Can My Auto Insurer Make Me Use a Certain Body Shop?

Last Updated on December 18, 2025

After an auto accident, getting your car fixed fast (and fixed right) becomes priority #1. That’s why it can feel frustrating when an insurer strongly “encourages” you to use a specific body shop. Whether you’re filing through your own policy or dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance, the adjuster may steer you toward a preferred repair facility.

Here’s the reality: insurers can usually recommend shops, but in most places they can’t legally force you to use only one specific shop. What they can do is set rules around the claims process and sometimes limit what they’ll pay to a “reasonable” amount—so choosing your own shop can come with extra steps.

Key Takeaways

In most states, your auto insurer can recommend a preferred body shop, but generally can’t legally force you to use only one specific shop.
Preferred (in-network/DRP) shops may offer faster approvals, simpler paperwork, and insurer-backed warranties—but always get warranty terms in writing.
Choosing your own shop can be worth it for trust, OEM-certified repairs, or specialization—but be prepared for possible pricing and parts disputes.
Protect yourself by documenting everything: written estimates, parts decisions, supplement approvals, and any claim statements about “you’ll pay the difference.”

Table Of Contents

Quick Answer: Can Your Insurer Make You Use Their Body Shop?
Why Insurers Push Certain Body Shops
Pros of Using the Insurer’s Preferred Body Shop
Pros of Choosing Your Own Body Shop
Potential Downsides When You Don’t Use the Preferred Shop
How to Protect Yourself (No Matter Which Shop You Choose)
FAQs on Insurance-Preferred Body Shops
Bottom Line

Quick Answer: Can Your Insurer Make You Use Their Body Shop?

In general, you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. The insurer may still:

Recommend shops in its network (often called a preferred shop or DRP).
Require an inspection/estimate process before repairs are approved or paid.
Dispute pricing if a shop’s labor rate or procedures are far above what the insurer considers typical for your area.
Pay you (or the shop) based on an approved estimate, then handle supplements as additional damage is found.

If you want a step-by-step overview of how repairs typically work through a claim, this guide may help: going through insurance to get vehicle repairs.

Why Insurers Push Certain Body Shops

Most large insurers have “preferred” body shops (often through a Direct Repair Program). These agreements are designed to make claims cheaper and more predictable for the insurer. Common reasons insurers push a specific shop include:

Lower negotiated rates for labor and parts sourcing.
Faster claim handling (shop and insurer work together daily, which can reduce delays).
Standardized repair expectations for documentation, photo estimates, and supplements.
More control over payouts on the claim, especially when there are disputes about labor time, parts type, or procedures.

Payment handling is another reason. Depending on the situation, the insurer might issue the repair check in a way that protects a lienholder (if you’re financing the car) and ensures funds go toward repairs.

Pros of Using the Insurer’s Preferred Body Shop

Preferred shops aren’t automatically “bad.” In many cases, they’re reputable facilities that agree to extra oversight. Benefits often include:

Smoother paperwork: estimates, approvals, and supplements may move faster because the shop already knows the insurer’s process.
Direct billing: the shop works with the insurer so you’re less likely to get stuck in the middle.
Warranty support: many insurers require preferred shops to back the repair work for as long as you own the vehicle (terms vary—get it in writing).
Claim consistency: if there’s a problem, the insurer may be more willing to step in because it’s a shop they partner with.

If you’re still shopping for coverage and want to compare insurer reputations, see: the best auto insurance companies in America.

Pros of Choosing Your Own Body Shop

Choosing your own shop can be the better move when you care most about repair philosophy, OEM procedures, or a specific certification. Advantages can include:

Trust and familiarity: if you already have a shop you trust, that peace of mind matters—especially after a stressful accident.
Specialization: some shops focus on certain makes, high-end vehicles, or OEM-certified repairs.
More direct communication: you may get clearer updates and more control over repair decisions.
Less pressure: if you’re dealing with the other driver’s insurer, using your own shop can help you feel less “managed” by a company that isn’t really on your side.

