Your Right to Choose Your Own Body Shop in Florida

If you've been in an accident and your insurance company is telling you to use their "preferred" or "recommended" body shop, you need to know this: under Florida law, you have the absolute right to choose any licensed repair shop you want. Your insurance company cannot require, pressure, or steer you to use their shop — and if they try, they may be violating Florida insurance regulations.

What the Law Says

Florida Statute 626.9743 specifically prohibits insurance companies from requiring that repairs be made at a specific repair shop. The insurance company must pay for proper repairs regardless of which shop you choose. They cannot reduce your claim amount because you didn't use their preferred facility.

Why Insurance Companies Push "Preferred" Shops

Insurance-preferred shops (also called DRP — Direct Repair Program shops) have agreements with insurance companies. These agreements often include caps on labor rates, requirements to use aftermarket or used parts, limitations on repair procedures, and guaranteed fast cycle times. Translation: the shop agrees to fix your car as cheaply and quickly as possible in exchange for a steady flow of referrals from the insurance company. The shop works for the insurance company's interests — not yours.

Why Choosing Your Own Shop Matters

When you choose an independent shop like Total Care Collision, we work for YOU. We don't have agreements with insurance companies that limit how we repair your car. We fight for OEM parts when they're warranted. We document hidden damage and file supplements. We don't rush repairs to meet an insurance company's cycle time targets. And we provide a lifetime warranty because we control the quality of every repair.

What to Say to Your Insurance Company

If your insurance adjuster pressures you to use their shop, you can say: "I'm exercising my right under Florida Statute 626.9743 to choose my own repair facility. I've selected Total Care Collision in Pompano Beach. Please send the adjuster to their location for the inspection."

Common Insurance Steering Tactics

"We can't guarantee the work if you don't use our shop." — False. Your insurance covers proper repairs regardless of shop choice.

"It will take longer if you use your own shop." — Not necessarily. And even if it does, a quality repair is worth the time.

"We won't pay that shop's labor rate." — They are legally required to pay for reasonable and customary repairs.

If you feel you're being steered, you can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Frequently Asked Questions