Can I Choose My Own Body Shop in Texas, or Does Insurance Pick?
Short answer: you choose. In Texas, the vehicle owner decides where the car is repaired. The Texas Insurance Code says an insurer can't limit your choice of repair shop. Its employees and adjusters also can't tell you that you must use a specific shop for the damage to be covered. That applies to claims on your own policy and to claims against the other driver's insurance.
That's the answer. The rest of this post is about what it looks like in real life, because the law is simple and the phone call with the adjuster sometimes isn't.
What I hear at the counter
It happens a lot: somebody comes into our Pinehurst shop a little nervous. Their adjuster gave them the name of a "network" shop, and they think coming to us means paying out of pocket. Usually they've already decided they want us to do the work: a neighbor sent them, or they saw our work at a car show. They just aren't sure they're allowed.
They are. And once they hear that, the conversation gets a lot easier.
What the law actually says
Two sections of the Texas Insurance Code do the work here:
- Section 1952.301 says an insurer can't directly or indirectly limit coverage by restricting your choice of repair person or facility. The same section bars it from dictating the brand, type or vendor of parts. For third-party claims, the insurer can't require the claimant to use a particular shop or particular parts.
- Section 1952.302 says the insurer, its employees and its adjusters can't tell or suggest that you must use a specific shop, including one on a preferred list, for the damage to be covered.
The Texas Department of Insurance has also told insurers that claimants must be told they have the right to choose the repair location and the parts. TDI also warned insurers that telling people they'll owe extra if they skip a preferred shop may conflict with these rules.
One honest catch: the insurer only has to pay a reasonable amount for the repair. Choosing your shop doesn't give you a blank check. But "reasonable" isn't supposed to be based only on the prices of the insurer's own preferred shops.
I'm a body shop owner, not a lawyer. If you're in a real dispute with an insurer, the Texas Department of Insurance takes complaints, and an attorney can advise you on your specific case.
So why do insurers push preferred shops?
Preferred shop programs (sometimes called DRPs) are agreements between an insurer and a shop. The shop often gets steady work. In return, it usually agrees to things like pricing, timelines and how it writes estimates. Some of those shops do great work.
The thing to understand is who the agreement is with. It's between the shop and the insurer. It's not a promise to you. When you pick your own shop, the shop's main job is fixing your car right, and that's the relationship I'd want if it were my truck.
How to use your right without a fight
This is the practical part. Most claims go smoothly if you do it this way:
- Tell the insurer early which shop you've chosen. Give them the shop's name and phone. You don't need their permission, just let them know where to send the adjuster or appraiser.
- Bring the claim number to the shop. We'll write the estimate, take photos and talk to the adjuster directly.
- Expect a supplement. Hidden damage shows up once the car is torn down. That's normal at any shop. The shop sends the extra photos and costs to the insurer for approval.
- Ask what parts were approved. New OEM, aftermarket or used: you should know before the repair starts.
- Get everything in writing. If an adjuster says you'll pay more for choosing your shop, ask them to put it in an email. People tend to get more careful once it's in writing.
What to say if an adjuster pushes back
Most adjusters are fine with it. Occasionally someone leans on you a bit: "Our shop can get you in faster," or "We can't guarantee the repair if you go elsewhere." Neither of those changes your right to choose.
Something simple works: "Thanks, I've already chosen Lefty's Auto Crafters in Pinehurst. Please send your appraiser there or let them know how you want the estimate." Then stop talking. You don't owe a reason.
On the guarantee point: the insurer's guarantee only covers repairs at its own network shops. What you want to know is what your shop guarantees. Ask about workmanship warranty and paint, and ask who you call if something isn't right a year from now.
If it still goes sideways, keep notes: dates, names, what was said. A calm written record helps far more than an angry phone call. And if you think the insurer is breaking the rules, the Texas Department of Insurance has a consumer help line and an online complaint form.
Is it always smarter to skip the preferred shop?
Not always, and I'd be lying if I said otherwise. If the preferred shop is close, does good work, and the insurer backs its repairs with a guarantee you actually want, that can be a fine choice. What matters is that it's your choice, made with the facts. Ask any shop, including us, what warranty it gives on workmanship, how it matches paint, and whether it checks safety sensors after a repair.
