Can I Choose the Repair Shop for My Car After a Crash?

When you need to make repairs to your car, or simply bring it in for regular maintenance, you want to take it to a mechanic you can trust. However, after an accident, you may feel pressure to take your car to a repair shop recommended by the insurance company.

Unfortunately, many crash victims are unsure of their rights and may make uninformed decisions that are not in their best interests. Below, learn more about choosing a repair shop after a car crash.

If you have questions about recovering compensation after a car crash, call Peter T. Nicholl Law Offices to schedule a free consultation. Our firm has helped numerous crash victims recover compensation for their injuries and damages.

Taking Your Car in for Repairs

The bottom line on this issue is this: no insurance company can require you to take your car to a certain place for repairs. The decision on where to take your car is completely up to you. You can take your car to a shop recommended by the insurance company, or you can go somewhere else.

You should also know you are not required to get more than one estimate on the cost of repairing your vehicle. However, you may want to do this to be sure you are not being overcharged and all the repairs are being taken care of.

Advantages of Taking the Insurance Company’s Recommendation

The insurance company is likely to recommend certain shops. While you are not required to take these recommendations, it is important to note there may be some advantages.

For example, taking your car to one of these places could help speed up the process. That means you may get your car back much sooner. You will not need to take your car to multiple places and wait for estimates.

There is likely going to be much less paperwork. Much of this can be taken care of by the insurance company.

If there are problems with your car after the claim has concluded, you should be able to take it back to the same repair shop and much of the cost should be covered.

There may be discounts involved in taking your car to the shop recommended by the insurance company. If additional costs come up while the repair shop is doing work, they may be taken care of by the insurance company. If you choose a repair shop on your own, you may be responsible for these additional costs.

Even if your insurance policy includes rental car coverage, it may only last a few days. If your car is in the shop for longer, you may need to pay for it out of your own pocket. However, when you are working with an approved shop, the insurance company may work with you to extend rental car coverage so you can avoid additional costs.

Even though there may be advantages to using an insurance company approved repair shop, your main concern should be finding a shop that will do good work. You need to be sure your car will be safe to drive and not need more repairs after the claims process has concluded.

Benefits of Choosing Your Own Shop

While working with the insurance company’s approved repair shop has its advantages, there are also advantages to choosing your own. You may have taken your car somewhere once already and developed a relationship with a mechanic you trust. This can give you peace of mind that the work they do will be satisfactory.

In some cases, the approved repair shop may be a long distance from your house. It may make more sense to choose another repair shop to save yourself travel time.

You may also want to take your car to a shop that was recommended by a friend or family member. Maybe you know someone else who had a positive experience with a repair shop and you saw they did quality work.

Need Help After an Accident? Call Today to Schedule a Free Consultation

The Maryland auto accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl offer a free, no-obligation legal consultation to discuss your options after an accident. You may be eligible to seek compensation for the damages you suffered.

There are no upfront fees for our services, which means no risk to you. Our attorneys operate on contingency and are not paid unless you get paid.

Our licensed attorneys are here to help. Phone: 410-907-3957.