Auto body repairs can either be done at a dealership service centre or at an independent auto repair shop. Technicians at dealership centres are believed to have a superior level of skill and expertise—a notion supported by the fact that these technicians often receive direct training from vehicle manufacturers. However, this shouldn't be taken to imply that independent repair shops offer sub-standard service. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't write off third party repair shops.

Expertise Still Within Reach

Many independent repair specialists establish their trade after having worked as technicians at dealerships for several years. Essentially, such a technician will have received top-notch training from vehicle manufacturers. He or she will have also built a formidable degree of expertise in auto body repairs by the time they branch out from the dealership centre. If you take the time to identify an independent repair shop that fits this description, you could still get the same level of expertise offered at a dealership centre. 

The Cost Factor

Even with the same level of expertise, the cost of repairs at third party establishments is often more affordable than what dealerships will charge for similar services. Third party establishments have lower operational costs and a smaller client base. The effect of lower operational costs trickles down and is reflected in the lower cost of repairs. A smaller client base acts as an incentive for third party specialists to maintain the affordability of auto body repair services. Affordability cultivates loyalty in the existing client base as it simultaneously attracts new clients. Spare parts can be higher priced at dealership centres than they are at third party repair shops. This is supported by industry research which suggests that the sale of spare parts is among the main factors responsible for profitability at dealership service centres.  

The Question Of Insurance

Auto body repairs can be quite the expense. For many vehicle owners, collision insurance comes in handy should an impromptu need for repairs arise. Both dealership service centres and independent repair shops have a preferred network of insurers from whom they accept payments. If your insurer isn't part of this network, you might be forced to finance the full cost of repairs. However, third party repair shops are likely to have a wider network of preferred insurers. Thus, chances that your insurer will pay for repairs at an independent shop are likely to be higher.