When getting your car repaired, you are not obligated to go to the same body shop you got the estimate from. If you have filed a car insurance claim, however, the insurance company will advise you to get the estimate from a particular body shop, as they will need this information to approve the claim. The body shop will often call you to schedule an appointment when the insurance company approves the claim. Despite this, you are not required to get your car repaired at the body shop from which you got the estimate.
While you can legally take your car to any body shop, you should always research to ensure you are getting a fair price and quality work.
When researching body shops, look for one nationally certified in vehicle repairs, such as a with a Gold Class Certification. These types of certifications mean that the shop has met or exceeded the standards for automotive repair, and the technicians have passed an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Additionally, read reviews online to better understand the shop’s quality and customer service.
At ProTec Collision, we work with all insurance companies, are among only 15 percent of collision repair businesses to achieve Gold Class status, and are proud to stand behind our work. No matter how big or small the damage is to your car, our body shop in Sanford will restore your vehicle to like new.
So to re-answer the question, you do not have to get your car repaired at the same body shop you got the estimate from. Instead, you should research the shop to ensure you get quality work at a fair price. Look for a certified shop with high reviews, and check if they work with your insurance provider.