Do I Have to Use the Body Shop the Insurance Company Picked?

After a crash, you’re already juggling enough—doctor visits, rental cars, missed plans, and that constant “What happens next?” feeling. Then the insurance adjuster says, “We can set you up with one of our preferred body shops,” and it sounds helpful… until you wonder, “Do I have to use the body shop the Insurance company picked?”

Here’s the short version in simple terms: in most situations, you do not have to use the body shop the insurance company picked. You generally have the right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired. And choosing wisely can make a big difference in how your car looks, drives, and holds value down the road.

Let’s talk about how this works, what the insurance company is trying to accomplish, and how to protect yourself from getting steered into a repair you don’t feel good about.

Why does the insurance company “recommend” a shop in the first place

Insurance companies often have Direct Repair Programs (DRPs) or “preferred shop” networks. It’s not automatically shady. Sometimes it can be convenient: the shop already knows the insurer’s paperwork system, can handle billing directly, and may get you in faster.

But let’s be honest about the incentives. A preferred shop relationship usually means the insurer is sending that shop steady business. In return, the insurer expects:

predictable pricing
faster cycle times (get the claim closed)
fewer supplements (extra repair charges after teardown)
repairs that stay within the insurer’s guidelines

That can line up with quality work… or it can create pressure to “make it fit” within a budget instead of doing what’s best for your vehicle.

Think of it like this: if your landlord “strongly suggests” a handyman, that handyman may be great. Or they may be the person most willing to keep costs low and complaints quiet. When it’s your car—and your safety—you get to be picky.

Your right to choose a body shop (and what “steering” means)

In many states, insurers aren’t allowed to pressure you into using a specific shop. That pressure is often called “steering.” It can show up as:

“If you use our shop, we can guarantee the repairs. If you use yours, we can’t.”
“That shop charges too much—our shop will do it for less.”
“We can’t promise the repair will be done right unless it’s our partner shop.”
“Your shop will take forever. Our shop will get it done fast.”

Here’s what to know: the insurance company’s job is to pay for reasonable repairs related to the crash under the policy. Your job is to get your car repaired correctly. Those goals overlap, but they are not identical.

What you should ask before you pick any shop

Whether it’s their shop or yours, ask the questions that actually matter:

Will they use OEM parts or aftermarket parts?
OEM parts are made by the vehicle manufacturer. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but fit and durability can vary. Sometimes aftermarket is fine; sometimes it leads to gaps, wind noise, sensor issues, or resale value hits.
Do they calibrate safety systems?
Modern vehicles often require calibration for things like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and emergency braking sensors. If calibration is skipped or done wrong, the car can “look repaired” but be unsafe.
Do they provide a written warranty?
Get it in writing. And read what it actually covers.
Who is responsible for hidden damage discovered after teardown?
Many repairs expand once the vehicle is disassembled. A good shop documents the damage with photos and pushes a proper supplement. A rushed shop may “patch” instead.
Do they have experience with your make/model?
Some shops are excellent with certain brands. Others are generalists. There’s nothing wrong with a general shop—unless your vehicle needs specialized procedures.

“If I don’t use their shop, will insurance refuse to pay?”

Usually, no—if the repairs are reasonable and related to the crash. But you may run into friction. For example:

The insurer may write an estimate that’s too low.
The shop may submit a supplement if the insurer drags their feet on.
The insurer may insist on aftermarket or recycled parts unless your policy requires OEM.
The insurer may challenge labor rates in your area.

This is where people get worn down. The adjuster has done this a thousand times. You’ve (hopefully) only had to do it once or twice. The goal is sometimes to make the “easy path” feel like the only path.

Tips to protect yourself no matter where you repair

Take photos before repairs (all angles, close-ups, and the odometer).
Ask for a copy of the estimate and final invoice.
Keep emails/texts with the adjuster and the shop.
Get alignment, calibration, and scan documentation if applicable.
Test-drive the car carefully after pickup and report issues immediately in writing.

Also, if your car is newer, leased, or has advanced safety tech, it’s worth being extra cautious. A vehicle is not “fixed” just because the paint looks smooth under fluorescent lights.

When an attorney can help (yes—even with the body shop issue)

A lot of people think lawyers only get involved if there’s a lawsuit. In real life, a big part of what we do is prevent clients from getting squeezed in the gray areas of a claim—repair disputes, diminished value concerns, rental delays, lowball estimates, and “helpful” suggestions that aren’t really about helping you.

If you’re injured, the repair process is only one piece of the puzzle. The same claim file often involves medical bills, time off work, and pain that doesn’t show up on an X-ray but still changes your day-to-day life. When the property damage side turns into a headache, it can spill into the injury claim and slow everything down.

Overall, you typically don’t have to use the insurance company’s body shop. You can choose the shop that makes you feel confident your car will be repaired safely and correctly.

If you’re getting pressure, delays, or you just want someone in your corner while you focus on healing, call Tucker Law at 1-800-TUCKERWINS. Our firm will walk you through your options and help you push back when the process starts feeling less like “service” and more like a squeeze.