Can I choose any body shop to repair my car?
You can choose any body shop to repair your car, but choosing a preferred repair shop can make your insurance claim go smoother. All insurance companies have a preferred repair shop list. Contact your insurance company to learn which repair shops are on their list.
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Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jun 27, 2023
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Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jun 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Did you know you could choose anybody shop to repair your vehicle after an accident? Most states allow drivers to determine which body shop they want to fix their car.
However, some insurance companies may recommend repair shops from their preferred car repair list. But, is the preferred list a better option? Do not worry — we are here to help. Our guide explains the pros and cons of using a car insurance company’s preferred body shop list.
Can I choose any body shop to repair my car?
Yes, you can. Insurance companies are flexible and allow you to choose the body repair shop after an accident. However, they usually have a list of body repair shops you can choose from.
Choosing from an auto insurance company’s preferred body shop list makes paperwork easier, but there are risks. So, let’s explore what a preferred body shop is in the insurance industry.
What is a preferred repair shop?
A preferred repair or body shop is a car repair shop partnered with your insurance company to handle your damage costs after you have filed a claim. Preferred repair shops are convenient for drivers who do not want to go through the hassle of finding the perfect body shop to fix repairs.
Preferred car repair shops can bill your insurance company, and you will not have to make out-of-pocket payments. Also, you can get repair estimates approved much faster.
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Why should you use your insurance company’s preferred repair shop list to repair your car?
Choosing the right repair shop to handle your damaged vehicle is an anxiety-inducing process. However, an insurance company with a preferred repair shop list makes the claims process more manageable.
Here are three reasons why you should use your car insurance company’s preferred repair shop list:
- You can get service faster. Your insurance company sends all paperwork and payments to the body shop.
- Insurance companies provide a lifetime warranty. If repairs are faulty, the insurance company can guarantee a warranty.
- The body shop has a network. Repair shops with an established network can provide service anywhere in the United States.
You skip several steps by going with a repair shop on an insurance company’s preferred list. Yet, there are some drawbacks to using the preferred body shop list.
Why should you not use your insurance company’s preferred repair shop list?
Using a body shop from your auto insurance company’s preferred repair shop list takes away some of your options. For example, your insurance company could choose the most cost-efficient option to repair your car instead of the most reliable.
If you do not ask your insurance company for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, they may ask the repair shop to use aftermarket parts. Sometimes, aftermarket parts are cheaper, but they could be less effective than the original manufacturer’s parts.
You can always request that your insurance company use OEM parts during repairs, but the best repair shops always recommend OEM parts if they are available.
Why should you choose your own repair shop to repair your car?
If you choose the repair shop, you will have more control over what parts are used. Here are three reasons why you should choose a body shop yourself:
- You can ensure OEM parts are used. If you do not want aftermarket parts used in repairs, you can request OEM parts for the repair instead.
- You do not have to wait for the insurance company. You do not have to wait for the insurance company to send the payment to the mechanic.
- Drivers can negotiate a lower price. You can negotiate cheaper repair costs with a body shop.
More control over how your vehicle is repaired can remove any worries about aftermarket parts or how much was paid to the repair shop. Unfortunately, there are some pitfalls to finding a repair shop yourself.
Why should you not choose a repair shop?
The downsides to finding a repair shop yourself are higher costs after an approved estimate and securing the right repair quote that the insurance company agrees with. For example, an insurance company may approve your estimate and send a check to cover the cost.
But what happens if the repair shop says you need more repairs? You will need to talk to your claim adjuster all over again to cover the cost of damage.
If you are curious about how to file claims, check out our article on filing a car insurance claim at your insurance company.
What’s the average cost of car repairs?
The cost of repairs after an accident varies. It is difficult to pinpoint a dollar amount, but we researched for you and found rough estimates of repair costs for damaged vehicles.
Estimates for Car Repair Damage
| Damaged Parts | Repair Costs |
|---|---|
| Car Bumper (Front) Damage | $300 to $1,500+ |
| Car Windshield Damage | $250 to $1,000+ |
| Car Bumper (Rear) Damage | $300 to $1,500+ |
| Car Paint Damage | $500 to $2,500+ |
| Car Door Damage | $75 to $1,000+ |
The extent of the damage, the cost of parts, and the repair shop itself determine the overall cost of vehicle repairs. You can locate the most affordable quotes by comparing as many estimates as possible.
