Bay State Collision Center

04/21/2026

02/25/2026

Insteresting language from a customers insurance company.

"The next step would be to bring your vehicle down to a bodyshop. Have them take a look at the appraisal and if they’re okay with the labor rate then we can go forward with repairs. Here’s a link in case you need help selecting a bodyshop. The benefits of using one of Ins. Co. referral shops is that the claim work is warranted for 3 years and they guarantee to agree to our labor rate. Please be advised, Ins. Co. pays a state-approved labor rate of $45/hour. If your bodyshop or dealership charges more, you may end up getting stuck with out of pocket costs. Please check with them before proceeding with repairs."

1) State approved labor rate??

"Managed competition for the insurance industry ended in 2008 through changes in the
Code of Massachusetts Regulations. Insurance companies were then able to negotiate the auto
body labor rates with the auto body shops in the Commonwealth without direct intervention from
the Division of Insurance."

2) "okay" with the labor rate and "agree" to our labor rate.

Now I understand insurance companies need to consider cost containment. They wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't, right? I never seem to see the words safety or training in any of these write ups. Being a referral shop is a business decision that works for many shops. What I don't like about this is the only real checkpoint is working for a rate set by the insurer, not the state. It is very tempting as a consumer to choose the path of least resistance. But I would question the motive here. Cost containment (borderline steering) VS a shop that is qualified and trained.

3) Warranted for 3yrs.

Any good shop out there that has been around for years didn't build their customer base by turning their back on them. Call around and ask about a shops warranty! It might even exceed 3yrs!

**Most importantly ask questions and read your policy. Just because a shop is willing to work for an insurance companies rate and agrees to take back any work that they did incorrectly does not make them the best choice. Inquire about their training or what requirements your insurance company set forth to make them a referral shop and how often they are audited to maintain these requirements.

02/17/2026

Have you been in an accident recently? The process to get your vehicle repaired can be a difficult one. The last thing you want to hear about is an out of pocket expense. More and more shops are charging a rate that is above your insurance companies reimbursement rate. The reason for this is their investment in training and equipment that must stay current with today's vehicle technology. Massachusetts has no license or training requirements for technicians. It also has the lowest paid reimbursment rate paid by insurers. When selecting a shop to repair your vehicle, make sure you inquire about training.

01/26/2026

We will be closed today 1/26 due to weather.

01/19/2026

Will be closed today Monday 1/19