by John and Theresa Kightlinger

[Editor’s Note: The opinions and recommendations on insurance carriers/companies in this column are those of the author(s) and do not reflect an official opinion or position of The Stockbridge Community News.]

I often receive inquiries regarding which insurance carriers I recommend. When evaluating insurers, I focus primarily on how their claims practices impact repair quality and the overall customer experience.

My recommendations are based on whether a carrier operates in a timely manner, follows OEM repair procedures, utilizes quality parts from local distributors, and prioritizes the customer’s best interests. For instance, if a carrier insists on ordering parts from out of state simply to reduce costs, it often results in significant delays. These delays create unnecessary expenses and inconvenience for the consumer; we also must consider whether those parts truly meet “like, kind, and quality” standards.

Since most drivers go years between claims, it can be difficult to compare the claims experience of various carriers. Consequently, many people choose insurance based on price or brand familiarity. My perspective is shaped by what I witness daily and what I hear from other local shops regarding which insurance companies actually support their policyholders during a claim.

Unfortunately, some of the most recognizable insurers—those with massive advertising budgets and stadium sponsorships—are known within the industry for prioritizing cost over quality. These companies often take an excessive amount of time to review claims, refuse to pay for quality parts, or dispute repair procedures designated by automakers. I generally advise against these large, televised insurers for anything beyond basic PLPD policies. The only entities determining how your vehicle is repaired should be the automaker and a quality independent repair facility that works for you, rather than the insurer.

While there may be other reputable carriers in the area, my top recommendations based on my daily professional interactions are Acuity, Frankenmuth, Fremont, and Michigan Farm Bureau. Three out of four of these companies are from Michigan.

Hopefully, this provides helpful context for your next insurance decision. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us at My Body Shop in Stockbridge.

John and Theresa Kightlinger own My Body Shop at 401 N. Clinton St., Stockbridge. The couple
have lived in the area and raised their children here over the past 20 years. John has been in the auto body business since 1985, and Theresa began work at General Motors after high school.
Between the two, they have been working on cars for more than 75 years.