We at Blue Ash Auto Body, Inc. feel that it is necessary to inform you, the consumer, of the ever changing events in the collision repair industry. Over the past few decades insurance companies have devised what they call direct repair programs, also known as DRP's.

Some DRP's are very fair in their contracts with the collision industry and are generally concerned with making their insured happy, and ask for no discounts on parts and labor. The rule however, is most programs demand discounts on parts, labor rates, and disallow mark-ups on sublet items. Paint and material prices are usually capped at a low price, and insurance companies expect free total loss evaluations, and free storage when the car is not repaired. These discounts are very significant to an industry that has been suppressed

for decades. Many insurance companies have been systematically suppressing labor rates since insurance companies have evolved. Just an FYI, compare our labor rates to your mechanics labor rate!

In order for some repairers to make up for loss of profit, as a result of these stringent contracts, some of these businesses are forced to repair these cars as fast as possible, thereby often turning out substandard and incomplete repairs in order to be profitable.

What the consumer needs to remember is that your insurance company, by contract, has to put your car back into pre-accident condition. Some insurers will try to encourage you, and/or persuade you to follow their program for their, ease of settling claims, convenience and saving time, and premium dollars. Categorically they are doing what is best for their financial interest!

We would like to reiterate to you, the consumer, that in these difficult times in the collision repair industry, the programs are not always in the consumers’ best interest! The consumer needs to educate themselves on what they need to do to protect themselves and the equity in there automobile, to find a safe, honest, quality repair!