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How do car insurance companies cover damage to your vehicle?
Auto insurance companies cover damaged vehicles through liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. However, each coverage pays for damage differently. Here’s how your car is covered by insurance:
- Liability coverage. Your liability insurance will not cover damage to your car, but an at-fault driver’s liability car insurance will pay for your damaged vehicle.
- Collision coverage. Your car insurance company will cover damage costs regardless of fault in an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage. Your insurance company covers any damage to your vehicle that doesn’t involve a collision, such as fire damage, vehicle theft, storm damage, or any other damage from unforeseen incidents.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Your insurance company covers the cost of damage if a driver does not have insurance or does not have enough on their insurance limits to pay for your car’s damage expenses.
If you have full coverage insurance, you will have these coverages on your policy. Liability-only insurance will not give you the benefits of collision, comprehensive, or UM/UIM coverage.
Full coverage auto insurance comes with a deductible, which is a fee you will have to pay before an insurance company moves a claim forward. Raising your deductible can produce more affordable car insurance rates, but lowering your deductible has the opposite effect.
How much is full coverage car insurance?
Full coverage auto insurance is $94 a month on average. However, full coverage insurance rates vary for each state. Let’s look at the latest averages.
Average Monthly Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Type
| States | Average Monthly Liability Rates | Average Monthly Collision Rates | Average Monthly Comprehensive Rates | Average Monthly Full Coverage Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $39 | $30 | $14 | $83 |
| Alaska | $47 | $31 | $12 | $91 |
| Arizona | $50 | $26 | $17 | $92 |
| Arkansas | $37 | $30 | $18 | $85 |
| California | $47 | $38 | $8 | $93 |
| Colorado | $52 | $26 | $20 | $98 |
| Connecticut | $62 | $33 | $11 | $106 |
| Delaware | $71 | $28 | $11 | $110 |
| District of Columbia | $61 | $42 | $19 | $122 |
| Florida | $79 | $28 | $11 | $118 |
| Georgia | $60 | $32 | $14 | $106 |
| Hawaii | $39 | $28 | $9 | $76 |
| Idaho | $33 | $21 | $11 | $65 |
| Illinois | $41 | $28 | $11 | $80 |
| Indiana | $35 | $23 | $11 | $69 |
| Iowa | $28 | $20 | $17 | $65 |
| Kansas | $33 | $23 | $22 | $78 |
| Kentucky | $48 | $25 | $13 | $86 |
| Louisiana | $77 | $38 | $20 | $135 |
| Maine | $31 | $24 | $9 | $63 |
| Maryland | $58 | $33 | $13 | $104 |
| Massachusetts | $53 | $35 | $12 | $100 |
| Michigan | $74 | $38 | $13 | $126 |
| Minnesota | $40 | $21 | $17 | $78 |
| Mississippi | $42 | $30 | $19 | $91 |
| Missouri | $40 | $25 | $17 | $82 |
| Montana | $35 | $23 | $22 | $80 |
| Nebraska | $34 | $22 | $21 | $76 |
| Nevada | $68 | $28 | $10 | $106 |
| New Hampshire | $35 | $27 | $10 | $72 |
| New Jersey | $77 | $34 | $11 | $121 |
| New Mexico | $46 | $25 | $16 | $87 |
| New York | $73 | $36 | $15 | $124 |
| North Carolina | $31 | $27 | $11 | $69 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $22 | $21 | $68 |
| Ohio | $36 | $24 | $11 | $71 |
| Oklahoma | $41 | $28 | $21 | $90 |
| Oregon | $55 | $22 | $8 | $85 |
| Pennsylvania | $44 | $30 | $13 | $88 |
| Rhode Island | $71 | $38 | $11 | $121 |
| South Carolina | $53 | $25 | $16 | $94 |
| South Dakota | $27 | $19 | $25 | $72 |
| Tennessee | $38 | $28 | $13 | $79 |
| Texas | $51 | $35 | $20 | $106 |
| Utah | $47 | $24 | $10 | $81 |
| Vermont | $31 | $27 | $12 | $69 |
| Virginia | $39 | $25 | $12 | $76 |
| Washington | $55 | $25 | $9 | $89 |
| West Virginia | $43 | $29 | $18 | $89 |
| Wisconsin | $34 | $20 | $13 | $67 |
| Wyoming | $29 | $24 | $24 | $78 |
| *National Average | $50 | $30 | $13 | $94 |
Is your state cheaper than average? Your damaged vehicle is covered from various angles under full coverage auto insurance. You cannot activate full coverage after an accident if it is not part of your policy.
