Dumped by your DRP

CREWS AND VIEWS

Shop owner speaks out about the dangers of relying on agreements with insurers

Darin Fridley, owner of Apex Auto Body Specialists in Apex, N.C., thought he was well aware of the difficulties he faced as a small, relatively new collision repair shop in a crowded market.

With 18 years of experience in the business to guide him, Fridley took what he considered a failsafe approarh when he struck out on his own six years ago - he lined up two well-considered direct repair programs with major insurers, and then focused on doing the best job possible to keep the insurance companies satisfied and the customers coming back.

It seemed to he working. …