Posted By Legal Team|
September 5 2025 |Car Accidents
Car repairs are a pressing concern after a car accident in St. Petersburg, Florida. You will need to get repair estimates and hire a mechanic to do the work. While you are legally allowed to choose your own mechanic, insurance companies may prefer or incentivize you to use one of theirs instead. The decision you make can impact the subsequent process and overall outcome.
Your Right to Choose Your Own Repair Shop
According to Florida Statute 626.9743, you have the right to choose your own mechanic, or choose one from the insurance company’s preferred list. Regardless of which one you choose, the damages to your vehicle must be appraised to determine how much they will cost. A mechanic will also assess whether or not the car is totaled, which can impact the outcome of your claim.
Choosing Your Own Repair Shop versus the Insurance Company’s Preferred List
The pros and cons of using your own mechanic versus one of the insurance company’s preferred mechanics are important to consider when making your decision. You may trade quality work for a streamlined process. Below is a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make the right decision for you.
Using a Repair Shop of Your Choice
When you use a repair shop of your choice, you have the advantage of using a mechanic you know and trust. They are familiar with the history of your vehicle and the condition it was in prior to the accident. You may also be able to rest easier knowing that quality work will be performed.
Despite these benefits, it may be harder to get your repairs covered. You will likely need to obtain several repair estimates and then get them approved by the insurance company. During this stage, you may act as a middleman between the insurance company and repair shop relaying information between the two. This, and potential resistance from the insurance company, may cause delays in processing and securing a repair shop.
Using the Insurance Company’s Repair Shop
The benefits of using the insurance company’s approved mechanics can streamline the claim and repair process. Insurance companies have worked with these auto shops many times before and have an established relationship with them. This means fewer quotes are required, and per state law, they cannot deny repairs based on their cost. The insurance company can also handle communications with the repair shop for you which can considerably speed up the process.
The down side of going with the insurance company’s recommended repair shop is that you do not have an established relationship with the mechanic. You do not know the quality of their work and they do not know the history of your vehicle. Their loyalty cannot be guaranteed, as they may be focused on protecting their relationship with the insurance company instead.
What to Expect After Selecting a Repair Shop
Once you have decided on a repair shop, make sure you understand the scope of work and specific repairs that are planned. Once you have received the insurance company’s approval you will need to authorize the repair shop to begin work. Afterward, be sure to assess the work completed to make sure that it was done correctly and that you are satisfied with the work.
