Can you choose your own auto body shop when you go through insurance?

After a car accident, you're likely overwhelmed with decisions. One of the most common questions we hear at Tucson Auto Collision Center is: "Do I have to go to the shop my insurance company recommends?" The short answer? No—you don’t. Even if your insurance carrier suggests a specific auto body shop, you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired.

At Tucson Auto Collision Center, we are proud to be a Direct Repair Program (DRP) shop for several major insurance carriers, which means we’re trusted to handle claims efficiently and professionally. But even if we’re not in your insurer’s DRP network, you can still choose us—or any other shop you trust—for your repairs.

Let’s walk through what this really means for you, and how to make the best decision when it comes to collision repair.

A Direct Repair Program is an arrangement between insurance companies and specific auto body shops. When a shop is part of a DRP network, it means that the insurer trusts that shop to provide fast estimates, consistent pricing, and reliable communication. At Tucson Auto Collision Center, we’ve earned that trust with several insurance companies by consistently delivering top-tier service, accurate repairs, and honest communication.

But here’s the important part: you are not required to use a DRP shop. Even though these partnerships exist, insurance companies cannot legally force you to choose one of their preferred shops.

In Arizona—and most states—you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop, no matter what your insurance company says. Insurance companies are required to honor your decision and work with the repair facility you select.

Unfortunately, many drivers are misled by insurance representatives or claims adjusters who imply that using a non-DRP shop could cause delays, increase out-of-pocket costs, or impact the warranty of the repairs. These tactics are referred to as steering, and they can be confusing and frustrating for consumers.

MYTH: “You have to use one of our preferred shops.”

FACT: False. You can choose any licensed auto body shop, including Tucson Auto Collision Center—even if we’re not listed by your specific carrier.

MYTH: “It’ll take longer if you don’t use our shop.”

FACT: Not true. While DRP shops can process paperwork quickly, experienced non-DRP shops (like ours) are also fully equipped to work with any insurance company and keep things moving efficiently.

MYTH: “We can’t guarantee the work if you choose your own shop.”

FACT: Repair warranties come from the repair shop, not the insurer. At Tucson Auto Collision Center, we stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on all repairs, no matter who your insurer is.

There are some advantages to choosing a DRP shop—and we’re proud to be one for several carriers. These benefits often include:

• Faster claims processing
• Simplified communication between shop and insurer
• Streamlined estimates and approvals

If your insurer partners with Tucson Auto Collision Center, that’s great—we’re ready to handle everything from start to finish. But again, the choice is always yours.

Sometimes, your priorities go beyond convenience. You might want to select a shop based on:

• Trust and reputation
• Use of OEM parts vs. aftermarket
• Technician expertise
• Warranty and quality assurance

At Tucson Auto Collision Center, we’re committed to restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition or better, regardless of which insurance company is involved. We work for you, not just your insurer, and we never cut corners.

Whether or not we’re a DRP shop for your insurer, we make the process easy:

Free Estimate: Bring your vehicle to us—we’ll assess the damage and provide a detailed repair plan.

Claim Handling: We communicate directly with your insurance adjuster, handle all documentation, and advocate for the repairs your car truly needs.

Expert Repairs: Our certified technicians complete the work using high-quality parts and proven repair techniques.

Warranty & Satisfaction: We back our work with a lifetime warranty on repairs, giving you total peace of mind.

We’re more than just a DRP shop—we’re a locally owned and operated business serving the Tucson community with honesty and integrity. With years of experience, highly trained technicians, and state-of-the-art equipment, we take pride in delivering repairs you can rely on.

Whether you're dealing with a major collision or minor cosmetic damage, we’re here to help every step of the way—from working with your insurer to getting you back on the road.

Yes—you can absolutely choose your own auto body shop when going through insurance. Arizona law protects that right, and no insurance company can require you to go to a specific repair facility.

At Tucson Auto Collision Center, we’re proud to be a DRP shop for several insurance carriers—but even if we’re not on your insurer’s list, we’d be honored to help you. Our job is to make sure your vehicle is repaired properly, safely, and to the highest standard—not to rush through repairs to save the insurance company money.

Need Collision Repairs in Tucson? Let’s Get Started

If you’ve recently been in an accident and want a team that works with you and your insurance provider, call or visit Tucson Auto Collision Center today.

📍 Conveniently located in Tucson, AZ

📞 Call us for a free estimate or to speak with a repair advisor

💻 Or request a quote online and upload photos of your damage

Let us take the stress out of the process. Your car. Your choice. Your peace of mind.