Can I Change the Repair Shop After Damage Assessment?
4 Answers
It is possible to change the repair shop after damage assessment, which can be considered an unwritten rule. Repair shops are cheaper than 4S stores: When a car has a problem, the 4S store would like to replace all the parts, while the insurance company would prefer to do minor repairs. One tries to exaggerate the problem, while the other tries to downplay it, leaving the car owner caught in the middle and feeling uneasy. There is a profit cooperation between the damage assessor and the repair shop: This means the damage assessor brings business to the repair shop and gets a commission. Sometimes, the damage assessor and the repair shop collude to cheat the insurance company. The car owner may seem to benefit temporarily, but in the long run, the next premium will increase, ultimately causing a loss. If the at-fault car owner bears the main responsibility, some insurance types have a 15% deductible, which the repair shop may inform the insured about.
Just helped a friend with this issue a few days ago. After the insurance company completes the damage assessment, you can certainly change repair shops. However, two points need attention: First, whether the new repair shop accepts the repair items listed on the assessment sheet—changing shops can easily lead to price discrepancies. Second, if the new shop discovers hidden damages requiring additional repairs, you must contact the assessor again for price verification. The most troublesome issue is the price difference. If the original assessment by the 4S shop was 10,000, but you switch to a local shop and only spend 8,000, the insurance won’t refund the saved 2,000. Conversely, if the new shop quotes 12,000, you’ll likely have to pay the extra out of pocket. Before switching shops, ensure both the old and new repair shops properly hand over the work orders to avoid disputes over parts replacement responsibilities.
As someone who has been dealing with repair shops for a long time, I recommend avoiding unnecessary shop changes. During damage assessment, the original shop records the damage after disassembly and inspection. If you switch shops, the new technician will have to disassemble and inspect again, wasting time and potentially incurring additional disassembly fees. This is especially true for models with electronic components, as diagnostic tools may not be compatible between shops, potentially causing errors in the vehicle's computer. The worst scenario is receiving substandard parts—last month, a car owner switched to a small shop and had their original headlights replaced with aftermarket parts, which fogged up in the rain and impaired visibility. If you must switch shops, focus on three things: check if the new shop has brand-authorized repair certification, sign a genuine parts agreement, and keep the old parts after repairs to prevent disputes.
It can be changed, but the process is quite cumbersome. First, take the damage assessment report to the new repair shop for a price check. If the price difference exceeds 500 yuan, you'll need the insurance company to reassess the damage. Secondly, repairs involving safety components (such as cutting the frame rails) must be done by the originally designated repair shop, otherwise it may affect future claims. Commercial insurance users should also note that some insurers only cover 90% of costs for non-cooperative repair shops. After changing shops, remember to ask the original shop for a list of disassembled parts, and have the new shop install a dash cam to record the repair process. After all, there can be significant differences in workmanship for tasks like frame welding and panel alignment between different shops.
