Texas Law: You Choose the Shop, Not Your Insurer

"An insurer, an employee or agent of an insurer, an insurance adjuster, or an entity that employs an insurance adjuster may not state or suggest, either orally or in writing, to a beneficiary that the beneficiary must use a specific repair person or facility or a repair person or facility identified on a preferred list compiled by an insurer for the damage repair or parts replacement to be covered by the policy." — Tex. Ins. Code §1952.302

From §1952.301 — what insurers can't do to limit your coverage

"An insurer may not directly or indirectly limit the insurer's coverage under a policy covering damage to a motor vehicle by … limiting the beneficiary of the policy from selecting a repair person or facility to repair damage to the vehicle." — Tex. Ins. Code §1952.301

The TDI-prescribed claimant notice (every Texas insurer must give you this)

"By law, you have the right to select where your motor vehicle is repaired and the parts used for repairs. However, an insurance company is not required to pay more than a reasonable amount for such repairs and parts." — 28 Tex. Admin. Code §5.501

What that means in practice:

• You don't have to go to your insurer's "preferred" or "approved" shop.
• You don't have to accept the first estimate they send.
• They can't penalize you for picking an independent shop like ours.
• If they tell you otherwise, that's called "steering" — and §1952.302 prohibits it.

The insurance company's job is to pay the claim. Your job is to pick the shop that actually fixes your car right.

Source: Texas Insurance Code §§1952.301–1952.307; Texas Department of Insurance Commissioner's Bulletins B-0031-10 (Aug 2, 2010) and B-0026-11 (Jun 20, 2011); 28 Texas Administrative Code §5.501.

What "Preferred Shop" Pressure Sounds Like

Most carriers won't say "you have to use our shop." They'll say things that feel mandatory:

• "We have a preferred shop right near you — we can dispatch a tow there."
• "If you pick another shop, the repair might not be covered the same way."
• "Our network shops have a warranty backed by us. Outside shops don't."
• "It'll be faster if you use one of our approved facilities."

None of that is binding. Some of it is misleading under Texas law.

The reality, in plain terms:

If you're hearing pressure to use a specific shop, that's the moment to call us. (713) 667-1100. We'll talk through the call you just had and walk you through your options.

How Your Specific Insurance Company Handles Repairs

Every carrier has a different name for their preferred-shop program. Same thing in different wrapping paper. You can choose us regardless of which company you're with.

GEICO — Auto Repair Xpress® (ARX)

GEICO's ARX program pushes claims to network shops they've contracted with. Some of those shops are local independents that do good work. Others are high-volume shops that handle very large claim volumes. You don't have to use ARX. If GEICO recommends a shop and you'd rather come to us, tell the adjuster: "I'm exercising my right under Texas law to use my own shop." That's the whole script. We work with GEICO directly. We file the claim, document the damage, and write the supplement if their estimate misses anything. Same coverage. Same deductible. Your choice of shop.

Allstate — Good Hands® Repair Network

Allstate's Good Hands Repair Network is their version of preferred shops. Allstate's own claims page is explicit on this: "You are always free to choose your own repair shop." Allstate is, in our experience, one of the more reasonable carriers to work with as an independent — they tend to honor OEM procedures when documented properly. Tell the adjuster you're choosing your own shop. We handle the rest.

State Farm — Select Service®

State Farm's Select Service network is large, but selection doesn't mean mandatory. State Farm policyholders in Houston pick us all the time. We've handled State Farm claims since 2011. (Note: Select Service is unavailable in Massachusetts and Rhode Island — not relevant to Texas customers, but worth knowing if you've moved here from those states.)

Progressive — Network Shops + Lifetime Repair Guarantee

Progressive used to operate dedicated Service Centers — those were closed in 2018 and rolled into a network-shop model. Today, Progressive recommends you use one of their "network shops" and offers a Limited Lifetime Repair Guarantee on work done at those shops. You don't have to use a network shop. Texas right-to-choose law applies the same. We'll write the claim, do the repair to OEM spec, and back the paint with our own lifetime warranty — backed by us, not by your insurance policy.

