This push toward contracted shops doesn’t mean you must have their approved shop do the work, but it may limit how much they are willing to pay for one of your choice.
The days of visiting a body shop for an estimate after an accident are drawing to an end. Insurance companies used to tell you to get two or three estimates, and they’d pay the best one directly. Insurers have contracted with body shops to charge a fixed price for each part or service, thereby controlling costs. We recommend that you contact your assigned claims representative to determine which shop near you will inspect your vehicle and perform the necessary work. It doesn’t mean you can’t still attempt to get an estimate, but few shops will bother since the job has to be approved first.
This push toward contracted shops doesn’t mean you must have their approved shop do the work, but it may limit how much they are willing to pay for one of your choice.