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

After a car accident, most people are focused on two things: safety and getting back on the road. However, once the immediate stress subsides, questions arise, particularly regarding insurance claims and repair options. One of the biggest sources of confusion is this: "Do I have to use the shop my insurance company recommends?" In New York State, the answer is simple: absolutely not.

You Have the Legal Right to Choose Your Repair Shop

It’s standard practice for insurance companies to suggest a "preferred" shop. Sometimes they go further, implying it’s required. But in New York, you have the legal right to choose any licensed body shop you trust. No one can tell you otherwise.

What Insurance Might Say (And Why You Should Pause Before Believing It):

• "Repairs will take longer at a non-preferred shop."

• "You might have to pay more out of pocket."

• "We can’t guarantee the work unless you go with us."

Statements like these are designed to steer—not help—you. A reputable shop like Castle Collision works with all insurers, meets or exceeds industry standards, and protects your vehicle’s integrity.

Know Your Rights After a Collision

Being informed is your best defense. As a vehicle owner in New York, you have the right to:

• Choose the repair shop that works for you

• Accept or reject the use of aftermarket (non-OEM) parts

• Review and approve repair estimates before work begins

• Receive a clear breakdown of the repairs done

Your insurer’s role is to pay for the repairs, not to dictate where those repairs happen.

Why Letting Insurers Decide Could Cost You More

When insurance companies push drivers to use their network shops, it’s often about savings, not quality. You may end up with:

• Cheaper, lower-quality parts

• Surface-level cosmetic repairs that miss deeper damage

• Repairs done quickly, not carefully

Choosing your own shop means choosing people who are working for you, not your insurer.

Castle Collision Puts You in Control

Castle Collision takes the stress out of post-accident decisions. The team:

• Communicates directly with insurance adjusters

• Prepares honest, transparent estimates

• Keeps you updated every step of the way

• Can pick up your vehicle from another shop if needed

If your vehicle was towed after the accident and you’re not sure where it ended up, call 800-246-3368. And if someone hands you paperwork to sign at the scene, remember this: only sign a "Right to Tow" form. Do not sign anything that says "Right to Repair."

You can also reach out through Castle Collision’s contact form to ask a question or schedule a pickup.

Choose Smart, Drive Safe

You don’t have to settle for a repair shop picked by your insurance company. In fact, choosing your own trusted shop is one of the smartest moves you can make after a collision. It’s about more than repairs—it’s about peace of mind, safety, and protecting your investment.

Want to learn how Castle Collision brings vehicles back to pre-accident condition with precision and care? Visit their Complete Collision Repair page.