One of the most common questions we hear from someone involved in an accident is, “Can I choose my own body shop?” The answer is a definitive, “Yes!”
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When dealing with insurance companies after a collision, you have the right to choose your body shop. In fact, insurance companies are not legally allowed to tell customers which body shop to use.
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Even so, some insurance companies attempt to steer you in the direction of a specific repair shop. They are careful with their words, so as not to conflict with legal regulations, but their goal is to scare you into thinking you won’t be paid for your claim if you don’t take your vehicle to the shop of their choosing.
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There are several reasons behind this practice. For example, the insurance company may have an ownership stake in their recommended repair shop. Other insurance companies pay their employees a bonus when they convince the customer to use a certain body shop.
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No matter the circumstance, it’s important to remember the answer to “Can I choose my own body shop” is always YES. You have a legal right to choose your collision center and there are several factors to consider when making that choice, such as where the shop buys replacement parts. Knoxville Motor Company BodyWerks uses only 100% original manufacturer parts. We highly recommend working with an OEM-certified collision center.
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We work with most insurance companies!

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Choosing Your Collision Center: Things to Know

• You have a legal right to choose where to have your vehicle towed and repaired.
• You only need to get one estimate to determine the amount of damage.
• Review your car insurance policy, paying close attention to car rental coverage.
• Verify that your insurance company will pay for all covered repairs.
• Don't be hasty when choosing your repair shop. Your future safety is on the line.
• Insurance companies must meet certain deadlines during the claims process.
• Be persistent in getting answers to all of your questions.