Your Right to Choose a Repair Shop After an Insurance Claim

Understanding Your Right to Choose a Repair Shop

After a car accident, one of the most stressful decisions you'll face is figuring out where to get your vehicle repaired. Many drivers assume their insurance company gets to make that call, but that's simply not true. In most U.S. states, you have a legal right to choose any licensed repair shop you want, and your insurer cannot force you to use their preferred facility.

That said, insurance companies have built entire networks of "preferred" repair shops, and they'll often push hard for you to use them. Understanding how these programs work, what your rights are, and how to stand your ground can make a significant difference in both the quality of your repair and your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about how insurers assess damage so you know exactly what to expect before repairs begin.

What Is a Direct Repair Program (DRP)?

A Direct Repair Program (DRP) is a partnership between an auto insurer and a network of pre-approved collision repair shops. These shops agree to meet insurer standards (including training, equipment, and certifications like I-CAR or ASE) in exchange for a steady stream of customer referrals from the insurance company.

In a DRP arrangement, the shop handles estimates, communicates directly with the insurer, and can often begin repairs without waiting for an adjuster to visit. The billing goes straight to the insurance company, reducing paperwork for the customer.

A notable 2026 trend: Caliber Insights reports that over 65% of collision repairs now require some form of ADAS calibration as we enter 2026, with projections rising to roughly 75% in 2027. Meanwhile, CCC's Crash Course data shows the proportion of DRP estimates that include at least one calibration reached 35.6% in Q3 2025, up from 26.9% the year before, and the Q3 2025 DRP-level share climbed to 33% per CCC. Independent Revv benchmark data suggests actual need is closer to 61% of repairs, revealing a 25-point gap between what vehicles require and what many DRP estimates capture. This complexity is straining DRP pricing models, and because many shops still sublet calibration work, timelines routinely stretch further. Independent shops investing in OEM certifications and advanced ADAS calibration equipment are gaining traction for complex repairs, while insurers are also rationalizing their DRP networks in favor of fewer, higher-capability partners. Learn more about how ADAS affects your insurance rates and claims and read our ADAS calibration coverage guide to understand how these requirements affect your claim.

DRP Shop vs. Independent Shop: Side-by-Side

OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: What's at Stake

One of the most significant (and often overlooked) issues in auto repair claims is which parts get used to fix your car. This decision can impact your vehicle's safety, resale value, and manufacturer warranty. With the average total cost of repair now around $4,818 in 2026 (up 1.7% over 2024), and parts costs pressured by tariffs and ADAS calibration requirements, the parts question carries real financial weight. Learn more about the claim reimbursement process so you understand where your money actually goes.

• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle's manufacturer and match factory specifications exactly.
• Aftermarket parts are produced by independent manufacturers, typically at a lower cost, but with potential variations in fit, quality, and performance.

Insurers almost always prefer aftermarket parts because they cost less, typically 10 to 60 percent cheaper than OEM equivalents. However, the 25% Section 232 tariff on imported auto parts (in effect since May 3, 2025 and still active through 2026 with periodic inclusion windows expanding the covered parts list) is now compressing that gap. Industry data shows OEM parts costs are already running 15% to 35% above 2019 levels, and tariffs continue to add pressure to the parts line of an average repair order. Enlyte's 2026 Envision Trends Report also shows that ADAS calibrations now appear on 34.7% of all collision repair estimates, nearly tripling the 12.1% share recorded in 2022, with each calibration adding an average of $688 to a repairable claim. CCC's data pegs the average calibration fee itself closer to $485.56, with scan fees stabilizing around $150. For a deeper dive on parts choices, see our OEM parts coverage guide.

Can You Demand OEM Parts?

You can request OEM parts, but whether your insurer will fully cover the cost depends on your policy and state law. Multiple states require insurers or shops to disclose in writing when non-OEM parts are used and to identify those parts on the estimate. Here are some of the most significant state-level developments heading into mid-2026:

• California requires insurers to provide estimates for both OEM and aftermarket parts. Under California Business and Professions Code § 9875.1, no insurer may require the use of non-OEM aftermarket crash parts unless the consumer is advised in a written estimate of that use before repairs are made. Insurers may authorize aftermarket or recycled parts only if they are equal to OEM quality, come with a written warranty, and the customer is informed in writing.
• Utah enacted H.B. 119, signed March 18, 2026. Repair rules took effect May 6, 2026, and starting October 1, 2026, insurers must notify policyholders in writing at both policy issuance and renewal that aftermarket crash parts may be used in a covered loss, with every written repair estimate clearly identifying any non-OEM aftermarket parts.
• West Virginia prohibits any insurance company from requiring the use of aftermarket crash parts on newer vehicles for a set period after the vehicle's model year.
• Texas prohibits insurers from requiring specific parts; policyholders can demand OEM parts on newer vehicles.
• New York requires shops to disclose in writing when non-OEM parts are used, with proposed 2026 legislation seeking to expand upfront disclosure before repairs begin.
• Louisiana introduced legislation in April 2026 that would prohibit insurers from offering incentives to use preferred repair shops and require written consumer consent before non-OEM parts are installed.
• Ohio is still considering House Bill 636, the Auto Insurance Transparency Act, which remains in the House Insurance Committee as of early 2026. It would require collision repair estimates to clearly identify non-OEM parts and inform consumers of their choice.

If your policy doesn't include an OEM endorsement, you may need to pay the difference between aftermarket and OEM pricing out of pocket. Understanding how claims work step by step is a great place to start when evaluating whether an OEM endorsement makes sense for your vehicle.

