It's Your Car. It's Your Choice. — Your Right to Choose Your Body Shop in NJ

After an accident, your insurance company will probably "recommend" a repair shop from their network and make it sound like you have to go there.

Why does the insurance company push their shop so hard?

Insurers run "Direct Repair Programs" — networks of shops that agree to discounted rates and cheaper parts in exchange for referrals. Every car steered into the network saves the insurance company money. Those savings don't go to you — and can come out of your repair as aftermarket parts and cost-cutting methods. Pressuring you into their shop is called steering, and it usually sounds like:

• "If you go somewhere else, we can't guarantee the work." — The warranty comes from the body shop, not the insurer. Ours is a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
• "Your claim will take longer at that shop." — Your insurer must handle your claim promptly at any licensed shop.
• "That shop is out of network." — You pay your deductible either way; the insurer covers approved repairs at the shop you choose.

The fine print, honestly: NJ regulations (N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.3) require the insurer to make all reasonable efforts to reach an agreed price with the shop you selected. That negotiation is our job, not yours.

What to say to your adjuster

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