USAA — STARS® (Streamlined Appraisal Repair Service)

USAA's STARS network is reputation-driven. USAA policyholders (heavy in the Houston military community) tend to be informed about their right to choose. We've handled hundreds of USAA claims and the carrier is generally fair to work with.

Liberty Mutual — Guaranteed Repair Network (GRN)

Liberty Mutual's GRN program is their preferred-shop network and comes with a Lifetime Repair Guarantee tied to the policy. Massachusetts and Rhode Island use a separate Superior Service Program. You don't have to use a GRN shop. Our work is OEM-certified across 8 brands and our paint warranty is for the life of your ownership, not the life of your policy.

Farmers — Guaranteed Repair Program (GRP)

Farmers' GRP is their preferred-shop network. Same principle as the others: you can choose us regardless. We've handled Farmers claims since 2011.

Anyone else (Nationwide, Travelers, Kemper, etc.)

If your carrier isn't on this list, the answer is the same: Texas law gives you the right to choose. Call us at (713) 667-1100 and tell us who you're insured with. We'll tell you exactly what to expect from their claims process.

Same Block, Different Standards

We're at 5609 Bellaire Blvd. There are other body shops on this same block. Some are part of national consolidator chains — the kind of shops insurance preferred-networks send claims to in large volume.

Some consolidator business models depend on tight cost targets, which can create pressure to sublet ADAS calibration, use non-OEM parts, or hit a turnaround target rather than a procedure target. Our approach is the opposite:

• We follow the manufacturer's published repair procedure on every job, documented.
• We do ADAS calibration in-house, on factory targets, every time.
• We use OEM parts where the OEM procedure requires them, and we tell you when the carrier's estimate doesn't.
• We warranty the paint for life — backed by us, not by an insurance network.

We're not telling you a consolidator can't fix your car. We're telling you that independent + factory-certified is a different standard, and you're allowed to choose it.

Before you accept your insurer's recommendation, check public reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB for any shop they suggest. Then call us at (713) 667-1100 and we'll give you the honest comparison.

Why Independent + Certified Wins

From Wreck to Repair: How It Works

You don't need to do anything before calling. Don't sign with the other driver's insurance. Don't accept the at-fault carrier's initial estimate. Just call us.

1. Call (713) 667-1100. We'll get you in within 24 hours for an estimate. If your car isn't drivable, we'll dispatch a tow.
2. We file the claim with your insurance carrier (or the at-fault driver's, if you're not at fault). You don't have to do this yourself.
3. We write the full estimate — including ADAS calibration, OEM parts, and any structural work. If their adjuster misses damage, we'll write a supplement. The goal is no surprise out-of-pocket on your end — and on most claims, that's what happens.
4. You approve the work. We'll walk you through every line item before we start. No surprises.
5. We repair to OEM spec — pre-scan, repair, post-scan, ADAS calibration, paint, quality check. Photo updates throughout.
6. You pick up the car. Lifetime paint warranty starts the day you drive off.

The whole process is usually 5 to 10 business days for typical collision damage. Major structural work runs longer. We'll give you a real timeline at the estimate, not a "we'll see."

Houston Drivers Have Trusted Us Since 2011

★ 4.5 average across 87 Google reviews. Real Houston customers, real outcomes.

"I am not the easiest person to deal with. I ask multiple questions of which I already knew the answers to. I was looking for a reason not to like or trust this business. They overcame all of my concerns. My experience was so good that I brought a second vehicle to have a transmission serviced. Using this company will be the best decision you can make."

"Fast ADAS calibration on my 2022 Nissan Sentra. They took care of my repairs at a very good price. They know how to keep a customer happy — my car drives like new now."

"Went here for front bumper repair. The car looked much better than when I even purchased it. Josh was so helpful throughout the entire process."

