Can my car insurance company make me use a specific car repair shop?

Your insurance company cannot make you use a certain repair shop. It is your vehicle, and you have the right to take your vehicle to any repair shop that you wish. However, many car insurance companies have repair shops that they recommend.

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What if I have a garage or mechanic I like?

Sometimes there can seem to be a lot of pressure from the insurance company to take a vehicle to the specific shop that they recommend. However, if you have a trusted auto body repair shop, you are more than free to take your vehicle there.

Just like there are benefits to taking a vehicle to an insurance-recommended shop, there are benefits to taking your vehicle to your own auto body shop.

If you have a relationship with the insurance shop owner, you can follow up on your vehicle and make sure that aftermarket parts aren’t being used if you don’t want them too.

Your own body shop might be closer to your home, allowing you to stop in and check up on your vehicle in person.

Also, if you are dealing with a smaller auto body shop, you can speak to the mechanics actually fixing your vehicle, which allows you to ask questions about vehicle and avoid future problems.

What if the insurance agent says I have to use their garage?

It’s a common question, and the answer depends on your trust in that particular shop.  You have the ability to choose whatever repair shop you want to use. After all, this is your vehicle, insurance, and ultimately your choice. If an insurance agent is being tough on you by insisting that you must take it to one of their shops, ask them to show it to you in writing. (For more information, read our “Should I use the auto body shop my car insurance company recommends?“)

If they can’t show you it in writing, then insist that you take it to your auto body shop.

Never be pressured into taking your vehicle to an auto body shop you do not trust, no matter who recommends it.

After all, you are the one who has to live with the repairs and not the insurance company. It’s unlikely any agent would push this issue to the point that you might leave their agency.

What if I find a cheaper repair shop?

Ultimately, it is your choice to take your vehicle to whomever you want. If you fInd a cheaper repair shop, feel free to go there.

Sometimes it is difficult to get a large insurance company to cave to your wants and needs as a customer. However, you as the customer must stand firm and make your wish heard.

Any requirements regarding a car insurance claim must be specified in writing.

Read more: Do I have to use the car insurance payout to fix my car? 

If your insurance agent cannot show you in writing that you are required to use one of their recommended auto body shops, then you have a legal right to take your vehicle wherever you wish.

Most reputable insurance will not have a problem with a customer choosing their own auto body shop. In most cases, you simply tell your insurance company what shop you are taking your vehicle to and they will handle the rest for you.

If you find your insurance company difficult to work with when filing a claim, then it may be best to look for a new insurance company. There are many reputable companies that make filing a claim and repairing your vehicle as easy as possible.

A customer should not have to fight with their insurance company to get their vehicle repaired at the shop of their choice.

It is always best to shop around for a company that offers great service at a fair price.

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1. https://www.autobody-review.com/blog/should-i-use-my-car-insurance-companys-recommended-auto-body-shop-to-stay-within-their-reimbursement-amount
2. https://advancedchirocenter.com/should-i-use-the-body-shop-that-the-insurance-company-recommends/
3. https://www.angi.com/articles
4. https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/confessions-from-the-auto-body-shop.html
5. https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-auto-body-shop.html

Case Studies: Car Insurance Company’s Influence on Car Repair Shop Choice

Case Study 1: The Preferred Provider Network

John, a policyholder, recently got involved in an accident and filed a claim with his car insurance company. He was surprised when his insurer informed him that they have a Preferred Provider Network (PPN) of car repair shops.

The insurance company strongly recommended that John take his vehicle to one of the network’s affiliated repair shops. Although John preferred a different repair shop due to its proximity and excellent reputation, he was unsure about his rights in this situation.

Case Study 2: Direct Repair Program (DRP)

Samantha, another policyholder, encountered a similar scenario. After an accident, she contacted her car insurance company to initiate the claims process. The insurer informed Samantha that they operate a Direct Repair Program (DRP) and encouraged her to select a repair shop from their approved list.

However, Samantha had previous experiences with a trusted local repair shop and wanted to avail their services.

Case Study 3: Limited Warranty and Guarantee

Mike, a policyholder with a comprehensive insurance policy, faced a situation where his insurance company insisted on using a specific repair shop to fix the damages to his vehicle.

The insurance company claimed that using their preferred shop would provide additional benefits, such as a limited warranty and guarantee for the repairs. Mike was skeptical about the quality of work provided by this particular shop and wondered if he had any alternatives.

Case Study 4: Out-of-Network Reimbursement

Sarah, an insured driver, found herself in a predicament when her car insurance company recommended a specific repair shop, but it was not within convenient proximity to her location. Sarah wanted to explore the option of using a local repair shop closer to her home. However, she was uncertain if her insurance company would reimburse her for the repairs if she chose a non-network repair shop.