You’ve just had an accident on I-75, and before the tow truck even arrives, your insurance company is already messaging you directions to their “preferred” auto body shop.
They make it sound like you have no choice – but here’s what they don’t want you to know: You absolutely have the right to choose your own body shop.
Every single day, Georgia drivers are pressured into using repair shops they didn’t choose, often leading to rushed repairs, aftermarket parts, and compromised quality. Even worse, many drivers don’t discover these issues until months later, when problems start appearing, or their vehicle’s value takes a hit at trade-in time.
We’ve seen the consequences of rushed insurance-preferred repairs all too often. But there’s good news: You have more power than you might think, and we’re here to help you understand exactly what your rights are and how to protect them.
What Are Your Rights as a Georgia Driver?
Here’s something your insurance company might not tell you: Georgia law explicitly protects your right to choose your own auto body shop. You don’t have to use their preferred facility, no matter how strongly they suggest it.
Think about it this way – would you let your insurance company choose your doctor? Your mechanic? Your home contractor? Then why let them choose who repairs your vehicle?
As a leading auto body shop serving Smyrna and greater Atlanta, we regularly educate our customers about their rights under Georgia law:
- You have the legal right to choose any qualified body shop
- Insurance companies cannot require you to use specific shops
- You can’t be penalized for choosing your own auto body shop
- Your policy coverage remains the same regardless of shop choice
Common Insurance Company Tactics (And How to Handle Them)
Insurance companies have mastered the art of subtle pressure. As your local car body shop near me option, we’ve heard all the tactics they use to steer you toward their preferred shops.
Here are a few of the key tactics you want to watch for:
The “Convenience” Pitch – They’ll tell you how their preferred shop will “make everything easier.” What they don’t mention is that this convenience might come at the cost of quality repairs.
The Warranty Warning – “We can’t guarantee the work if you don’t use our shop.” Don’t fall for it. Any reputable auto body paint shop – including Atlanta Auto Collision Center – stands behind its work with solid warranties.
The Delay Tactic – “It might take longer to get an adjuster to another shop.” This is often an empty threat – they’re required to process your claim in a timely manner regardless of which shop you choose.
The Cost Concern – “Well, we can’t guarantee we’ll cover the full cost at other shops.” Remember: If your chosen auto body shop near me provides a fair market rate for repairs, your insurance company must honor it.
Why Insurance Companies Push Their Preferred Shops
Understanding the “why” behind insurance company preferences can help you make better decisions about your repairs. It often comes down to one simple factor: money.
Insurance companies typically have agreements with their preferred shops, known as Direct Repair Programs (DRPs). These usually prioritize:
- Faster repairs (which aren’t always better repairs)
- Use of aftermarket parts instead of OEM components
- Reduced labor rates
- Streamlined processes that benefit the insurance company
While these may help insurance companies control costs, they don’t always result in the best outcome for you, the vehicle owner. As a professional auto body shop in Atlanta, we’ve seen numerous cases where rushed repairs led to long-term problems.
The Advantages of Choosing Your OwnAuto Body Shop
When you choose your own trusted auto body shop near me, you’re putting quality and your best interests first.
Quality Control on Your Terms – At an independent auto body shop like Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we answer to you – not to insurance company quotas. That means we use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts when needed, and our trained technicians know how to handle both the fixes and the customer relations at every step.
Local Expertise That Matters – An auto body shop in Atlanta understands the unique challenges our local drivers face – because we drive on the same roads as you do every day!
We know how Atlanta weather impacts vehicles and the types of accidents common in the city. Plus, our direct relationships with local parts suppliers, which helps keep prices low.
Your Best Interests Come First – When you choose your own body shop near me, you get advocates who will fight for proper repairs on your behalf and will offer you all the key documentation you need to get the most of your insurance claims. Remember – local shops you trust are driven by relationship – not cutting corners.
Remember: Your Car, Your Choice
Don’t let insurance companies pressure you into using their preferred shops. You have the right to choose where your vehicle gets repaired, and that choice can make all the difference in the quality and longevity of your repairs.
At Atlanta Auto Collision Center, we’re committed to being more than just another body shop – we’re your partner in ensuring your vehicle gets the quality repairs it deserves. Our team of certified technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to customer satisfaction have made us a trusted auto body shop in Smyrna and throughout the Atlanta area.
Remember: You have the right to choose your own auto body paint shop. Exercise that right to ensure your vehicle gets the quality repairs it deserves.
Need collision repair or have questions about your rights? Contact Atlanta Auto Collision Center today! We’re here to help you understand your options and get your vehicle repaired right – the first time.