"Great certified Infiniti collision repair. My car came back looking great. These guys are ADAS specialists."

Address: 5609 Bellaire Blvd #B, Houston, TX 77081
Phone: (713) 667-1100
Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 9am–2pm · Closed Sunday
Service area: Bellaire, West University, Galleria, Memorial, Meyerland, Sharpstown, Gulfton, Bissonnet, Greater Houston

Common Questions About Choosing Your Own Body Shop

Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company recommends?

No. Texas law gives you the right to choose. Your insurance can recommend a shop, but they can't require you to use one. If an adjuster implies otherwise, that's called steering — and Texas law prohibits it.

Will my insurance pay less if I pick an independent shop?

No. Your policy pays the same regardless of which shop you choose. Your deductible is the same. The repair coverage is the same. The only thing that changes is who fixes your car.

What if my insurance says my shop choice "isn't covered"?

Push back politely and ask them to put it in writing. They won't, because the policy itself doesn't restrict your shop choice — only steering tactics do. Call us and we'll walk you through the conversation.

Do I have to deal with the adjuster myself?

No. We file the claim, document the damage, write the estimate, and submit the supplement if anything is missed. You sign off on the work; we handle the back-and-forth.

What if the other driver's insurance is paying — can I still pick my shop?

Yes. The at-fault carrier owes you the cost of repair, but they don't get to pick the shop either. Texas law on right-to-choose applies the same way.

My car was towed to a different shop. Can I still bring it to you?

Almost always, yes. You can authorize a tow from that shop to ours. The other shop may charge a storage fee — we'll help you sort that out when you call.

What if my car needs ADAS calibration?

We do it in-house. Static and dynamic calibration, on factory targets, to OEM procedure. This is the part insurers most often skip or sublet — we don't.

What's the warranty?

Lifetime paint warranty for as long as you own the car. Workmanship warranty on the rest. We back the work; we don't outsource the warranty to a third-party network.

How long will the repair take?

Typical collision damage: 5 to 10 business days. Major structural work: longer, and we'll give you a real timeline at the estimate. Not "a couple weeks."

I'm not at fault. Do I have to pay anything?

In most cases, no out-of-pocket cost on your end. We bill the at-fault driver's carrier directly. If your own carrier is paying under your collision coverage, you pay only your deductible.

From Wreck to Repair: How It Works

You don't need to do anything before calling. Don't sign with the other driver's insurance. Don't accept the at-fault carrier's initial estimate. Just call us.

1. Call (713) 667-1100. We'll get you in within 24 hours for an estimate. If your car isn't drivable, we'll dispatch a tow.
2. We file the claim with your insurance carrier (or the at-fault driver's, if you're not at fault). You don't have to do this yourself.
3. We write the full estimate — including ADAS calibration, OEM parts, and any structural work. If their adjuster misses damage, we'll write a supplement. The goal is no surprise out-of-pocket on your end — and on most claims, that's what happens.
4. You approve the work. We'll walk you through every line item before we start. No surprises.
5. We repair to OEM spec — pre-scan, repair, post-scan, ADAS calibration, paint, quality check. Photo updates throughout.
6. You pick up the car. Lifetime paint warranty starts the day you drive off.

The whole process is usually 5 to 10 business days for typical collision damage. Major structural work runs longer. We'll give you a real timeline at the estimate, not a "we'll see."

Notice & Disclaimer

This page describes Texas law as it applies to consumer choice of motor vehicle repair facilities. It is general information and is not legal advice. If your insurer asserts a coverage limitation tied to your choice of body shop, you may contact the Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-252-3439 or file a complaint at tdi.texas.gov.

Statutory references on this page: Texas Insurance Code §§1952.301–1952.307 (Subchapter G, Repair of Motor Vehicles); 28 Texas Administrative Code §5.501; Texas Department of Insurance Commissioner's Bulletins B-0031-10 and B-0026-11.