Understanding Collision Repair Options in Zionsville, Indiana
You Don’t Have to Use Your Insurance Company’s “Preferred” Shop
If you’ve been in an accident, your insurance company might tell you, “We recommend one of our preferred body shops.” It sounds convenient but that recommendation often benefits the insurer more than it benefits you.
Many drivers don’t realize that you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. You can take your car to any licensed collision repair center you trust, and your insurance company must still honor the claim.
At Burnside Express Collision, our technicians handle everything from fleet vehicles and work trucks to personal cars and custom paint repairs, all under one roof. From bumper repairs to full paint refinishing, we treat every job with the same attention to detail, helping local drivers and businesses get back on the road quickly and safely.
The Truth About “Preferred” Auto Body Shop Programs
At Burnside Express Collision in Zionsville, we proudly work with all insurance companies but maintain our independence. This allows us to make decisions based on what’s best for your car and not what’s easiest for an insurance adjuster.
Insurance companies create “Direct Repair Programs” (DRPs) that give them leverage over shops. To stay on those preferred lists, many shops must:
- Accept lower labor rates
- Agree to use aftermarket or imitation parts instead of OEM
- Meet tight deadlines that can compromise repair quality
These agreements help insurers control costs, but they limit your options and sometimes reduce the quality of your repair.
Burnside Express Collision chooses not to participate in restrictive DRP contracts that could force us to compromise on craftsmanship, safety, or materials. We’ll coordinate directly with your insurance company on your behalf but we never let insurer pressure dictate our standards.
Why Drivers Should Research Their Collision Repair Shop | Research shows that most drivers don’t pick a repair shop based on their insurer’s suggestion
According to a national survey of nearly 15,000 consumers conducted by DealerRater and Fixed Ops Journal, only 6.95% said an insurance company’s recommendation was their primary reason for choosing a repair shop (Repairer Driven News).
That means more than 93% of drivers choose for themselves—and that’s a smart move. Drivers who take time to compare local auto body shops often find higher-quality repairs, better warranties, and faster turnaround times than insurer-directed options.
Rising Costs Make Quality Repairs Even More Important
Auto body repair costs are increasing nationwide. A recent report from the Automotive Body Parts Association found that rising costs and limited competition are creating significant financial burdens for American drivers, particularly when part shortages or insurer restrictions delay repairs (CAPA Certified).These challenges make it even more critical to choose a collision center that prioritizes accuracy and accountability, not volume or insurer approval quotas. Burnside Express focuses on doing every job right the first time. We use proper materials, experienced experts, precision workmanship, and customer-first communication
Location Matters: Convenient Collision Repair Near Home
The same DealerRater and Fixed Ops Journal survey found that 22.6% of drivers said proximity to home or office was the #1 factor when selecting a body shop (Repairer Driven News).
That’s why Burnside Express Collision has strategically placed locations in Zionsville, Greenwood, and West Indianapolis, so no matter where you live or work around the Indianapolis metro, expert help is never far away.
Our Zionsville shop proudly serves drivers from Zionsville, Whitestown, Lebanon, Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Brownsburg and northwest Indianapolis, offering modern facilities, certified technicians, and exceptional customer service.
Your Car. Your Choice. Your Local Collision Experts.
Whether you’ve been in a minor fender bender or a major collision, remember: You decide who repairs your vehicle. Choosing an independent, experienced collision center like Burnside Express Collision in Zionsville ensures your car is repaired the right way, with quality parts, expert workmanship, and no corporate shortcuts.
Burnside Express Collision Zionsville is here to restore your vehicle and your peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate or visit us at our convenient Zionsville location.
