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 2025–2026 trend: ADAS calibration requirements now appear on over 31–33% of DRP estimates — up from roughly 24% the prior year — and nearly 90–92% of estimates include electronic scans. This complexity is straining DRP pricing models, as many calibration costs require supplements and adjuster approval before repair can proceed, extending timelines. Meanwhile, independent shops investing in OEM certifications and advanced ADAS calibration equipment are gaining traction for complex repairs. Learn more about ADAS calibration costs and insurance coverage 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 collision repair running approximately $4,700–$5,000 nationally in 2025 — and costs climbing further into 2026 due to 25% tariffs on imported auto parts, ADAS calibration requirements, and rising labor rates — the parts question carries real financial weight. For context on why repair costs continue to rise, see our guide on auto repair cost inflation and insurance premiums.

• 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 10–60% cheaper than OEM equivalents. However, tariffs introduced in 2025 are pressuring the entire parts market: approximately 60% of U.S. repair parts are foreign-sourced, and 25–50% cost increases from tariffs are being felt across both OEM and aftermarket supplies. This means aftermarket parts no longer represent the cost savings they once did — and fit or calibration failures can still delay repairs and drive up final costs.

Can You Demand OEM Parts?

You can request OEM parts, but whether your insurer will fully cover the cost depends on your policy. As of 2026, 35 states have regulations addressing the use of non-OEM parts in insurance claims — and 31 states require disclosure when non-OEM parts appear on your estimate. Here are some of the most significant state-level developments:

• California requires insurers to provide estimates for both OEM and aftermarket parts; consumers pay the OEM price difference if chosen.
• West Virginia mandates OEM parts for vehicles under three years old without the owner's consent.
• Texas prohibits insurers from requiring specific parts; policyholders can demand OEM parts on newer vehicles.
• Michigan requires repair shops to provide written notice when aftermarket parts are used, explicitly stating the parts are not from the original manufacturer.
• Ohio (Auto Insurance Transparency Act, proposed Dec. 2025) would require insurers to disclose non-OEM parts in estimates, inform consumers of their right to choose OEM (paying the cost difference if not covered), and mandate that OEM coverage options be offered by all insurers.

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 your collision coverage options 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 heading into 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

At the federal level, the REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act) was reintroduced in the House on February 25, 2025, with bipartisan support. The Senate version (S.1355) was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on April 8, 2025. As of early 2026, both versions remain in committee — the bill aims to guarantee vehicle owners and independent repair shops access to diagnostic data and tools, which would further strengthen consumer leverage in repair disputes. 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.

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 insurers assess car damage helps you anticipate how repair estimates are generated 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 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 more about ADAS repair costs and insurance to know what to expect.
6. Escalate if necessary. If steering persists, reference your state's anti-steering laws and contact your state's Department of Insurance. The federal REPAIR Act, if passed, may provide additional leverage in the future.

Understanding how the repair vs. total loss decision is made can also help you know when to push back on an insurer's assessment versus accepting a settlement.

Quick Reference: Your Rights at a Glance

Be sure to also review your car insurance deductible options so you understand your out-of-pocket exposure before repairs begin — especially with average collision costs now between $4,700 and $5,000 nationally. For a comprehensive look at why these costs keep rising, see our breakdown of why repair costs are driving insurance rates higher.

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 introduced or strengthened anti-steering legislation in 2025, 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 — and with ADAS calibration now required on over 31% of DRP estimates in 2025–2026, approval delays are becoming a more common frustration. 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 35 states now have regulations governing insurer use of non-OEM parts, including mandatory disclosure requirements in 31 states.

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

Document everything — write 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 — and with average collision repair costs between $4,700 and $5,000 in 2025 and rising further in 2026 due to tariffs and ADAS complexity, 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.