Your Right to Choose a Body Shop Under NC Law

Under North Carolina law, you have the right to choose which collision center fixes your vehicle - NOT your insurance company. It is illegal for your insurance company to try to trick you into choosing their preferred shop over yours. 

(b1) No insurer or insurer representative shall recommend the use of a particular motor vehicle repair service without clearly informing the claimant that (i) the claimant is under no obligation to use the recommended repair service, (ii) the claimant may use the repair service of the claimant's choice(...). No insurer shall require that the insured or claimant must have a damaged vehicle repaired at an insurer‑owned motor vehicle repair service.

• You can choose any repair shop you trust.
• Insurance companies cannot force or pressure you to use a shop from their ‘preferred’ or ‘DRP’ list.
• They also cannot delay or deny your claim just because you didn’t choose their recommended shop.

"Steering" occurs when an insurance company:

• Implies your claim won’t be covered if you don’t use their shop.
• Suggests your shop will charge more or do lower quality work.
• Tries to mislead or scare you into switching shops.

A reputable shop will still provide accurate estimates, cooperate with insurers, and follow best practices for collision repairs, whether they're "preferred" by your insurer or not. 

“I am exercising my right under North Carolina General Statute 58‑3‑180 to choose my repair shop. Please communicate directly with them for any estimates or supplements.” 

If you believe your insurance company is trying to steer you, manipulate your decision, or treat you unfairly, contact North Carolina's Consumer Services Division of the Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212.