The insurance company, after an accident, is going to suggest you go to their “preferred shop.” Why do they do this?
First, the insurance companies use shops that are more agreeable to after-market parts, etc… This decreases the costs of repair for your vehicle. They pay less to repair your vehicle and they make more money.
Second, the other benefit to the insurance company is reduced costs. No one has to go out to look at the vehicle. This saves them between $60 and $100 on each claim. Multiply the number of claims times $100 and you save a ton of money every year.
Who benefits? The shops get consistent work for which they know they will be paid. The insurance company saves money. Consumers get the short end of the stick, by far.