Therefore, you will need full coverage insurance before an accident if you want to cover the cost of damage to your car regardless of fault. Also, full coverage eliminates expensive out-of-pocket costs at repair shops.
Case Studies: Choosing a Body Shop for Car Repairs
Case Study 1: John’s Preferred Repair Shop Experience
John recently got into an accident and needed to repair his car. He decided to choose a repair shop from his insurance company’s preferred repair shop list. He found a nearby shop that was partnered with his insurer.
The repair process was smooth, as the shop was familiar with the insurance company’s procedures and requirements. John didn’t have to worry about paperwork or payment arrangements, as the shop directly billed his insurance company. The repairs were completed efficiently, and John was satisfied with the results.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Non-Preferred Repair Shop Experience
Sarah, on the other hand, opted to choose her own repair shop instead of using her insurance company’s preferred list. She wanted to have more control over the repair process and ensure the use of specific parts. Sarah did thorough research and found a reputable repair shop with positive customer reviews.
However, when she submitted the repair estimate to her insurance company, they raised concerns about the costs and requested additional quotes. This resulted in delays and prolonged negotiations between Sarah, the repair shop, and the insurance company. Eventually, the repairs were approved, but the process took longer than expected.
Case Study 3: Mark’s Decision to Use OEM Parts
Mark had a damaged bumper and wanted to ensure that his car was repaired with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. He decided to choose his own repair shop, emphasizing the use of OEM parts in the repair process. Mark’s insurance company initially suggested using aftermarket parts to reduce costs, but Mark insisted on OEM parts for quality and safety reasons.
Although he had to navigate conversations with his insurance company and negotiate the repair quote, Mark was satisfied with his decision in the end. The repair shop followed his specifications and used OEM parts, resulting in a high-quality repair job.
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The Bottom Line
Most insurance companies give you the option to choose a body or repair shop. However, if you choose a repair shop, the insurance company may require two to three estimates before approving your request.
The claim process is more straightforward if you pick a repair shop from the preferred list. Your car insurance company has accounts with body shops on their preferred list, so paperwork and payments can move faster for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose any body shop to repair my car?
Yes, you have the right to choose any body shop to repair your car. However, if you have insurance, your policy may have restrictions or requirements on which body shops are covered or recommended. Be sure to check your policy before making a decision.
What is a preferred repair shop?
A preferred repair or body shop is a car repair shop partnered with your insurance company to handle your damage costs after you have filed a claim.
Why should you use your insurance company’s preferred repair shop list to repair your car?
There are three main reasons to use your insurance company’s preferred repair shop list: (1) you can get service faster, (2) insurance companies provide a lifetime warranty, and (3) the body shop has a network.
Why should you not use your insurance company’s preferred repair shop list?
Using a body shop from your auto insurance company’s preferred repair shop list takes away some of your options. For example, your insurance company could choose the most cost-efficient option to repair your car instead of the most reliable.
Why should you choose your own repair shop to repair your car?
Choosing your own repair shop gives you more control over what parts are used, you do not have to wait for the insurance company, and you can negotiate a lower price.
Why should you not choose a repair shop?
The downsides to finding a repair shop yourself are higher costs after an approved estimate and securing the right repair quote that the insurance company agrees with.
What’s the average cost of car repairs?
The cost of repairs after an accident varies. It is difficult to pinpoint a dollar amount, but the rough estimates of repair costs for damaged vehicles are as follows: car bumper (front) damage $300 to $1,500+, car windshield damage $250 to $1,000+, car bumper (rear) damage $300 to $1,500+, car paint damage $500 to $2,500+, and car door damage $75 to $1,000+.
How do car insurance companies cover damage to your vehicle?
Auto insurance companies cover damaged vehicles through liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. However, each coverage pays for damage differently.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Ty Stewart
Licensed Insurance Agent
Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as an insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simpl...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.