After an accident, your insurance company may recommend a "preferred" or "network" repair shop. What many drivers don't realize is that this recommendation is not a requirement.
In Florida, you have the legal right to choose the collision repair facility that fixes your vehicle. Your insurance company cannot force you to use a shop from their network, and choosing a different shop will not void your coverage or reduce your claim.
Understanding this right can make a real difference in the quality of your repair.
Why Insurance Companies Recommend Certain Shops
Insurance companies build networks of "direct repair" shops that agree to specific pricing and procedures in exchange for referrals. These arrangements can benefit insurers by helping manage repair costs and speed up claims processing.
That does not mean a network shop is automatically the best choice for your vehicle. It means the shop has a business relationship with the insurance company.
What "Steering" Means
Steering happens when an insurance adjuster or representative pressures a customer toward a specific shop, sometimes by suggesting that repairs will take longer, cost more, or face coverage issues if a different shop is used.
Florida regulations restrict this kind of pressure. Adjusters are generally required to tell customers they have the right to choose their own shop and are not permitted to require the use of a particular facility as a condition of coverage.
If you feel pressured to use a shop you did not choose, you are allowed to ask questions and make the decision yourself.
Why Your Choice of Shop Matters
Not all collision repair facilities carry the same certifications, equipment, or training. Choosing your own shop allows you to consider factors like:
OEM manufacturer certifications I-CAR Gold Class or ASE-certified technicians On-site ADAS calibration equipment Warranty coverage on repairs Reviews from other local customers Communication and transparency throughout the repair
These factors can affect how safely and correctly your vehicle is repaired, especially on newer vehicles with advanced safety systems.
How to Choose the Right Shop
Before committing to any shop — insurer-recommended or not — it helps to ask:
Are your technicians certified for my vehicle's make? Do you perform OEM-required procedures like ADAS calibration? What warranty do you offer on repairs? Will you work directly with my insurance company on the claim? Can I see examples of completed repairs?
A reputable shop should be able to answer these questions clearly and confidently.
Hollywood Collision Center: Your Choice, Your Vehicle
At Hollywood Collision Center, we work directly with insurance companies — including Geico and other major carriers — to make the claims process as smooth as possible, whether or not we're in your insurer's network.
We hold seven OEM certifications, are I-CAR Gold Class certified, and perform on-site ADAS calibration to make sure your vehicle is repaired to manufacturer standards.
Your insurance company pays for the repair. You decide who performs it.
If you've been in an accident and aren't sure where to take your vehicle, contact Hollywood Collision Center. We'll walk you through your options and handle the insurance process on your behalf.
Need collision repair? Chat with us to schedule an appointment.
