Can My Insurance Company Tell Me Where to Get My Car Repaired in Texas?
After an accident, most drivers get a call or letter from their insurance company recommending a specific repair shop — sometimes called a "preferred shop" or part of a "direct repair program." It can feel like an instruction. It isn't.
Texas Law Gives You the Right to Choose
In Texas, your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific body shop. The Texas Department of Insurance is clear on this: insurers may suggest shops, but the final decision belongs to the vehicle owner. If an adjuster tells you that you must use their preferred shop or risk losing coverage, that's not accurate — and worth pushing back on.
Why Insurance Companies Have Preferred Shops
Direct repair programs exist because they're convenient for insurers — not necessarily because the shops are the best option for you. Shops in these programs agree to certain pricing structures and turnaround expectations in exchange for the referral volume. That's not inherently bad, but it means the shop's relationship with the insurer is part of the equation — and that can affect decisions like whether to repair or replace a part, and which parts are used.
What Happens If You Choose Your Own Shop
When you choose a shop outside your insurer's preferred network, the repair process works the same way — the shop writes an estimate, submits it to your insurance company, and the two work out any differences. A reputable shop handles this regularly and knows how to work with adjusters directly so you don't have to.
The main thing to watch: some insurers may initially write a lower estimate based on aftermarket or non-OEM parts. A good shop will negotiate on your behalf for the parts and repair methods that meet manufacturer standards.
What to Tell Your Insurance Company
Simply let them know you'll be using Excellence Auto Collision. Give them our name, address, and phone number — we'll handle the rest.
📍 13181 Harmon Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76177
📞 (682) 250-3045
🌐 Get a free estimate at excellenceautodfw.com
