Can I Choose My Own Body Shop After an Accident in Ohio?

Why Did My Insurance Company Recommend a Particular Body Shop?

Insurance companies may have repair networks, programs or established processes with certain repair facilities. These arrangements can vary by insurer and by policy, and the reasons for recommending a particular shop may include things like established estimate procedures, agreed-upon labor rates or prior working relationships.

A recommendation from your insurance company is a starting point, not necessarily a final decision. The recommendation and your decision about where to seek repairs are separate considerations. It's reasonable to ask your insurer questions about how the claims process will work with the facility you're considering.

What If I Already Have a Body Shop I Want to Use?

If you have a repair facility in mind, you can tell your insurance company which shop you're considering and ask how the claims and estimate process will work with that facility. Your insurer can explain how they handle estimates, what documentation they need, and what the next steps look like.

Coverage, deductibles, labor rates, parts decisions and other claim details can depend on your specific policy and the circumstances of the claim. It's worth having a clear conversation with your insurer before repairs begin so you understand what to expect.

Will Insurance Still Pay If I Use a Different Body Shop?

Payment and coverage depend on the applicable policy, the claim, the estimate and the repair circumstances. Policies vary, and what an insurer will pay — and under what conditions — is determined by your individual policy terms.

If you're unsure about coverage or how your claim will be handled at a particular repair facility, ask your insurer directly before authorizing repairs. Getting clear answers to those questions upfront can help avoid surprises later.

What If the Body Shop Estimate Is Different From the Insurance Estimate?

It's not unusual for an insurer's initial estimate and a repair facility's estimate to differ. Initial estimates are typically based on visible damage, and additional damage may sometimes become apparent once disassembly begins and technicians can see what's behind panels and components.

When that happens, the repair facility may submit what's generally called a supplement — additional documentation or an estimate submitted when additional necessary repair operations or damage are identified after the initial estimate. How supplements are handled depends on the insurer and the policy.

Supplement approval is not guaranteed, and the process can vary. We'll cover collision repair supplements in greater detail in a future resource.

What Does Ohio Say About Insurance Estimates and Repair Shops?

Ohio Administrative Code Rule 3901-1-54 establishes standards for automobile insurance claim settlements in Ohio. Some relevant points from that rule include:

• When a partial automobile loss is being settled using an insurer-prepared written estimate, the insurer must provide the claimant a copy of the estimate on which the proposed settlement is based.
• The rule addresses situations where necessary repairs are claimed to exceed the insurer's written estimate.
• The rule also addresses circumstances in which an insurer elects to repair and designates a specific repair shop.
• An insurer may not require a claimant to travel an unreasonable distance to obtain a repair estimate or have the automobile repaired at a specific repair shop.

These are general points from the rule as written. This article provides educational information only — for questions about your specific policy or claim, contact your insurer or a qualified professional.

What About OEM, Aftermarket and Salvage Parts?

Repair estimates may involve different types of replacement parts, and it's useful to understand the basic distinctions.

OEM parts are parts made by or for the vehicle manufacturer — the same source as the original components on your vehicle.

Non-OEM aftermarket crash parts are replacement exterior crash parts that are not made by or for the vehicle manufacturer. These are produced by third-party manufacturers.

Salvage or recycled parts are previously used vehicle parts that may be sourced for certain repairs.

Ohio Revised Code §1345.81 contains specific requirements concerning non-OEM aftermarket crash parts. When a written repair estimate is based in whole or in part on non-OEM aftermarket crash parts, Ohio law requires those parts to be clearly identified in the written estimate and requires a disclosure concerning the applicable parts warranty.

Ohio law does not require OEM parts for every repair, and aftermarket parts are a standard part of the industry. If you have questions about the parts included in your estimate, ask the repair facility or your insurer to explain.

What Should I Look for When Choosing a Collision Repair Shop?

When evaluating a collision repair facility, consider the following:

• Clear communication — does the shop explain the repair plan and answer your questions in plain language?
• A written estimate or explanation of the repair plan before work begins.
• Experience with the type of collision damage your vehicle has sustained.
• Frame and structural repair capabilities, if your vehicle may have sustained structural damage.
• Automotive paint and refinishing capabilities, so the repaired areas can be matched to the rest of the vehicle.
• Willingness to explain repair procedures and the types of parts included in the estimate.
• Clear communication about how insurance estimates and supplements are handled if additional damage is found.
• A shop where you feel comfortable asking questions throughout the repair process.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Body Shop

Before authorizing repairs, it's reasonable to ask the repair facility:

• What repairs does my vehicle appear to need based on the visible damage?
• Could additional damage be discovered after disassembly begins?
• How will I be contacted if the repair plan changes or additional damage is found?
• What types of replacement parts are included in the estimate?
• How are insurance supplements handled if additional repairs are identified?
• Who should I contact if I have questions during the repair?

If your accident involved hitting a deer, you may also find our guide on what to do after hitting a deer in Ohio useful for the immediate steps after the collision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my insurance company recommend a body shop in Ohio?

Yes. Insurance companies may have repair networks or established processes with certain facilities and may recommend shops to policyholders. A recommendation is a starting point — you can ask your insurer questions about how the claims process will work with the facility you're considering before making a decision.

What if I want to use a different body shop?

You can tell your insurance company which repair facility you're considering and ask how the claims and estimate process will work with that shop. Coverage, deductibles, labor rates and other claim details depend on your specific policy and circumstances, so it's worth clarifying those details with your insurer before repairs begin.

Will I have to pay more if I choose my own body shop?

It depends on your policy and the circumstances of the claim. What an insurer will pay — and under what conditions — is determined by your individual policy terms. Ask your insurer directly how your claim will be handled at the facility you're considering before authorizing repairs.

What if more damage is found after repairs begin?

Additional damage sometimes becomes apparent once disassembly begins. When that happens, the repair facility may submit a supplement — additional documentation or an estimate for the newly identified repairs. Whether and how a supplement is approved depends on the insurer and the policy.

Can an insurance estimate include aftermarket parts in Ohio?

Yes. Aftermarket crash parts are commonly used in repair estimates. Under Ohio Revised Code §1345.81, when a written repair estimate is based in whole or in part on non-OEM aftermarket crash parts, those parts must be clearly identified in the written estimate and a disclosure about the applicable parts warranty is required.

What should I ask a body shop before authorizing collision repairs?

Useful questions include: What repairs does the vehicle appear to need? Could additional damage be found after disassembly? How will I be notified if the repair plan changes? What types of parts are in the estimate? How are insurance supplements handled? Who do I contact with questions during the repair?