Referred by Your Insurance to a Body Shop? Here’s Why You Should Consider a Local Collision Center Instead

If you’ve recently been in an accident, your insurance company likely referred you to a specific collision repair shop. What most drivers don’t realize is that you are not required to use the shop your insurance company recommends. In many cases, choosing a local, independent collision repair shop results in better communication, better service, and better long-term outcomes.

Why Insurance Companies Refer You to Certain Shops

Insurance companies recommend shops that are typically part of their Direct Repair Program (DRP). These shops operate under agreements that prioritize speed, standardized pricing, and internal cost controls for the insurer.

While this system benefits insurance companies, they may not always prioritize:

• Repair quality

• Long-term vehicle integrity

• Personalized customer care

Insurance referrals are built for efficiency, not necessarily for your best interest as a vehicle owner.

1. Local Shops May Provide Better Rates

Contrary to popular belief, local collision shops are often more cost-effective in the long run.

Independent shops:

• Write more accurate and complete repair estimates, reducing the chance of surprise supplements later

• Advocate for proper repair procedures, not just the cheapest allowable fix. This is especially true at shops which specialize in a specific type of vehicle.

• Are less likely to cut corners to meet insurer cost targets.

Local shops focus on doing the repair correctly the first time, which helps avoid future out-of-pocket expenses.

2. Better Customer Care

One of the biggest differences drivers notice is how they’re treated.

Local collision centers rely on:

• Reputation

• Word of mouth marketing

• Community trust

That means:

• Clear explanations of the repair process

• Helping negotiate a better deal for you

• Advocacy on your behalf when insurers push back

Franchise shops often operate on volume. Your repair becomes one of hundreds moving through a system designed for speed, not personalization or specialization.

3. You Have The Right To Choose Your Own Bodyshop

You have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired, even if your insurance company recommends a specific shop. Insurance companies may suggest preferred or network shops, but they cannot require you to use them. You are entitled to have your vehicle repaired at any licensed collision center you trust. To learn more, visit our article "Right to Choose in Texas" for more information.

What to Say to Your Insurance Adjuster

Here are some pushback or statements the insurnace providers may give you when you are trying to choose your own body shop, and some responses you can give them:

If your adjuster recommends a specific shop:

“Thank you. I’ve chosen to have my vehicle repaired at a shop of my choice. Please note that in my claim.”

If they say repairs may take longer:

“I understand. I’m comfortable with the timeline as long as the repairs are done properly.”

If they suggest you’ll pay more out of pocket:

“I’m requesting that repairs be covered according to my policy and the shop’s documented estimate.”

If they push back or repeat the recommendation:

“I appreciate the recommendation, but I’m exercising my right to choose my repair facility.”

If they say they can’t work with your shop:

“Please confirm that in writing. My understanding is that you are required to work with any licensed repair facility.”

If they question OEM parts:

“I’m requesting parts that restore my vehicle to its pre-loss condition and follow manufacturer repair guidelines.”

If you want to end the conversation cleanly:

“Please communicate directly with the repair shop regarding estimates and supplements.”

What Now?

Insurance referrals are designed for convenience, not necessarily quality or advocacy. Choosing a local, independent collision repair shop often results in better service, better communication, and better long-term outcomes. If you need help on your insurance process, let our team help. Send us a message to get started.