Repair Shop Steering: Know When It's Illegal

Insurance steering occurs when an insurance company pressures, discourages, or manipulates a policyholder into using a specific repair shop, typically one in their DRP network. This practice is illegal in many states, and legislative activity continues to expand consumer protections through 2026.

Red Flags of Illegal Steering

Watch out for these tactics from insurance adjusters or representatives:

• "We can't guarantee the repairs if you don't use our shop."
• "Your claim might be delayed if you go elsewhere."
• "Non-preferred shops will cost you more out of pocket."
• "We can only write an estimate for our preferred facility."

None of these statements are typically true, and in many states, making them is illegal.

States With Explicit Anti-Steering Protections

Georgia's HB 1117, introduced in February 2026, requires that even liability-only motor vehicle insurance policies allow claimants to choose their own repair facility and prohibits insurers from requiring the use of a shop in which the insurer has a financial interest. The bill also mandates that if an insurer recommends a shop, it must clearly tell the claimant that using that shop is not required, that the claimant can choose another facility, and that the claim will still be paid. It further requires repair shops to be allowed to follow applicable OEM repair procedures, with insurers approving necessary labor, parts, and calibrations when properly supported by the shop's estimate.

At the federal level, the REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act) has seen significant procedural movement in 2026, but no law has passed. On February 10, 2026, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade advanced H.R. 1566 by voice vote to the full committee. Then on May 21, 2026, the full House Energy and Commerce Committee set aside the REPAIR Act's full text and adopted a narrower right-to-repair title inside H.R. 7389, the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026, by a 48-1 vote. The committee-passed language codifies existing right-to-repair MOUs and gives the FTC enforcement authority, but industry critics have called the revision a "watered-down" version that omits telematics and broader data access provisions. As of August 2026, H.R. 7389 is expected to be attached to the surface transportation reauthorization bill with a September 30, 2026 deadline, while the Senate companion (S. 1379) remains in the Commerce Committee.

Even in states without a specific anti-steering statute, most insurance regulators prohibit deceptive steering practices. If you believe you've been steered, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. Learn more about how to file a supplemental claim if steering is delaying your payment or hiding additional damage.

How to Navigate Shop Selection With Your Insurer

Knowing your rights is one thing, exercising them confidently is another. Here's how to take control of the repair process from the moment you file your claim.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Own Shop

1. Review your policy first. Look for language about repair shop choice, preferred networks, and parts coverage. Understanding how car insurance claims work helps you anticipate the full process before work begins.
2. Notify your insurer before repairs begin. Always inform your insurance company of your chosen shop before work starts, as required by most policies.
3. Get at least two independent estimates. Obtain quotes from two or three certified shops of your choosing, not insurer-recommended ones. These serve as leverage and help you identify a lowball adjuster's estimate.
4. Ask your shop to reference OEM repair procedures. When submitting estimates and supplements, shops backed by manufacturer repair guidelines carry more weight in disputes.
5. Challenge lowball estimates in writing. If the insurer's estimate is insufficient, submit a formal supplement with supporting documentation from your chosen shop. This is especially important as ADAS sensors, cameras, and other modern systems routinely add hidden costs that only surface mid-repair. Learn how photo estimating and AI can miss key details.
6. Escalate if necessary. If steering persists, reference your state's anti-steering laws, dispute the decision formally, and contact your state's Department of Insurance. You may also want to explore the insurance appraisal clause when disputes come down to dollar amounts.

Quick Reference: Your Rights at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my insurance company force me to use their repair shop?

No. In the vast majority of U.S. states, you have the legal right to choose any licensed repair shop for your vehicle. Insurance companies can recommend preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use them. If you feel pressured or misled, that may constitute illegal "steering," which you can report to your state's Department of Insurance. Multiple states advanced anti-steering legislation in 2025 and 2026 (including Georgia HB 1117, Louisiana's April 2026 Senate bill, and Delaware's June 2026 expansion), reflecting growing recognition of this issue.

What is a Direct Repair Program (DRP) and should I use one?

A DRP is a network of repair shops that have pre-negotiated agreements with your insurance company. They offer convenience benefits like faster approvals, direct billing, and workmanship warranties. However, DRP shops may use cheaper aftermarket parts and follow insurer-set pricing guidelines that can limit repair quality. With ADAS calibration on 35.6% of DRP estimates and over 65% of all collision repairs now needing it in 2026, approval delays and calibration supplements are becoming more common. Weigh the convenience against the level of control you want over your repair outcome.

Will using aftermarket parts void my car's warranty?

Not automatically. Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because aftermarket parts were used in a repair. However, if an aftermarket part is shown to directly cause a mechanical failure, that specific claim may be disputed. For newer vehicles, requesting OEM parts is generally the safer choice, and a growing list of states (including California, Utah under H.B. 119, and New York) now require insurers or shops to disclose in writing when non-OEM parts are used.

What should I do if I think my insurer is steering me to a preferred shop?

Document everything by writing down dates, names, and exact statements made by the adjuster. Ask the insurer to put any shop recommendations in writing. Review your state's anti-steering laws, and if the behavior appears illegal, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance. You may also want to consult an attorney if the situation escalates or your claim is being unreasonably delayed.

Can I negotiate with my insurance company over repair costs?

Yes, and you should. Insurance estimates are often a starting point, not the final word. With the average total cost of repair now around $4,818 in 2026 and the 25% Section 232 tariff still pushing parts prices higher, the difference between a low estimate and a fair one can be substantial. Get independent estimates from certified shops, reference OEM repair procedures, and submit supplements with documented justification. Avoid signing any release or waiver until all repairs are completed to your satisfaction.