at 248-965-1123 for a free no pressure estimate you can trust.