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DRP Shop Appointment Defense Kit

Essential tools to protect your rights before your Direct Repair Program (DRP) shop appointment

Critical: Read This Before Your Appointment

DRP shops work for the insurance company, not you. Their goal is to minimize repair costs, often through aftermarket parts, skipped procedures, and low labor rates. Do NOT sign any repair authorizations or "Direction to Pay" forms at this appointment. You are there for an estimate only.

Step 1: Enter Your Vehicle Information

We will check if your vehicle has ADAS sensors that require special scan procedures

Step 2: Generate Shop Selection Letter (C.R.S. 10-4-120)

Assert your legal right to choose your own repair facility. Send this letter to your insurance adjuster BEFORE the appointment.

Your Chosen Repair Shop:

* Required fields. The letter will be generated as a Microsoft Word document (.docx) that you can email or print.

Step 3: Pre-Appointment Checklist

Print this checklist and bring it to your appointment. Check off each item as you go.

DO NOT SIGN:

  • "Direction to Pay" or "Assignment of Benefits" - Lets insurance pay shop directly, you lose leverage
  • "Repair Authorization" - Do NOT authorize repairs until you review full estimate
  • "Aftermarket Parts Consent" - Waives your right to OEM parts
  • Any form with "Power of Attorney" language

REQUIRED QUESTIONS TO ASK:

  • What certifications does this shop have? (I-CAR Gold? OEM certified?)
  • Will you use OEM parts or aftermarket? Which specific components will be aftermarket?
  • Will you perform pre-repair and post-repair diagnostic scans?
  • Will ADAS sensors require calibration? Is that included in the estimate?
  • What is your hourly labor rate? (Colorado average: $55-70/hour)

RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:

  • Pressure to sign paperwork immediately
  • Claims "Colorado law requires you to use this shop" (FALSE)
  • No mention of ADAS scans for 2018+ vehicles
  • Only aftermarket parts shown on estimate (no OEM option)

Step 4: Photo Documentation

Take these photos BEFORE the appointment for evidence

  • All damage angles (close-up and wide shots)
  • VIN plate (dashboard, driver side)
  • Odometer reading
  • Rear bumper sensors (backup camera, parking sensor locations)
  • Panel gaps and alignment before repair
  • Paint condition in good lighting
  • All four sides of vehicle

Your Rights Under Colorado Law (C.R.S. 10-4-120)

You have the ABSOLUTE RIGHT to choose ANY licensed repair facility. Insurance companies CANNOT require you to use their network shop, refuse coverage if you choose an independent shop, or misrepresent Colorado law to pressure you. If your rights are violated, file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance at doi.colorado.gov.

This tool provides information and document preparation only. It is not legal advice. For legal advice regarding your claim, consult a licensed attorney.