Many insurers in an effort to save money institute some form of Direct Repair program. Recent research shows that nearly 46% of all auto body shops participate in these programs to some degree. Even with the best intentions, some claims executives feel DRP’s fall short in what they are intended to accomplish due to lack of oversight. They feel a staff or independent appraiser should place a set of eyes on each vehicle and negotiate the most cost effective repair. Allowing a repair facility to control the repair process even with stringent guidelines imposed by a carrier, Some feel it leaves door open for excessive repair times and overpayments.

Our new poll is to determine how insurance professionals feel about the DRP issue.