What Happens If My Insurance Wants Me to Use Their Preferred Shop?

After a collision, emotions run high. You’re shaken, you’re dealing with claims paperwork — and before you can even take a breath, they says: “We recommend one of our insurance’s preferred body shops. They’ll take good care of you.” Sounds helpful, right? ¡Not so fast! That “recommendation” can sometimes cross the line into steering, which is illegal in Florida.

Under Florida Statute §626.9743, you have the absolute right to choose any licensed collision repair facility you trust — regardless of what your insurance company says. No insurer can require you to use a particular shop, delay your claim, or threaten reduced coverage if you don’t choose their “preferred” partner.

At db Orlando Collision West, we believe knowledge is protection. This article explains what’s really behind the “preferred shop” system, how to protect your rights, and why independent, OEM-certified facilities like ours exist to work for you — not your insurer.

What Is a “Preferred” or “Direct Repair” Shop?

Most major insurance companies maintain a Direct Repair Program (DRP) — a network of body shops that agree to certain pricing, parts, and repair procedures in exchange for a steady stream of referrals.

On the surface, it sounds convenient. But beneath that convenience lies a conflict of interest: the insurer’s financial goals versus your vehicle’s structural safety.

Here’s the reality:
When a repair shop is contractually tied to an insurer, they are required to follow insurer guidelines — not necessarily the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) repair standards that ensure crashworthiness and warranty protection.

Why “Insurance’s Preferred Shop” Doesn’t Always Mean “Best”

Insurance-preferred shops often:

• Agree to reduced labor rates or parts markups
• Accept non-OEM or recycled parts to lower claim costs
• Skip manufacturer-required scans, calibrations, or structural verifications
• Are monitored by insurer field reps who influence repair decisions

While these practices help insurers save money, they can compromise your vehicle’s safety, performance, and value.

At db Orlando Collision West, we follow a different rulebook — the one written by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Florida Law Protects You from Insurance Steering

Here’s what Florida Statute §626.9743(3) actually says:

“An insurer may not require that a claimant or insured utilize a particular company or location for the provision of automobile glass repair services or for the repair of motor vehicles.”

In plain English:

• You have the right to select your own repair shop.
• Your insurer cannot delay your claim or payment because you chose a non-network facility.
• They must handle your claim fairly and promptly, even if you select a shop outside their “preferred” list.

If an adjuster says things like:

• “We can’t guarantee the work if you go elsewhere.”
• “You’ll have to pay the difference.”
• “That shop is hard to work with.”

…those are red flags of steering — and they’re unlawful under Florida consumer protection standards.

Insurance’s Preferred Shop vs. OEM-Certified Shops

Here’s a side-by-side comparison that exposes what insurers won’t tell you:

Our refusal to join insurer networks is intentional. It allows us to prioritize safety, precision, and transparency — not cost containment.

The Hidden Risks of Letting Insurers Choose Your Shop

1. Compromised Structural Integrity

Cut-rate estimates may exclude frame straightening, weld testing, or corrosion prevention. These omissions can cause your car to fail in a second collision.

2. Non-OEM Parts and Voided Warranties

Aftermarket parts can invalidate manufacturer warranties or fail crash testing. Our OEM repair process ensures compliance with automaker specifications.

3. Improper ADAS Calibration

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — like lane departure and collision avoidance — require precise recalibration. Insurer-driven shops sometimes skip these procedures to save hours of labor.

4. Delayed Discoveries After “Fast Fixes”

Low-cost shops focus on speed, not depth. Many vehicles brought to db Orlando Collision West after insurer-referred repairs show hidden structural issues missed the first time.

What to Do If You’re Being Steered

• Stay Calm, but Firm.
  Thank your adjuster for the suggestion — but politely remind them Florida law gives you the right to choose your shop.
• Document Everything.
  Keep records of texts, emails, and call notes. If you suspect pressure tactics, written proof matters.
• Choose a Certified, Independent Shop.
  Look for OEM and I-CAR Gold Class certifications, not just insurer approval stickers.
• Call db Orlando Collision West.
  We’ll walk you through your rights and communicate directly with your insurer to ensure the process stays fair and lawful.
  
  

What Happens When You Choose Your Own Shop

When you select db Orlando Collision West:

• We perform a full blueprint and digital scan to identify all damage.
• We handle all communication and documentation with your insurer.
• We provide photo updates throughout your repair.
• You receive a written lifetime warranty on paint and structural work.
• You leave with a vehicle repaired to manufacturer safety standards, not insurance minimums.
  
  Our role is to protect you, not your insurance company’s financial interest.

The Truth About “Hard to Work With”

If your insurance adjuster ever says a shop like ours is “hard to work with,” here’s what that really means:

• We question their repair decisions.
• We require proper OEM documentation.
• We refuse to cut corners.

It’s not friction — it’s accountability. And that’s what true advocacy looks like.

Your Legal and Safety Rights in Florida

To summarize, under Florida Statute §626.9743:

• You can choose any licensed repair facility.
• Your insurer cannot delay or deny payment based on your choice.
• Your insurer must handle the claim promptly and fairly.
• You have the right to one accurate, comprehensive estimate.

At db Orlando Collision West, we ensure every customer fully understands these rights — because an informed customer is an empowered one.

Why We Stand Independent

Our founder, Drew Bryant, started db Orlando Collision after experiencing an unsafe, insurer-influenced repair himself. That moment became his mission: to make sure no other driver suffers the same fate.

Today, db Orlando Collision West stands as one of the most advanced and transparent facilities in Florida — backed by manyOEM certifications, I-CAR Gold Class training, and a state-of-the-art 33,000 sq. ft. repair center.

We are not beholden to any insurer. We’re beholden to you — your safety, your vehicle, your rights.

FAQs: About Insurance “Preferred” Shops

1. Can my insurance company force me to use their preferred body shop?

No. Florida law (Statute §626.9743) prohibits insurers from requiring you to use a specific shop. You can choose any licensed facility.

2. Will my insurance cover the cost if I choose my own repair shop?

Yes. Your claim payment is based on your policy coverage, not the shop you choose. Insurers must pay for proper repairs regardless of network status.

3. What’s the risk of using the insurance’s preferred body shop?

Preferred shops often follow insurer cost guidelines that may conflict with OEM repair procedures, leading to unsafe shortcuts or voided warranties.

4. Does db Orlando Collision West work with my insurance company?

Yes. We coordinate directly with all insurers while ensuring your vehicle is repaired by manufacturer standards — not insurer convenience.

You Have the Right to a Safe Repair

Insurance companies may have their preferred partners. But at db Orlando Collision West, we believe you deserve to have a preferred advocate.

We work for you, not your insurer. Every estimate, every weld, every calibration is done with one priority: your safety.

Call (407) 436-6500 or use our Estimate Tool to start your repair plan today.

Because in the end, it’s your vehicle, your rights, and your family — and we’ll protect all three.