Can I choose where to get my vehicle repaired after an accident?
Can you choose where to get your vehicle repaired after an accident? You can choose where your vehicle is repaired after someone causes damage, but insurance companies often have recommendations for where to go for your vehicle repairs.
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Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Brad Larson
Updated November 2024
- An insurance company cannot insist that you take your vehicle to a specific repair shop
- The company can recommend repair shops with whom it has a relationship
- The insurance company may ask you to get at least one estimate for the work so they can compare the costs
When you’ve been in an accident, you may be glad you’re working with one of the best affordable auto insurance companies. However, you’ll still want to get a repair shop to fix your vehicle as soon as possible.
You may wonder if you can use a repair shop that is convenient for you or if you need to use a facility that your insurance company recommends. We understand that this situation could be confusing, so we have performed the research for you and answered the question below. (For more information, read our “What happens if I don’t agree with the amount the insurance company is offering me for repairs to my vehicle?“).
You Can Choose Where to Get Your Vehicle Repaired After an Accident
State regulations do not allow a car insurance company to insist that you take your vehicle to a repair shop of their choice. You can ignore the recommendation that your insurance company may give you if you have an existing relationship with a certain repair shop or find that one facility is more convenient.
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State Regulations Cover Your Choice of Automobile Repair Facility
To be sure about the rules in your state, you should refer to your local government website. For example, in the Commissioners Bulletin from the Texas Department of Insurance, an insurance company may not suggest to a beneficiary that they must use a specific repair facility for repairs covered by a policy.
Usually, the insurance company must tell the claimant that they have the right to select their own facility and the parts used for repairs.
Insurance Companies Also Have Some Protection in This Situation
Typically, you cannot expect an insurance company to pay more than a reasonable amount for any repairs and parts. The company may also ask you to get at least one estimate so they can compare the costs and satisfy themselves that the facility has not overly inflated the costs.
Many state regulations also suggest that an insurance company cannot try to settle a claim without spending a reasonable amount to repair or replace the property with service or parts of identical kind and quality.
It’s not unusual for an insurance provider to dispute the amount that the repair shop may quote. Check out “What if insurance won’t pay the repair shop’s quoted price?” This article will go into detail about what happens in this situation. You may also want to learn more about how auto insurance claims work.
Some Insurance Companies Have Arrangements With Repair Shops
It is not unusual for an insurance company to have an ongoing relationship with a repair shop or network of repair shops. The facility or network in question may offer a quantity discount to the insurance company, which can help lower overall costs.
Still, auto insurance companies pay out claims regardless of where you take your vehicle for repairs.
There’s nothing wrong with this arrangement, and you may find it convenient to use one of the company’s preferred facilities. However, the company cannot insist that you do so or pressure you in any way.
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State Regulations Say That You Can Choose Where to Get Your Vehicle Repaired After an Accident
You can choose where to take your car for repairs following an accident. The insurance company may ask you to get at least one estimate, but they cannot insist that you only use a facility of their choice.
Many companies have recommended facilities as part of a business relationship to help them reduce costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get your car fixed after an accident?
If you have comprehensive or collision insurance on your policy and the accident was your fault, you should turn to your own insurance company for repairs. If another party causes the accident, they will be responsible.
Who pays for car repairs in an accident?
This answer will depend on who was responsible or what type of coverage you have on your policy. If the accident was your fault, you would need comprehensive or collision coverage if you want your insurance company to pay.
How do you get your car fixed after an accident without insurance?
If you were to blame for the accident and only had liability cover (or no insurance), you will need to pay for the damage out of your pocket.
However, if another party is responsible for your damage, they will be responsible, and you should start a claim with their insurance company. If that party did not have insurance, you may need to sue the driver directly.
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