Does Your Insurance Company Get to Pick Your Auto Body Repair Shop? Know Your Rights

After a collision, it's common for an insurance adjuster to suggest a specific auto body repair shop, sometimes strongly. Many drivers assume they have to go along with it. In New York, that's not the case. State insurance law gives you the right to choose your own repair facility, and understanding that right can save you time, stress, and a repair you're not comfortable with. Here's what New York drivers should know before agreeing to any shop an insurer recommends.

What Is "Steering" and Why Insurers Do It

Insurance companies often work with a network of preferred shops under Direct Repair Programs, which can help simplify billing and communication. Some adjusters push customers toward these network shops using phrases like "our approved shop" or "we recommend." This practice is known as steering, and while a Direct Repair Program shop isn't automatically a bad choice, you should never feel pressured into one you haven't researched yourself.

New York Law: You Choose Your Auto Body Repair Shop

Under New York Insurance Law Section 2610, part of what's commonly called Regulation 64, an insurance company cannot require that repairs be made at a particular place or repair shop. The choice belongs to you. If you request it, your insurer must also inspect your vehicle at the location or shop you choose, rather than requiring you to bring it to a drive-in claims center first.

Your Rights During the Appraisal Process

New York regulations also set timeframes insurers must follow. Once properly notified, an insurer generally has six business days to inspect your vehicle. If a technician finds additional damage after the vehicle is partly disassembled, the insurer typically has two business days to re-inspect. Your chosen shop can negotiate the repair estimate directly with the insurance company on your behalf, so you don't have to handle those back-and-forth conversations yourself.

State regulations also address the quality of parts used in your repair. When an insurer specifies aftermarket or non-OEM parts, those parts must be warranted to at least the same extent as original equipment parts. If your vehicle is declared a total loss instead of repaired, you're typically entitled to a written evaluation and a 30-day window to question the insurer's settlement offer. Knowing these details ahead of time can make the claims process feel far less overwhelming.

What to Do If Your Insurer Pressures You Toward a Shop

If an adjuster implies you must use a specific shop, you can politely point to your right to choose under state law and ask for that in writing if needed. Keep notes of who you spoke with and what was said, along with dates and claim numbers. You're also not required to get multiple estimates before choosing a shop, though some drivers prefer to compare a couple of options for peace of mind. If a disagreement over repair cost can't be resolved through negotiation, your insurer is required to send you a formal notice explaining your options going forward.

Choosing a Certified Shop for Your Repair

Certifications matter more than they used to, especially for vehicles with advanced safety systems or manufacturer-specific repair procedures. A Tesla-Certified Collision Center, for example, follows repair processes approved by the manufacturer, which matters for owners who want their vehicle's structure and safety systems handled correctly. Spectrum Auto Inc. is an I-CAR Gold Class certified facility with I-CAR Platinum-certified technicians and more than 30 years of experience serving West Nyack, Montrose, and Wurtsboro.

Whichever shop you choose, ask about their certifications, their experience with your vehicle's make, and how they communicate updates during the repair. Keep in mind that any estimate, from any shop, may change once hidden damage is identified during teardown.

Want a second opinion on your estimate? Spectrum Auto Inc.'s repair advisors are available to walk you through the process and coordinate with your insurer. Find a Tesla-Approved Repair Center or contact your nearest Spectrum Auto Inc. location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Insurance Company Force Me to Use Their Preferred Auto Body Repair Shop?

No. Under New York law, an insurer cannot require you to have your vehicle repaired at a specific location or repair shop. The choice is yours.

What Is Steering, and Is It Legal?

Steering is when an insurer pressures a customer toward a preferred shop. Requiring a specific shop is not permitted under New York insurance regulations, though insurers can still recommend options.

Do I Have to Get Multiple Repair Estimates?

No, New York law does not require you to obtain more than one estimate before choosing a repair shop.

How Long Does an Insurer Have to Inspect My Vehicle?

Generally six business days after proper notification, with an additional two business days to re-inspect if new damage is found once the vehicle is disassembled.

What Should I Look for in a Repair Shop After an Accident?

Look for relevant certifications, such as I-CAR training or manufacturer-specific approval, along with clear communication about the repair timeline and process.