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 projects around 65% of collision repairs in 2026 will need ADAS calibrations, rising to about 75% in 2027, and CCC data shows the share of repairable appraisals with a calibration rose to more than 23% by 2025, with more than a third of Q3 2025 DRP estimates including at least one calibration. This complexity is straining DRP pricing models. ADAS calibration adds about 3 to 5.5 days of cycle time on average when a vehicle needs to be calibrated, and only about 44% of shops currently have in-house ADAS capability, meaning most calibrations require sublet work that extends repair 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 national average collision repair running around $4,500 in 2026, and parts costs climbing further due to 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, tariffs are now pressuring the entire parts market. Approximately 44% of OEM collision parts used in the U.S. are manufactured overseas, and PartsTrader estimates tariffs add about $100 to the parts line of an average repair order. Collision-industry analysis of federal CPI and CCC data shows average collision parts prices rose 4.4% year-over-year in March through May 2025, accelerating to 5.0% in June and 6.6% in July 2025, with the acceleration explicitly linked to distributors' supply of pre-tariff inventory dwindling and newer, higher-cost parts coming in. 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. 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 Insurance Code, insurers may authorize aftermarket or recycled parts only if they are equal to OEM quality, and the customer must be informed in writing when non-OEM parts are used.
• West Virginia prohibits any insurance company from requiring the use of aftermarket crash parts when negotiating repairs of a motor vehicle for a period of three years on newer vehicles.
• Texas prohibits insurers from requiring specific parts; policyholders can demand OEM parts on newer vehicles.
• Utah enacted its updated crash parts law in early 2026. The bill requires insurers to clearly disclose at the time a policy is purchased whether the insurer intends to use aftermarket parts, and mandates that non-OEM parts be at least equal to OEM parts in fit, quality, performance, and warranty.
• New York implemented the 2026 NY Repair Disclosure Act. The Act requires auto body repair shops to give customers a written disclosure form listing all planned replacement crash parts, clearly classified as OEM, new aftermarket, recycled, or remanufactured, before work begins.
• Ohio is considering House Bill 636, the Auto Insurance Transparency Act, which would require collision repair estimates to clearly identify non-OEM parts, indicate OEM availability, 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 House Bill 1117, advanced in early 2026, would make it a violation for insurers to tell you that you must use a specific shop, bar them from implying your claim will not be paid in full if you choose a non-preferred shop, and require insurers to disclose any financial interest or ownership stake in the shops they recommend. Consumers under the bill would also be able to seek injunctive relief and treble damages for violations.

At the federal level, the REPAIR Act (Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act) has seen major movement in 2026. The House Energy and Commerce Committee recently passed a scaled-back version of the REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566), replacing it with right-to-repair language folded into the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 (H.R. 7389), which the committee approved by a vote of 48 to 1 on May 21, 2026. The committee-passed language codifies existing right-to-repair MOUs and gives the FTC enforcement authority, but the sponsor, Rep. Neal Dunn, has criticized the revision as a "watered-down" version that omits telematics and broader data access provisions. As of mid-2026, the bill still needs full congressional passage before becoming law.

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 insurance claims work step-by-step 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 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 and contact your state's Department of Insurance.

Understanding the damage assessment process 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

For a deeper look at how AI-driven photo estimating claims can affect your initial repair estimate, our companion resources can help you avoid common pitfalls.

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, 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 projected on around 65% of 2026 collision repairs and typically adding 3 to 5 days of cycle time when sublet, approval delays are also 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 a growing list of states (including California, New York with its 2026 Repair Disclosure Act, Utah, and Michigan) 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 national average collision repair around $4,500 in 2026 and tariff-driven parts price increases in effect, 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.