Potential Downsides When You Don’t Use the Preferred Shop

Even if you can choose your shop, the insurer may push back on cost. Common friction points include:

Labor rate disputes: your shop may charge more than what the insurer considers the “prevailing” local rate.
Repair procedure disputes: some shops include additional steps the insurer calls “not necessary” unless documented.
Parts disagreements: there may be debates over OEM vs. aftermarket vs. recycled parts, depending on your policy and the vehicle.
More admin work for you: you may need to be the go-between for estimates, supplements, and approvals.

Sometimes the insurer will initially offer to pay only what its preferred shop estimated. If your shop’s final bill is higher, you might have to escalate, negotiate, or decide whether it makes sense to pay any gap out of pocket.

How to Protect Yourself (No Matter Which Shop You Choose)

If an insurer is pushing hard, don’t argue in circles—move the conversation to specifics and documentation. These steps help in almost every claim:

Ask for the policy-based reason the insurer is recommending (or discouraging) a shop.
Get everything in writing: warranty terms, parts type, labor rate approvals, and any “you’ll pay the difference” statements.
Have the shop document the repair plan (photos, measurements, calibration needs, OEM procedures, and safety-related steps).
Confirm what happens with supplements if hidden damage appears after teardown.
Keep a clean paper trail (emails, estimate versions, texts, and call notes with names and dates).

If you hit a wall—especially if there are injuries, major payment disputes, or bad-faith delay tactics—talking to an auto insurance lawyer may be the fastest way to stop the runaround.

FAQs on Insurance-Preferred Body Shops

Can my insurance company require me to use their preferred body shop?

Usually, no. Most states allow insurers to recommend preferred shops, but they generally can’t legally force you to repair at one specific facility. However, insurers can require you to follow their claims process (inspection, estimate approval, supplements) and may limit payment to what they consider a reasonable local rate.

What is “insurance steering”?

Insurance steering is when an insurer pressures you to use (or avoid) a particular repair shop using misleading statements, threats of delays, or claims you’ll lose coverage. Rules vary by state, but steering complaints are common—especially when the insurer tries to make it seem like you have no choice.

What is a DRP or “in-network” body shop?

A DRP (Direct Repair Program) shop is a body shop that has an agreement with an insurer. These shops often follow the insurer’s estimate process and pricing expectations in exchange for a steady flow of referrals. This can make claims smoother, but you should still review warranty terms and repair quality just like any other shop.

If I choose my own shop, will I have to pay the difference?

Not always—but it can happen. If your shop’s pricing is higher than what the insurer approves, the insurer may push back. Many shops can negotiate with the adjuster using documentation, but in some cases you could be responsible for charges the insurer won’t cover. Get a written estimate and ask about potential out-of-pocket costs before authorizing repairs.

Can the insurer tell the shop what parts to use (OEM vs. aftermarket vs. recycled)?

Insurers often try to control parts cost, and your policy language matters. Some policies allow aftermarket or recycled parts in certain situations. If you want OEM parts, ask the shop to write up the request and have the insurer respond in writing. Your vehicle’s age, safety systems, and state rules can also affect what’s appropriate.

Can I switch body shops after repairs start?

Sometimes, but it’s best to decide early. If teardown has started, you may owe storage or labor charges at the first shop. If you need to switch, ask for an itemized bill to date and coordinate towing and claim documentation so the insurer and new shop can pick up without delays.

What should I do if the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount for repairs?

First, ask the insurer for a written explanation of what they’re denying and why. Have the shop provide documentation (photos, measurements, OEM procedures, calibration needs). If the dispute continues, escalate to a supervisor, request the formal dispute/appraisal process (if applicable), and consider filing a complaint with your state insurance department. For major disputes or injury claims, legal advice may help.

Bottom Line

Most of the time, you don’t have to use the insurer’s preferred body shop—but you do need to play by the insurer’s claims process. If you choose your own shop, protect yourself by getting key promises in writing, making sure the repair plan is well-documented, and pushing disputes toward facts (not opinions). The “best” shop is the one that can restore your vehicle safely, stands behind its work, and works efficiently with the insurer’s approval process.