No. You don't have to use the body shop that the insurance company recommended. The choice is yours — by law, in the majority of cases. ... Choosing the insurance company's repair shop has benefits for the insurance company, which has negotiated lower labor and material rates, as well as parts discounts with those shops.

You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. It is illegal for an insurance company to steer, force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop. You should never take your vehicle to a body shop based solely on the recommendation of an insurance company.