Insurance Companies Cannot Force You to Use Their Preferred or “Network” Facilities.

You Have The Legal Right to Choose Your Own Repair Shop—Insurance Companies Cannot Force You to Use Their Preferred or “Network” Facilities.

California Law Protects Your Choice

California Insurance Code Section 758.5 is clear and consumer-friendly:

- No insurer shall require that an automobile be repaired at a specific automotive repair dealer.

- An insurer may suggest or recommend a shop only if you expressly request a referral or after you have been informed in writing of your right to select the shop yourself.

- Once you have chosen a shop, the insurer generally cannot keep pushing you toward a different one.

- If you choose your own shop, the insurer cannot limit or discount the reasonable cost of repairs based on what its preferred shop would have charged.

California also has an Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights that reinforces your right to select the shop. Insurers must often provide written notice of this right when they recommend a facility.

Most States Follow the Same Principle

While exact wording varies, the vast majority of states (often cited as more than 40, with sources indicating protection in all 50) prohibit insurers from forcing policyholders to use a specific repair shop. Anti-steering laws or regulations typically bar requiring, pressuring, coercing, or threatening reduced coverage or delays if you choose an independent or non-network shop. Insurers can recommend preferred shops and evaluate whether costs are “reasonable,” but they cannot make shop choice a condition of coverage.

Examples of strong protections exist in states such as Texas, New York, Oregon, Minnesota, and New Jersey, among others. Always check your specific state insurance department for the precise rules, but the core right—you choose the licensed shop—is widespread.

Why Insurers Push Preferred Shops

Preferred or Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops have agreements with insurers on labor rates, parts (often aftermarket or recycled), processes, and billing. This helps insurers control costs and streamline claims. Convenience (faster adjuster access, sometimes lifetime guarantees through the insurer) is often highlighted. However, these benefits do not override your legal right to go elsewhere. Choosing your own shop does not void coverage or automatically mean you pay more out of pocket for covered, reasonable repairs—your deductible still applies as usual.

Special Note on Auto Glass Claims and Safelite

Many (often most) auto glass claims are processed through Safelite Solutions, an affiliate of Safelite AutoGlass that administers glass programs for a large number of insurance companies (reports cite 150+ or more, including major carriers). When you file a glass claim, the process frequently routes you into Safelite’s system, which can automatically assign or strongly direct the work to Safelite repair locations or partners.

This does not mean you must use Safelite. The same right to choose applies to glass repairs and replacements. You can select an independent auto glass shop. Independent providers often handle the claim paperwork, direct billing, and any needed ADAS recalibration on your behalf so the process stays smooth. Be prepared to clearly state your preferred provider and, if needed, push past default routing in the insurer’s or Safelite’s system.

Practical Tips

- Tell the adjuster early and clearly which licensed shop you want to use.

- Get everything in writing if there is any pushback about coverage, delays, or costs.

- Independent shops can usually write the estimate, document damage with photos, and work directly with the insurer on supplements.

- Your insurer still owes the reasonable cost to restore the vehicle to its pre-loss condition (subject to your policy limits, deductible, and coverage type).

- If you encounter illegal steering (pressure, threats of reduced coverage, or misrepresentations), document it and consider contacting your state Department of Insurance.

Bottom line

Whether for body work or glass, the choice of repair facility belongs to you. California law (and the rules in most states) makes this explicit. Preferred networks and third-party administrators like Safelite are common industry tools for efficiency, but they are recommendations—not requirements. Knowing your rights helps you pick the shop you trust for quality workmanship rather than the one that happens to have the closest business relationship with the insurer.

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