My insurance company recommended another shop, can I still have my vehicle repaired by you?
Yes. Some insurance companies own collision repair shops or have an incentive to refer work to a specific shop. However, your vehicle is a large investment and you have a legal right to decide where it will be repaired after an accident.
Under Oregon law, you have the absolute right to choose your own auto body repair shop; insurers cannot require you to use a specific shop. Insurers must cover repairs to pre-loss condition but may use aftermarket parts and are not responsible for quality if you choose a shop outside their network.
Key Oregon Auto Repair and Insurance Laws
- Right to Choose: ORS 746.280 prohibits insurers from forcing you to use a specific repair shop.
- Insurer Steering: Insurance companies cannot require you to use their preferred shop, even if they claim it is faster or cheaper.
- Repair Quality: If you use an insurer-recommended shop, they are responsible for the repair quality. If you choose your own, they are not.
- Parts Usage: Insurers can opt for aftermarket or recycled parts to save on costs, provided they are of similar quality regarding fit, finish, and safety.
- Estimates and Invoices: Shops must provide a written estimate upon request and cannot exceed that estimate without your consent. Invoices must detail all parts used, including whether they are new, used, or aftermarket.
- Diminished Value: You may be entitled to recover the loss of your car’s value after a collision, even if it is repaired.
What Insurers Cannot Do
- Refuse to pay for repairs simply because you didn’t use their recommended shop.
- Steer you to a specific shop.
- Force you to use a shop that does not return the car to its pre-loss condition.
