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Bodywerks Auto Body Repair
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//Insurance Claim Assistance

We Handle the Insurance Process. You Handle One Phone Call.

We know how the insurance system works, and the tactics carriers use to minimize their cost at your expense. We work for you. From claim documentation to final payment, we handle the process so you do not have to.

Call Now 952.461.5070
  • Since 1966
  • 5x Readers Choice
  • A+ BBB Rated
  • AkzoNobel™ Certified
  • Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee

What We Do

We Work For You. Not the Insurance Company.

Most chain body shops have direct repair program agreements with major insurance carriers. Those agreements come with one condition: keep repair costs down for the insurance company. That means cheaper parts, faster turnarounds, and corners cut on quality.

With the exception of American Family, for whom we are a direct repair program shop, Bodywerks does not participate in those programs. We work for you. We negotiate the repair your vehicle actually needs. We advocate for factory standards, not insurance margins.

You have the legal right to choose any body shop you want, regardless of what your insurance company suggests. Insurance carriers often steer customers toward their preferred shops. You are not obligated to use them. You can choose Bodywerks, and we work with every major carrier on your behalf.

The full insurance process, handled

  • Initial claim documentation with photos and written scope
  • Direct adjuster negotiation and advocacy
  • Deductible minimization wherever possible
  • Supplemental claim handling for hidden damage
  • Repair approval coordination
  • Final payment processing and claim closeout
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How We Do It

How We Work the Insurance Process

01

You Call Us First

Before you call your insurance company, call us. We will walk you through your situation and tell you what to expect, putting us in the strongest position to advocate for you.

02

We Build the Documentation

At your estimate, we document every detail of the damage. Photos, written scope, parts list, labor breakdown. This is the basis of every negotiation that follows.

03

We Submit & Negotiate

We submit the documentation to your adjuster and negotiate the scope directly, advocating for the repairs your vehicle actually needs.

04

We Handle Supplementals

If additional damage is discovered, we stop, document, and submit a supplemental claim. The repair does not continue until it is approved. No surprises.

05

We Close the Claim

Final payment, claim closeout, and documentation handling are all done by us on your behalf. You receive a copy of the final documentation for your records.

Why Bodywerks

Why Drivers Trust Us With Their Claims

01

We Work For You, Not Their Margin

With the exception of American Family, we do not sign agreements that prioritize the carrier's bottom line. We advocate for the repairs your vehicle actually needs.

02

We Keep You At or Below Your Deductible

Whenever possible, we structure repairs to keep your out-of-pocket cost at or below your deductible. This is one of our most consistent results.

03

We Know the System

Decades of working with every major carrier means we know the tactics, the language, and the leverage points. You get the benefit of that experience.

04

You Have the Right to Choose Your Shop

Insurance companies often steer customers toward preferred shops. You are not obligated to use them. You can choose Bodywerks.

05

Documentation Is Our Leverage

Every visible damage point is documented with photos and written scope. That documentation is what gives us leverage when negotiating with your adjuster.

06

Real Communication, Every Step

No phone trees. No automated text messages. When you call, you talk to a real person who knows your claim and your repair.

06 Where We Work

Serving the South Twin Cities & St. Croix Valley

We serve drivers across 8 communities in the south metro, with the same standard at every address.

Free pickup within 25 min
Elko New Market Local Service Lakeville Just 10 mins away Credit River Full coverage New Prague Full coverage Farmington Full coverage Lonsdale Full coverage Northfield Full coverage Montgomery Full coverage

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Claims

Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?
No. You have the legal right to choose any body shop you want, regardless of what your insurance company says. Insurance carriers often try to steer customers toward direct repair program shops because those shops agree to keep repair costs down for the insurance company. You are not obligated to use them. Bodywerks works with every major insurance carrier on your behalf.
What is a direct repair program and why does it matter?
A direct repair program (DRP) is an agreement between a body shop and an insurance carrier where the shop agrees to keep repair costs low in exchange for steady referral volume from the insurer. DRP shops have an incentive to use cheaper parts, faster processes, and lower repair scopes. With the exception of American Family (for whom we are a DRP shop), Bodywerks does not participate in direct repair programs. We work for the customer, not the carrier.
Will my insurance company pressure me to use a different shop?
They might. It is common for insurance carriers to push customers toward DRP shops by suggesting other shops will cost more, take longer, or not be covered. None of that is true. You have the right to choose your shop, and Bodywerks works with every major insurance carrier.
How do you minimize my out-of-pocket cost?
We structure repair estimates and negotiate with your insurance adjuster to keep your out-of-pocket cost at or below your deductible whenever possible. We document every damage point, advocate for full repair coverage, and use the strength of our documentation to support the negotiation.
What happens if more damage is discovered during the repair?
This is common. Many damages are hidden until disassembly begins. When we find additional damage, we stop work, document it, and submit a supplemental claim to your insurance for approval. The repair does not continue until the supplemental is approved. You are never surprised by hidden costs.
Do you handle the insurance paperwork for me?
Yes. We handle the claim documentation, adjuster negotiation, repair approvals, supplemental claims, and final payment coordination. You make one phone call. We handle the back-and-forth so you do not have to.
Will my insurance rates go up if I use Bodywerks instead of their preferred shop?
No. Your choice of body shop does not affect your insurance rates. Rate increases after a claim are based on fault, claim history, and policy specifics, not on which shop did the repair. Anyone telling you otherwise is misinformed or being misleading.
What insurance companies do you work with?
We work with every major insurance carrier including State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Geico, American Family, Liberty Mutual, Travelers, USAA, Farmers, Nationwide, Auto-Owners, AAA, and many others. If your insurance company is not listed, we still work with them. Call us to confirm.

Get Started Today

Filing a Claim? Call Us Before You Call Your Insurer.

We will walk you through your specific situation and put ourselves in the strongest position to advocate for you. One phone call. We handle the rest.

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Real humans answer every call. Lifetime workmanship guaranteed.

Call 952.461.5070