The law says yes, you are well within your rights to choose your own auto repair shop after an accident, and there’s nothing the insurance company can do to stop you. The insurance company is allowed to give you recommendations, but the choice is ultimately yours.
There are advantages – both for you and the insurance company – to going with the insurance company’s preferred repair shop.
- You don’t have to deal directly with the auto repair shop since all transactions go through the insurance company.
- The insurance company provides a guarantee on repairs, meaning if you’re dissatisfied with the repairs for any reason. You have the right to contact the insurance company and have them resolve the situation.
- The shop doesn’t have to wait for approval from an adjuster to start repairs.
As for the insurance company, they benefit from significant discounts on parts and labor … But they may also cut corners, partnering with unreliable repair shops that work with cheaper, lower quality parts. There are great resources on finding reputable auto repair shops recommended insurance companies.
There are several reasons why you may want to go to another auto repair shop, and that’s perfectly fine – again, the choice is yours. The insurance claim representative will likely attempt to persuade you otherwise, telling you that estimates on your car will be needlessly delayed, that they won’t be able to warranty the repairs if you decide to have your car repaired at another shop.
Don’t fret. As long as you go to a reputable auto repair shop, an experienced shop estimator will handle the estimate process and repairs efficiently. After all, it is in their best interests to do so.
Do you have any questions regarding your auto accident injury claim? If so, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Wilshire Law Firm for answers. We can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your legal rights and options in a FREE consultation.
