Insurance Company Approved Shop?

[Obsidian Motors]

Has being approved by an insurance company made a difference to your bottom line? I had a vehicle towed in recently and the customer's insurance company was to pay for the work done. About a day or two later an insurance adjuster showed up to the shop, gave an inspection and approved our location. The caveat was that the invoice he eventually submitted was a complete lowball. I'm wondering if it was that particular company (small and regional) or would a major insurance company provide a more realistic approved quote?

Also, do you guys think it's worth it to request to be on all area insurance companies list of approved shops in the long run?

[jfuhrmad]

Go ask a body shop.  They’ve been “approved” for years.  I’m pretty sure it isn’t a good deal in the long run.

[weighit]

When I owne my body sho[ it was a good thing as I wrote and submitted the estimates and got paid off that.  We were able to start repairs fast and things went through the shop quiclly. Then an inspector would hand pick a few final repaired vehicles to go and reinspect to ensure all that was paid for was done. That worked well, then they started hiring outside adjusters / or hiring their own and then it turned bad. Seemed to me they must have been paid a commission to low ball all repairs. No way to make any money, they tied up the shop waiting for them to come inspect, or come back for additional missed repairs. Demanding repairs that were not the best for the customer or the vehicle. I kicked them out of my shop and actually made more money without them. Things might have changed, but it would be up to you to give it a try and see if they are worst, or  better.