Oh wise ones of the Vanagon list: Help!

I had a wreck:    http://snipurl.com/carwreck  in my Golf and my collision
coverage with Nationwide is going to pay for it to be repaired.  I have 2
options.  I can take the care to one of their affiliated body shops and
they will pay them directly except for the deductible.  Work is 100%
guaranteed as long as I own the car.  Option 2 is to have Nationwide
adjuster look at the car and do an estimate and I think give me a check.  I
then take it to the shop of my choice and have them fix it.  In case of
hidden damage, it sounds like either way there is a re-adjustment process
where more $$ gets allocated from Nationwide.  That probably happens more
quickly for the affiliated shop situation.  I'm a little suspicious of the
affiliation between the insurance and the shop.  I've only had body work
done once, and I won't go back there again.  Otherwise, I don't have
preference for a specific shop and don't know what the reputation is of the
affiliated shops.  Any advice or comments?

Thanks.  Edward