Auto Body shop questions

[wafisherman]

First off, anyone recommend (or places to avoid) a shop around Monroe\Snohomish?  Looking for a few quotes.

My daughter was in a fender bender with her toyota tocama.... 

Current shop, Precision Collision Auto Body (ABRA Auto Body and Glass) in Snohomish, seems to have a few questionable reviews on Yelp, but that is where Allstate sent it for the intitial inspections and quote. 

They want me to sign this long form that includes some questionable items like "I authorize them to use non-OEM parts".  Is that pretty standard???  I would think I should find a shop that uses genuine Toyota parts, right?

[h20hunter]

Abra is a huge group that owns many shops. I sell to a few of them and having nothing but good to say about them. In that area that is where I would take it.

[Woodchuck]

Non OE parts is very common from the insurance companies side.  Believe me the techs would rather have original. Not all aftermarket stuff is bad, just be sure to do a nice long detailed inspection of your vehicle before you sign and drive off.

[h20hunter]

Non OE parts is very common. 

More the norm than even common. They (insurance companies) want your premiums but don't want to put OEM new premium parts in the car. LKQ or refurbish stuff is common place. You can try and push OEM but it will be a bit of a battle.

[Mike450r]

I am pretty sure in Washington it is still legal for the insurance company to pay for non OEM parts when they are available and considered acceptable replacements and you can be responsible for the difference in price if they wish to play it that way.  You do however have the right to choose the repair shop.  The shops used or recommended by the insurance companies aren't always bad,  they want to pay for a quality repair but they also want it cheaper so they develop relationships with certain shops.  They know they are on the hook for shoddy work so they rarely send you to a bad shop in my experience.

[wafisherman]

Thanks guys - I appreciate the input 

[jackelope]

If you don't mind going to downtown Redmond, send Sigmanu262 a pm. I'm sure he could help answer questions too. 

[Rick]

Due to our vehicles apparently being magnets for dumb-ass drivers,we've had a few repaired at Precision Collision in Everett. They've never once tried to get us to use non oem parts.

I don't know whether that's because PC in Everett is different than PC in Snohomish or because our insurance is USAA.

[h20hunter]

All Precision Collision stores are owned by ABRA...I don't know of any exceptions.

[coachcw]

Fleurys autobody , on 90th and 15nw in seattle doe's great work. they are near dicks drive in on Holman road.