Do I Have to Use the Body Shop Recommended by the Insurance Company?

Your car is damaged, and you’ve just gotten off the phone with the insurance adjuster. They were helpful and efficient, and they’ve given you the name and address of their “preferred network” auto body shop in the Tacoma area. They might have said that using this shop will be faster, easier, and that the work will be guaranteed. It sounds convenient, and you’re eager to get your car fixed. So, you should just take it there, right?

Not necessarily. This is a critical moment in your property damage claim where you have a choice to make, and it’s important to know that the choice is yours.

The direct answer to the question is: NO. In Washington State, you are not legally required to use the body shop recommended by the insurance company.¹ You have the absolute right to have your vehicle repaired at any licensed repair facility you choose, whether it’s your original car dealership, a trusted local mechanic, or another independent shop.²

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• You Have the Right to Choose: Washington State law protects your right to choose your own auto body repair shop.³ An insurance company cannot legally require you to use their preferred shop.⁴
  
   
   
• Why Insurers “Recommend” Shops: Insurers have networks of “Direct Repair Program” (DRP) shops.⁵ These shops agree to meet the insurer’s pricing and procedural guidelines in exchange for a steady stream of referrals.⁶
  
   
   
• Pros of a Network Shop: The process can be faster and more streamlined, as the shop and insurer have a pre-existing relationship.⁷ The insurer usually guarantees the work.
  
   
• Cons of a Network Shop: A DRP shop’s primary relationship is with the insurance company, not you.⁸ There can be pressure to use cheaper, aftermarket parts or to cut corners to stay within the insurer’s budget.⁹
  
   
   
• The Insurance Company Still Pays: If you choose an independent shop, the insurer is still legally obligated to work with that shop and pay for all reasonable and necessary repairs covered by your policy.

Understanding “Direct Repair Programs” (DRP)

Why is the insurance company pushing a specific shop? It’s because that shop is part of their Direct Repair Program (DRP). DRPs are contracts between insurers and body shops.¹⁰ In exchange for the insurer sending them a high volume of business, the body shop agrees to certain terms, which often include streamlined estimating procedures, standardized labor rates, and sometimes, a commitment to using aftermarket (non-OEM) parts to keep costs down.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it can make the process very efficient. But it’s crucial to understand that the shop’s primary business relationship is with the insurance company that sends them dozens of cars a month, not with you.

The Pros and Cons: Network Shop vs. Your Own Independent Shop

Using the Insurer’s “Preferred” Shop:

• Pros: Often a faster, “one-stop-shop” experience. The estimate, approval, and payment process is quick because of the pre-existing agreement. The insurer typically guarantees the quality of the repairs.¹¹
  
   
• Cons: Potential for a conflict of interest. The shop may feel pressure from the insurer to keep costs as low as possible, which could lead to the use of cheaper parts or rushed labor.¹²
  
   

Using Your Own Independent Shop:

• Pros: You get to work with a mechanic you already know and trust. An independent shop’s loyalty is to you, their customer. They will advocate on your behalf to ensure the insurance company pays for proper repairs using quality parts (like Original Equipment Manufacturer – OEM parts).
• Cons: The process might be slightly slower. Your chosen shop will need to submit an estimate to the insurance company and negotiate the cost of repairs, which can take extra time.

What the Law Says in Washington State

Washington State law is firmly on your side in this matter. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) that governs unfair insurance practices explicitly prohibits “steering.” This means an insurer cannot:

• Require you to use a specific shop.
• Force you to travel an unreasonable distance to get an estimate.

If you choose your own shop and their estimate is higher than the insurer’s, the insurer cannot refuse to pay. They are obligated to negotiate with your shop in good faith to arrive at a reasonable and fair price for proper repairs.

Ultimately, your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets. You have the right to decide who performs the critical work of restoring its safety and value after an accident. Whether you choose the convenience of a network shop or the trusted advocacy of your own mechanic, the decision is yours alone.

If you are in a dispute with an insurance company over repairs or feel you are being unfairly pressured to use a specific shop in the Tacoma area, an attorney can help protect your rights.¹³ Search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma to find a trusted local professional who can ensure your property damage claim is handled fairly.

References

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) – Auto body repairs:

  The official consumer guide from the OIC, which clearly states, “It’s your choice where you have your vehicle repaired.”

  https://www.insurance.wa.gov/your-rights-when-it-comes-auto-body-repairs

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC 284-30-390) – Unfair property/casualty claims settlement practices:

  The official state regulation that defines unfair practices, including prohibiting insurers from requiring a customer to use a specific repair shop.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=284-30-390