Can You Choose Your Own Body Shop in California?

The short answer is yes

The California Department of Insurance says an insurance company cannot require an automobile to be repaired at a specific shop. The state’s Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights also says a consumer may obtain an independent estimate from a registered auto body repair shop while pursuing an insurance claim.

A recommendation is not a requirement

The Department of Insurance consumer guide explains when an insurer may recommend a repair shop, including written notice of the consumer’s right to select a shop. You can ask whether a suggested facility is optional and tell the adjuster which shop you selected.

Shop choice does not rewrite the policy

The right to choose a shop does not by itself decide coverage, the deductible, rental or towing benefits, whether a vehicle is a total loss, or whether every proposed charge will be paid. Those questions depend on the policy, the documented loss, and the insurer’s claim decision. Ask for coverage and payment questions in writing.

Know what you are authorizing

California repair rules require an estimate before repair work and customer authorization for the specific job. Additional repairs or charges require a revised work order and additional authorization before that work begins. An insurer’s payment decision and the owner’s authorization to repair are related, but they are not the same approval.

Questions to ask before repair begins

• Is the repair facility registered with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair?
• Which damage is documented now, and could a tear down reveal additional conditions?
• How are new OEM, non-OEM aftermarket, used, rebuilt, or reconditioned parts identified?
• Who will communicate with the adjuster if the repair plan changes?
• What deductible or other customer-responsible amount is known?
• What towing, storage, and rental coverage has the insurer confirmed?

Keep the complete document trail

Save the insurer estimate, shop estimate, signed authorization, revised work orders, parts descriptions, claim messages, and final invoice. Questions about claim handling can be directed to the California Department of Insurance; questions about repair documentation or performance can be directed to the Bureau of Automotive Repair.