The decision is yours.  In the state of Ohio, consumer protection laws prohibit insurance companies from steering claimants where to take their vehicle for repair.  This is for your protection against sub-standard repair quality. 

Source: mvrboard.ohio.gov

The Ohio Board of Motor Vehicle Repair was established in 1997. The Board's main purpose is to enhance consumer awareness regarding the protection and safety of motor vehicle repairs made in Ohio. Consumers must know their rights regarding repairs and their options if those rights are violated. After an accident:

Choosing an Auto Repair Facility

As the owner of a motor vehicle in need of repair, YOU have the right to choose the shop where you wish to have those repairs made. This is the law! 

You may also be told that you have to get three estimates, this is also against Ohio state law.  You do not have to run around getting estimates, just take your vehicle to the shop that you are most comfortable with.

It is not necessary; Estimators are available from 8:00 to 5:30 Monday through Friday.  If you prefer an appointment, contact any of our six locations to schedule.

You can also use our estimating tool on our website or download the mobile estimating tool at www.dsautomotiveapp.com for an initial estimate, these estimates may not be as precise since they are based on photos, but can give you an idea of the cost.

While we are unable to charge the insurance company for damage that is not related to the insurance claim, but it is typically an economical opportunity for you to have additional repairs performed since the insurance repair may overlap into what you need to have done. If the repair is not associated with the claim, we can provide a separate estimate for those damages.  Please discuss this with the Estimator.

We warranty the workmanship of every repair for as long as you own the vehicle. The warranty on parts will vary based on the manufacturer of the part. 

The only exception to this is when the vehicle has pre-existing rust, we cannot warranty against rust returning.

While there are many considerations, this decision starts with the insurance carrier that is paying for the repair.  Most insurance carriers only pay collision repair shops based on the most cost-effective part available that meets the criteria of returning the vehicle to pre-loss condition.  We work with our parts suppliers and the insurance company in an attempt to utilize OEM parts, but aftermarket and used parts are used where there is no issue with quality or safety.  For specific questions regarding your insurance policy, please contact your provider.

After you drop your vehicle off for repairs, we will disassemble the damaged and effected areas. Often time’s additional damage is discovered during this process, when this happens, we notify the party who is paying for the repairs (the insurance company or the vehicle owner) and we will not start on the additional repairs until we have the payer’s authorization.

Most vehicles are kept inside the building throughout the repair process.  Our back parking lot is securely fenced and is protected 24/7 by a video surveillance system. 

If a private party is paying for the damages to your vehicle we need payment in advance of ordering any parts.  We will accept cash or a certified check from a local bank.  

There are a lot of other factors that go into how long it will take to repair your specific vehicle from part lead time to the size of the repairs. Once we have completed the disassembly process and fully assess the damage, we will contact you on an estimated time it should take to complete your specific repair.

Per your insurance policy, we can arrange to have third party rental company meet you at our shop or up the road at their office.  If you let us know of any special vehicle requirements such as a pick-up truck or easy access features, we will communicate those requirements to Third Party Rental Company. 

If the insurance company has issued you a payment, that amount plus any deductible amount will be due when you pick up your vehicle.  If the insurance payment is a check, you can endorse the check over to D&S Automotive, if the insurance payment went into your account as an EFT or deposit, you may pay using cash or certified check.  If you must use a credit card for the insurance payment amount, a 3% convenience fee will apply. 

If your insurance company has already prepared an estimate, we will use that as the initial basis for repairs to your vehicle. If there are any supplemental charges, we will handle it directly with your insurance carrier.