Do You Have To Use Your Insurance Company’s Auto Body Repair Shop?

Can I Choose My Own Auto Body Shop?

There are a lot of misconceptions out there when it comes to your choice of an auto body repair shop when going through your insurance company for collision repair. As your Aurora auto body repair experts, this is probably the number one question we get asked when people come to us for an estimate on their repairs. So, we thought we would address if you can choose your own auto body shop and clear up some misconceptions around that issue.

You are Allowed to Choose Your Own Auto Repair Shop

Without a doubt, you are allowed to use your own auto body facility to get your car repaired. Colorado house bill 03-1253 gives vehicle owners the right to choose where their vehicle gets repaired.

Insurance Company Misconceptions About Auto Repair

While it is required by law that you have the right to choose your own repair shop, insurance companies do have contracts with some auto body repair shops. Depending on those arrangements, the insurance company may have negotiated lower labor and material rates. Some insurance may try and sway you to use a shop where they already have such a contract. But the choice is always going to be yours. If you choose to go with someone not on their list of referral shops, they may claim it will take longer to get an adjuster to your shop so the repair could take longer. And they may even claim that the company will not warranty the repairs.

The truth of the matter is, all body shops have estimators that are familiar with all the major insurance companies’ claims processes and the local insurance adjusters. This makes it very efficient and easy to complete the estimate process regardless of the auto shop you choose. After all, auto repair facilities are interested in handling repairs efficiently and they typically offer warranties on their auto repairs. So, you can rest assured that if you choose your own shop, it is very unlikely there will be delays in process and, if they are a reputable shop, they will provide a warranty.

How to Use This Information

The bottom line is that you do have a choice when it comes to repairing your car after an accident. Most reputable insurance companies do leave it up to you where you would like to have repairs made and try not to pressure you into an approved list. The best way to find the right shop for you is by asking friends and family and do a little research to see who you would like to work with. The most important thing is to be comfortable with the shop doing the repairs.  If you have need of collision repair, call us 303-344-2212 or schedule an estimate appointment online.