Collision repairers report mixed messages on insurer influence in Aftermarket Business World survey

More collision repairers report this year than last year that they do not feel any insurance company influence on their parts purchasing practices. However, 13 percent said they feel “major” pressure or “complete control” by the insurer.

According to the 2015 Collision Shop Study conducted by Aftermarket Business World magazine, 63 percent of respondents said they feel no insurer pressure when purchasing parts, compared to 58 percent who answered the same way in last year’s study. Those who reported they feel “some” pressure decreased from 22 percent in 2014 to 16 percent this year.

Repairers who said they feel “moderate” pressure remained steady at 9 percent in both studies. Those who said they feel “major” pressure increased form 7 percent to 9 percent, while those who felt the insurer had “complete control” was 4 percent in both studies.

Collision repairers said in this year’s study they prefer to purchase auto parts from auto parts retailers (35 percent), jobbers (19 percent), dealerships (19 percent) and warehouse distributors (16 percent).

When asked the primary reason they prefer a certain supplier, repairers said it was due to good relationships (28 percent), fast delivery (20 percent), parts availability (17 percent), price (14 percent) and specific product brands (11 percent). Click here to see the study results.

Methodology: The Collision Shop Study was fielded via email to readers of ABRN, a sister publication of Aftermarket Business World. The findings are intended to show general trends, not statistical certainties.

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