Short answer: In the states below, your insurer can't force you to use a particular repair shop. California bars insurers from requiring a specific shop and limits when they can recommend one, Minnesota bars limiting your choice in collision cases, Washington requires good-faith dealings with the shop you pick, Kentucky protects your choice for glass claims, Nevada requires insurers to tell you about your right to choose a licensed shop, and Montana bars steering and incentives.
Picking your own shop doesn't mean the insurer must pay any price. Payment still follows your policy and the reasonable cost of repair.
The table
| State | Rule | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Insurers can't require repairs at a specific shop, and can recommend one only if you ask or were told in writing you can choose | If you accept the insurer's recommended shop, it must restore the car to pre-loss condition at no extra cost beyond your policy terms, and give you a written notice of your right to choose within 5 calendar days | Cal. Ins. Code §758.5 |
| Kentucky | For glass claims, you can't be required to use a particular glass repair shop to get paid | Insurers may still explain coverage and keep a network of glass shops | KRS 304.20-060(3) |
| Louisiana | When paying a claim, insurers can't require auto repairs, including glass repair or replacement, at a particular place, shop or company | If an insurer recommends a shop or network it must tell you you don't have to use it, and it can't intimidate, coerce or threaten you into one. The commissioner can fine $1,000 for a first offense, rising to $5,000 for repeat offenses within 12 months | La. R.S. 22:1892(D) |
| Minnesota | In collision cases, insurers can't limit your freedom to choose the shop, require a drive-in claim center, or use boycotts, intimidation or coercion in negotiating repairs | They also can't require a particular parts vendor, or adjust a shop's appraisal in a dispute without physically inspecting the car | Minn. Stat. §72B.092 |
| Montana | Insurers, producers and adjusters can't require a particular body shop for an estimate or repair, or intimidate, coerce, threaten or offer incentives to use one | You choose the shop at your sole discretion, and the insurer pays the reasonable and necessary cost for covered damage less the deductible, but not more than the market price; giving you a list of shops on request isn't an inducement | Mont. Code Ann. §33-18-224 |
| Nevada | You may have repairs made at the licensed body shop of your choice, and the insurer must tell you this when first contacted about the claim | Insurers can't require one licensed shop over another or knowingly steer you to an unlicensed one; they don't have to pay more than the reasonable rate under the policy | NRS §690B.016 |
| Oregon | Insurers can't require a particular shop as a condition of paying your claim. Before recommending one, the adjuster must tell you Oregon law lets you pick any repair shop | If you choose another shop, the insurer can't limit the cost of repairs needed to restore safety, function and appearance except as the policy or law allows. If you accept its recommended shop, it must send you a written statement within 3 business days. If it breaks these rules you can sue for actual damages or $100 per violation, whichever is greater | ORS 746.280, 746.300 |
| Texas | Unless commissioner rules allow it, an auto policy can't limit coverage by restricting your choice of repair person or facility, or by specifying the brand, type, age or source of parts | Insurers and adjusters can't tell you that you must use a specific or 'preferred' shop, can't take referral fees, and can't make you travel an unreasonable distance. You must get notice of these rights when you present the car for a claim | Tex. Ins. Code §§1952.301–.305 |
| Washington | Insurers must make a good faith effort to communicate with the repair facility you choose, and can't arbitrarily deny your shop's estimate | Denying an estimate based only on the shop's hourly rate is arbitrary if it doesn't raise overall repair cost; paying less than your shop's estimate requires disclosing the reasons | WAC 284-30-390 |
| Wisconsin | Insurers can't require repairs at a particular contractor or repair facility as a condition of coverage; you have the right to pick your shop | Insurers also can't delay investigating or concluding a repair claim based on which shop you use. Glass claims fall under a separate rule that also bars requiring a particular vendor or location | Wis. Stat. §§ 632.375, 632.37 |
We list only states where we read the official text ourselves in October 2026. A state that is missing is not covered here; check that state's statute or insurance department.
Tips for a smoother repair claim
- Get a written estimate from the shop you choose and send it to the insurer.
- Ask how differences will be handled if the insurer's estimate is lower.
- Ask about parts (OEM or aftermarket) and the repair warranty.
- Keep copies of every estimate, supplement and invoice.
See also total loss valuation rules by state and zero-deductible auto glass laws.
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Methodology
Each row was read from the official source linked in the Source column in October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. See also the state insurance rules hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can my insurer make me use its body shop?
Not in the states in this table. California, Minnesota and Washington protect your choice of repair shop, and Kentucky does for glass claims.
Can my insurer recommend a shop in California?
Only if you ask for a referral or were told in writing that you can choose. If you accept, it must restore the car at no extra cost beyond your policy terms.
Will the insurer pay whatever my shop charges?
Not necessarily. Payment follows your policy and reasonable repair cost. In Washington, if the insurer pays less than your shop's estimate, it must explain why.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. Not legal, tax or financial advice, and not a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.