Should I use the auto body shop my car insurance company recommends?
You do not have to use the body shop that your insurance company recommends, but it may be easier if you do. Learn about the pros and cons for using your own body shop and using the one recommended by your insurer.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- You have the right to take your car to a body shop of your own choice and do not have to accept the insurance company’s recommendation
- However, this may lengthen the process as you may have to pay the shop first and wait for the company check
- Study the details of your policy to see if this will affect rental car availability
When accident damage sidelines your car, you’ll want to get back on the road as soon as possible and have filed an insurance claim to help pay the bills. Your insurance company may recommend a particular body shop, and you may wonder whether you must go with this facility or can make your own choice.
There are several factors to consider here, and we know that it may be difficult for you to make that decision, so we have outlined the pros and cons below.
Can you choose your own body shop for insurance work?
You have the right to take your damaged car to a body shop of your choosing, and the insurance company cannot insist that you use the facility it recommends. However, it may be better for you to use the shop it nominates for a couple of reasons, and you should consider all options before you decide.
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Why do insurance companies have preferred body shops?
Many insurance companies have built up a good rapport with certain body shops and know that it provides a high standard of service with few issues.
The shop will have a history of working with an insurance company’s adjuster, which may make communication a lot easier as they discuss each case and swap details. Also, the insurance company may be happy with how each preferred shop treats its customers.
What if I have a good relationship with my own body shop?
You may have used a particular body shop before and are happy with the service it has given you. You may have built up your own rapport and would rather give the business to them instead.
So, if the question is, “Can insurance force me to use one body shop?” the answer is no. Your insurance company should work with you to find a body shop you can agree on.
What about the car insurance rules?
The insurance company may prefer a particular body shop and have a direct bill agreement in place. This means that the body shop will send the invoice directly to the insurance company, which might make things more convenient.
You might otherwise have to pay the expense out of your own pocket first and wait for the insurance company to send you a check to reimburse you.
Will my choice lengthen the process?
You may get your vehicle back sooner if you agree to take it to the recommended garage. In this case, that body shop may release the car to you once work is complete and before receiving payment. This is because the body shop trusts the insurance company to foot the bill, which may allow you to get back behind the wheel sooner than later.
Can I use my own body shop, or will this cause extra complications?
Study your policy’s small print. If the company gives you a rental car while your vehicle is off the road, what will happen if you insist on using your preferred shop? After all, the company may only pay for the rental car for the time allotted to finish the job in the estimate.
Your insurance company may automatically extend this time if hidden damage becomes apparent and the approved facility handles the work. Otherwise, it may refuse to do so if you insist on taking the car to your preferred shop.
Do I have to use my insurer’s body shop?
You do not have to use your insurance company’s preferred body shop and can take the vehicle to a garage of your choice. However, this could make the entire process take longer if you have to wait for your insurer to send you a check instead of it dealing with the preferred body shop directly. Make sure to do your research before deciding on which body shop to use, it could save you a lot of money.
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Case Studies: Should I use the auto body shop my car insurance company recommends?
Case Study 1: John’s Experience With the Recommended Body Shop
John recently got into a car accident and filed an insurance claim with his insurance company. The insurance company recommended a specific body shop for the repairs. However, John decided to take his car to a different body shop that he had a good relationship with and trusted.
Although the insurance company allowed him to choose his own body shop, John encountered some complications in the process. He had to pay for the repairs out of pocket first and wait for the insurance company to reimburse him.
This delayed the repair process, and John had to cover the expenses until he received the reimbursement.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Experience With the Preferred Body Shop
Sarah’s insurance company recommended a preferred body shop after her car was damaged in an accident. She decided to follow the recommendation and took her car to the suggested facility.
The body shop had a history of working with Sarah’s insurance company, which facilitated smooth communication and coordination between the shop and the insurer’s adjuster.
As a result, Sarah’s car was repaired efficiently, and she was able to get back on the road sooner. The body shop trusted the insurance company to pay for the repairs, allowing Sarah to retrieve her vehicle before the payment was made.
Case Study 3: Mike’s Decision to Use His Preferred Body Shop
Mike had previously used a specific body shop for his car repairs and was satisfied with their service. When he had an accident and needed repairs again, his insurance company recommended a different body shop.
However, Mike insisted on using his preferred shop due to his existing rapport and trust in their work. While his insurance company agreed to work with him to find a suitable solution, Mike faced some complications.
The insurance company’s policy only covered the cost of a rental car for the estimated time of repair at the recommended body shop. If he chose his preferred shop, he would have to bear the additional rental expenses if the repair time exceeded the initial estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between buying car insurance through a broker and buying it directly from the insurance company?
When purchasing car insurance through a broker, you work with an intermediary who represents multiple insurance companies and helps you find the best coverage options. On the other hand, buying directly from the insurance company means dealing directly with the insurer without involving a middleman.
What are the pros of buying car insurance through a broker?
- Expertise and guidance: Insurance brokers are knowledgeable professionals who can help you navigate the complex insurance landscape. They can provide personalized advice and help you understand your coverage needs.
- Access to multiple options: Brokers work with several insurance companies, giving you access to a range of policy options. They can compare prices, coverage features, and discounts to find the most suitable insurance for your needs.
- Time-saving: Brokers can save you time by doing the legwork for you. They handle paperwork, compare quotes, and assist with claims, making the process more convenient.
What are the cons of buying car insurance through a broker?
- Fees and commissions: Brokers typically earn commissions or fees from the insurance companies they work with, which can increase the overall cost of your insurance policy.
- Limited company selection: While brokers work with multiple insurance companies, their offerings may still be limited compared to the entire market. You may miss out on some specialized or niche insurance providers.
- Potential bias: Brokers may have preferred insurance companies or partnerships, which could influence their recommendations. It’s important to ensure your broker has your best interests in mind.
What are the pros of buying car insurance directly from the company?
- Potentially lower costs: Without involving a broker, there are no additional fees or commissions, which could lead to lower premiums.
- Direct communication: Buying directly from the insurance company means you can communicate directly with their representatives for any inquiries, policy changes, or claims.
- Transparency: Dealing directly with the insurer allows you to have a clearer understanding of their policies, terms, and conditions.
What are the cons of buying car insurance directly from the company?
- Limited options for comparison: When buying directly from the insurance company, you may miss out on the opportunity to compare prices and coverage options from multiple providers.
- Lack of personalized guidance: Insurance companies’ representatives may not provide the same level of personalized advice as a broker. They may be more focused on selling their own products rather than finding the best fit for your needs.
- Potential for confusion: Insurance policies can be complex, and without the guidance of a broker, you may find it more challenging to navigate the various coverage options and understand the fine print.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.