After a car accident, many drivers wonder whether they must use the body shop recommended by their insurance company. While insurers often have preferred repair facilities—known as direct repair program (DRP) partners—the choice of where to have your car repaired is ultimately yours. You have the right to select any licensed collision repair facility you trust, whether it’s an independent shop or a dealership-affiliated center.
Insurance-recommended or “preferred” body shops are part of agreements between insurers and repair facilities designed to streamline the claims process and control costs. These partnerships can be convenient, but they don’t necessarily guarantee the best results for every driver.
Key facts about insurance-preferred shops:
While these arrangements can help speed up repairs, they sometimes prioritize cost savings over the use of genuine parts or manufacturer-approved procedures.
Insurance carriers typically recommend their network shops for several practical reasons:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Quality Control | Insurers partner with shops that meet established standards, often verified through certifications such as I-CAR Gold Class. |
| Cost Management | Network agreements lock in labor and parts rates, helping insurers predict and control claim costs. |
| Faster Turnaround | Preferred shops often have direct communication lines with insurance adjusters, reducing repair delays. |
For policyholders, this can mean hassle-free claims, repair guarantees, and sometimes loaner vehicles while their car is being serviced. However, the trade-off can include less flexibility and the possibility of non-OEM parts being used.
Despite the convenience, some drivers prefer to choose their own repair shop for reasons such as:
Depending on your state, consumer protection laws may explicitly affirm your right to choose your repair facility. For example, California Insurance Code prohibits insurance companies from requiring policyholders to use a specific shop.
Whether you follow your insurer’s recommendation or choose independently, consider these important factors before committing:
The I-CAR Gold Class® designation is the collision repair industry’s leading recognition of professional training and expertise. Gold Class shops commit to ongoing education in structural repair, refinishing, electronics, and safety systems—ensuring that vehicles are repaired according to current manufacturer standards.
Benefits of Choosing a Gold Class Shop:
By choosing a Gold Class shop, you help ensure repairs are performed safely and correctly, protecting your vehicle’s value and performance.
For luxury and performance vehicles such as Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, manufacturer-certified collision repair centers provide the highest assurance of quality and precision. These facilities meet strict standards for repair procedures, equipment calibration, and technician training to restore vehicles to exact factory specifications.
Benefits of Manufacturer Certification:
While estimates at manufacturer-certified centers may differ from insurance-network shops, the investment helps preserve your vehicle’s performance, warranty, safety systems, and long-term resale value — ensuring your Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Mercedes, or BMW is repaired to the highest possible standard.
Before approving repairs, review your insurance policy carefully:
Knowing your policy terms ensures that you can make informed decisions if an accident occurs.
Accidents can be stressful, but being prepared makes the aftermath easier. Keep a printed accident documentation form in your glovebox to record details, photos, and witness information. Always contact your insurer promptly and document all communications about your claim and repair options.
While insurance companies often recommend certain repair facilities, the final choice is always yours. Choosing a shop that prioritizes OEM parts, certified technicians, and transparent communication can make a lasting difference in your car’s safety, appearance, and performance after an accident.
Whether you prefer a Gold Class-certified independent shop or a manufacturer-approved center like a BMW Certified Collision Repair Center, select a facility that aligns with your standards—not just your insurer’s network list.